WordPress is a fun way to get started. Avoid wordpress.com, though: that only offers a severely limited version of WordPress unless you pay, and requires a monthly fee to unlock the customization features and access to plugins.
Instead, I suggest a free WordPress account at altervista, which is a free hosting service that is actually quite good, even though it is free. No adverts, and a fully functional free web hosting to get familiar with hosting and WordPress.
Sign up for a free WordPress site here:
They are an Italian hosting company. You get a free subdomain and will have access to all WordPress features to test the waters. Don't expect lightning speed performance or loads of server space, of course. Altervista's free accounts are meant to test the waters.
Then install a page-builder plugin such as Elementor, SiteOrigin Page Builder, BeaverBuilder, or SeedPod, and start building layouts. If you need full control over styling in a visual way try free visual CSS styling plugins like SiteOrigin CSS or invest in a commercial plugin like CSS Hero.
I would stick with SiteOrigin's Page Builder, CSS plugin, and additional widget plugins which are all free. The others restrict features more or less depending on the plugin, and require a (rental) fee to gain access to all features.
To "start from scratch" with a basic website sans styling in WP, install a blank starter theme, install the SiteOrigin plugins, and begin building pages with Page Builder, and styling elements with their CSS plugin. Search in the theme screen for "starter" or "blank".