Bellagio

One of the world's best-loved places, Bellaggio lies on the tip of the central headland, offering convenient ferry access to both branches of the lake

Visitors to Bellagio can enjoy the verdant parks of Villa Serbelloni (piazza Chiesa 14) and Villa Melzi (via Lungolario Manzoni). The former stretches towards the water from the headland that splits the lake into its lower branches. It was the brainchild of Alessandro Serbelloni, a leading figure in one of Lombardy's noblest, richest families. Thanks to him the park is criss-crossed by an 18 km network of carriage tracks, avenues and paths.

The garden of Villa Melzi, instead, is characterised by sculptures and architecture. It was designed by Luigi Canonica and the botanist Luigi Villoresi, a duo who'd previously  designed the Park of Monza. Terracing and small knolls give the landscape an eye-catching dynamism.

Sun dials, astrolabes, marine chronometers: for those with a love of sea-faring history, the Museo degli strumenti per la navigazione, (Museum of Navigation Instruments) located in the antique tower-shaped house in San Giovanni di Bellagio (piazza Don Miotti) is a must. Over two hundred exhibits illustrate centuries of exploration, navigation and the discovery of new worlds.