Walking Lake Como and Maggiore

Day walks and the Sentiero del Viandante trek in the Italian Lakes

CICERONE 2023

This guidebook describes 28 day walks and the Sentiero del Viandante trek around Lakes Como and Maggiore in Northern Italy. The day routes range from 3 to 20km in length are graded 1 to 3. The mini trek up the eastern shore of Lago di Como from Lecco to Colicocan can also be cut into one-day stages if desired. There is something for everyone, from easy leisurely strolls for first-time walkers to strenuous climbs up panoramic peaks.

The clear maps, inspirational photographs and information about accommodation and public transport options help to make this guidebook an ideal companion to exploring the exceptional scenery, views and culture of the Italian Lakes. A basic English-Italian glossary is also included.

Picturesque Lago Maggiore has been working its magic on writers and visitors for centuries. Blessed with a mild climate and delightful position close to the Alps, it attracts flocks of admirers to its shores and islands adorned with sumptuous villas and gorgeous ornamental gardens, a legacy of the late Renaissance. Ever magnificent, the splendours of Lago di Como were broadcast by the likes of Pliny and Strabone back in ancient Roman times. Overseas visitors are attracted by the breathtaking scenery and romantic atmosphere, augmented by the host of villas and superb gardens, where pretty camellias and rhododendrons spill over terraces.

CONTENTS

Map key

Overview map

Introduction

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

Getting there

Local transport

Information

When to go

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Lago Maggiore

Walk 1 Stresa to Belgirate

Walk 2 From the Mottarone to Baveno

Walk 3 Monte Orfano and Lago di Mergozzo

Walk 4 Cavandone on Monterosso

Walk 5 Ghiffa Sanctuary Loop

Walk 6 Villages above Cannero

Walk 7 The Cannero–Cannobio Traverse

Walk 8 Monte Carza

Walk 9 Val Cannobina

Walk 10 Cannobio–San Bartolomeo in Montibus Circuit

Walk 11 Monteviasco

Walk 12 Sasso del Ferro

Lago di Como

Walk 13 Moltrasio to Laglio

Walk 14 Pigra to Colonno

Walk 15 Colonno to Cadenabbia on the Greenway

Walk 16 San Martino Circuit

Walk 17 The Bocchetta di Nava Traverse

Walk 18 Crocetta

Walk 19 Val Sanagra

Walk 20 Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona

Walk 21 San Domenico and the Santuario di Breglia

Walk 22 Gravedona to Domaso

Walk 23 Domaso to Gera Lario

Walk 24 Around Bellagio

Walk 25 Belvedere del Monte Nuvolone

Walk 26 Monte San Primo

Walk 27 The Strada Regia from Pognana Lario to Torno

Walk 28 Brunate to Torno Path

Sentiero del Viandante Trek

Stage 1 Lecco to Abbadia Lariana

Stage 2 Abbadia Lariana to Lierna

Stage 3 Lierna to Varenna

Stage 4 Varenna to Dervio

Stage 5 Dervio to Colico

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Glossary of Italian–English terms