Hiking at Lake Como

Arrival and check-in at your hotel in Menaggio. If you arrive early, you can do one of the shorter hikes in the program. You can also visit the small towns and viewpoints on both sides of the lake or the beautiful gardens Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Melzi in Bellagio.

Start the day with a boat trip to Varenna. Then follow the eastern side of the lake along Sentiero del Viandante and experience a rich and ancient cultural landscape with traditional architecture and fantastic views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Just above Varenna you can make a short detour to visit the castle in Vezio. Return to Menaggio by boat.
Time approx. 5 hours.

A morning transfer (included) takes you to the mountain village of Cavargna from where you make a spectacular hike to the church of Saint Lucio which is located right on the border between Italy and Switzerland. A lovely trail with panoramic views takes you to Porlezza which is located in the northeastern part of Lake Lugano. After this wonderful hike you return to Menaggio by local bus.

Today you can choose between 3 different hikes. The hikes explore the small towns, viewpoints, forests and mountains above Lake Como.

Hike A - From Menaggio through Val Sanagra Nature Reserve
Just behind the famous Lake Como you discover an unknown area with rich vegetation and interesting historical and cultural traces. From Menaggio you reach Loveno, a village with many beautiful villas. Continue to Pianuro's scattered pastures and further along the Sanagra river, a typical alpine watercourse with old mills and iron foundries. The water forms impressive ravines that you can admire from several places. The hike also passes Barna, a fine little village where time has stood still.

Hiking distance 15.5 km, +695m/-695m. Time approx. 5 hours.

Hike B - From Breglia to Monte Grona & Monte Bregagnino
The hike starts in Breglia, a small village above Menaggio that can be reached by bus. From the top of Monte Grona (1,736 m) you can see the three lakes (Como, Lugano and Piano), and the peaks of Monte Bregagno, Legnone, Pizzo di Gino, Grigne. On clear days you can see the Alps from Monviso to Bernina. The route goes from Rifugio Menaggio, one of the most famous mountain huts in the area, located on a natural terrace from where you have an outstanding view over the southern side of Lake Como. There are three different ways to reach the top of Monte Grona from Rifugio Menaggio, including an alpine ascent with "via ferrata".

Hiking distance 14 km, +1000m/-1000m. Time approx. 6-7 hours.

Hike C - L`Antica Strada Regina
L`Antica Strada Regina which runs along the west coast of Lake Como was built by the Romans. It was an important road that connected Como with the alpine passes. This section starts in Menaggio and goes along the slopes of Sasso Rancio with fine views over the lake. Return by local bus to Menaggio.

Hiking distance 9 km. Elevation difference +330m/-350m. Time approx. 3 hours.

Accommodation in Menaggio

The trip ends after breakfast.