An idyllic hotspot in Italy that has fast become a must-see destination on social media has been branded ‘overpriced and overhyped’ by a visitor who explained why she would never return.
Curiosity got the better of Phoebe Cornish when she began noticing a quaint, rustic, romantic town appearing extensively on her TikTok and Instagram feeds.
Bellagio, located in Lake Como, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, striking mountain backdrops and dreamy lakeside promenade.
Mesmerised by online clips showcasing its traditional Italian charm, the lifestyle reporter decided to book a flight and see if the ‘pearl of Lake Como’ was truly worth the hype.
According to Lake Como Experiences, Bellagio is easily accessible from Milan, with direct trains run from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station and journeys taking approximately 37 to 47 minutes.
For those driving, Milan to Bellagio is roughly one hour and 36 minutes, where ferries from Como connect directly to the village, with trips taking about two hours.
Writing for the Express, Phoebe explained that she was immediately ‘impressed’ once she had stepped off at the ferry port in early June and was greeted by the picturesque setting she had only seen on a screen beforehand.
Though she described the area as ‘breathtaking’ during the day, even whilst wading through hordes of tourists, it soon became apparent that the village was nothing more than an ‘overhyped’ TikTok destination.
Curiosity got the better of Phoebe Cornish when she began noticing a quaint, rustic, romantic town appearing extensively on her TikTok and Instagram feeds
Bellagio, located in Lake Como, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, striking mountain backdrops and dreamy lakeside promenade
She wrote: ‘As the sun sets, the atmosphere fades away. Most restaurants closed surprisingly early – around 9pm or 9.30pm – with only a few remaining open until 10pm or 11pm.
‘After a full day of exploring the lake, we craved a relaxed late dinner or a drink with a view. However, Bellagio was already winding down.’
She admitted she was ‘naive’ in expecting the same night-time buzz experienced in bustling cities such as Milan, and became especially frustrated when returning from late evenings out in nearby towns, such as Lenno.
Despite its culinary backdrop and mile-long queues, Phoebe felt let down by the ‘unremarkable’ food offered in restaurants across the village, including a ‘very dry tiramisu’ served by one host.
She added that meals were generally overpriced, lacked flavour and felt underwhelming.
The writer rounded up her thoughts with a scathing take: ‘It is the busiest, most tourist-saturated town on Lake Como and feels far more commercialised than the quieter, more authentic areas.’
She also noted that Bellagio ‘fails to be accessible’ to visitors who are less mobile, and that there are limited options when it comes to public transport in the town itself.
Despite leaving the town deflated, Phoebe noted that Bellagio is ‘not without its appeal.’
Mesmerised by online clips showcasing its traditional Italian charm, the lifestyle reporter decided to book a flight and see if the ‘pearl of Lake Como’ was truly worth the hype
Though she described the area as ‘breathtaking’ during the day, even whilst wading through hordes of tourists, it soon became apparent that the village was nothing more than an ‘overhyped’ TikTok destination
She enjoyed practicing Italian with her warm and welcoming Airbnb host, ate fresh fish each day, and took in breathtaking views across the lake during the trip, which made her feel ‘genuinely connected’ to the village.
Phoebe also encouraged visitors to hop onboard the £18 slow ferry from Como to Bellagio, where passengers can cruise past the charming villages of Tremezzo and Cernobbio, a journey she described as ‘scenic and relaxing.’
Meanwhile, a popular British tourist hotspot has banned walking barefoot, picnics, and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions in a brutal crackdown.
Holidaymakers visiting Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, are now facing fines for carrying out a variety of actions typically enjoyed abroad.
Despite its culinary backdrop and mile-long queues, Phoebe felt let down by the ‘unremarkable’ food offered in restaurants across the village
Starting today, travellers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless – or sit in the piazza in such attire.
Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars, and designated areas left to booze in.
Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics.
The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30.
