Walk from Town to Town Around Lake Como on This Multi-Day Hike

See the other, less-bougie side of Italy’s hottest destination.

Once upon a time , the aristocratic upper classes of Italy enjoyed a rarefied existence of opulence on the western side ofLake Como . voluptuous hotel , restaurants , and shopping in glorious villa along the water made this a James Bond - esque destination . But while all that opulence does still live today , there are ( and always have been ) two side to Lake Como . The farmers and sheep herder , who lived a more simple existence , left their footstep along the lake ’s easterly shoring . And it ’s here , from Lecco up to Colico , where you could observe one of Italy ’s best , down - to - earth hiking itinerary .

to begin with a mule track that connect the villages from Abbadia Lariana , Mandello del Lario , Varenna , Bellano , Dervio , and Colico , the trail is worthy for even the not so practise walkers and family . The part that ’s up to you is how much aloofness you want to cover during your slip . For those reckon for a long trek , Sentiero del Viandante is commonly divided into three or four stage . But as the hamlet are all join by railroad train , it ’s possible to skip around and do any section you please for as long as you wish , exiting at one of the many Town along the way . Here ’s a breakdown of the options and what to know to hike the Sentiero del Viandante .

Don’t overpack, and plan out where to sleep

This is an easy trail , with a few moderately difficult sections . As you ’ll be walking on various surfaces , including cobbled mule path , it ’s advisable to wear right walking shoe and socks . Trekking poles are useful , especially if it rains , as the ancient cobbles have been smoothed over the years and may become slippery .

There is no specialised equipment necessitate , and you will never really be far from a town or a road , so jam light . recollect that this entire track faces north and can be quite fishy , so while temperatures are lovely for summer , it can get chilly in autumn or other leap . Winter will see section for good frigid over , so many mass debar that time of year . And although you ’re gamy above the lake , those infernal mosquitos get everywhere in summer so recall repellant .

Quite a few people clique ( responsibly , leaving no suggestion ) along the third and forth leg of the trek , but it is technically not allowed . For the danger - averse , there are plenty of hotel accommodations along the way .

lake como hike

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Start your journey with a night in Lecco

There are five official legs of theSentiero del Viandante route : from Lecco to Abbadia , Abbadia to Lierna , Lierna to Varenna , Varenna to Dervio , and Dervio to Colico .

Lecco is your starting point , the less glamourous city on the eastern percentage point of Lake Como . It ’s reachable from Como by train , motorbus , or ferry . Lecco is a quieter and more liveable place than its chic cousin on the western side ( the two city wield an ancient rivalry ) , and it ’s deserving spending a night here before you enter on your walk . stick atLa Casa sul Lago Leccoor atLuxury Suites Rocopomif you want to pamper yourself , and get a repast atSoqquadro restaurant .

To start the Sentiero del Viandante , lead off from Lecco train place , going north along the lake toCaviate hotelalong Via dell’Abbadia , where the lead begins .

Sentiero del Viandante

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Warm up with humble views all the way to Abbadia

The first stage of Sentiero del Viandante is a ten mile stretch from Lecco to Abbadia Lariana . After impart Lecco , temperate walk withlovely lake viewswill take you to Pradello , where you may find a small pebble beach if you wish to swim , but otherwise not much else . The trail will take you on cobbled tract , cutting acrossnumerous little towns and villages , with a labyrinth of Oliver Stone staircase and alleyways to explore , should you wish . This is probably the least interesting part of the walk , and no judgement if you finger like hop it and taking the train from Lecco to Abbadia Lariana .

Upon reaching Abbadia , the lead gets slightly more thought-provoking , but far more rewarding for the beauty of the landscape . Abbadia is a reasonably big townsfolk where you’re able to stop for refreshment before prepare off on the next stage . There is a lakeside campground here called Camping Spiaggia , which has its own beach . If you deflect the summer gang , it ’s a beautiful , peaceful spot to put across the night .

Pass medieval towns and art frescos on the way to Lierna

The 2nd leg is about 5.5 miles to the townsfolk of Lierna . From Abbadia , the well - marked path follows an ancient cobbled mule rail that rises mildly but steady onward towards Mandello del Lario . Along the fashion , you ’ll pass signboard for the Cascata Cenghen waterfall , which is deserving a slight roundabout way , as well as the Church of San Giorgio , which has artwork frescoes . extend on to Maggiana hamlet , where you could terminate at the Torre del Barbarossa , for a glimpse of medieval life . Then on to the hamlet of Rongio until you reachRistorante al Verde , a good spot for luncheon or a beer before continuing on to finish this incision in Lierna .

Get to the gorgeous town of Varenna

The third incision of the trail from Lierna toVarennastretches for 6.2 miles and ab initio splits into a mellow road and a low road . The higher one gives a better scene , while the lower path is penny-pinching to the villages and the lakeshore . This leg is about four hour of hiking through timber and river bed , and it can get steep in office . It ’ll all be worth it , though , once you get to Varenna . diametric Bellagio on the east side of the lake , Varenna is every second as beautiful , but avoid the hordes of tourist . This town is definitely worth spending the night in , whether at Villa Cipressi or flat rental , and treating yourself to a dinner party atOsteria Quatro Passfor traditional , caliber Italian food .

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Take in the best views (and a waterfall) on the way to Dervio

The 4th leg is 7.5 naut mi to Dervio . Upon leaving Varenna , the track follows a mule track to Perledo . This part of the rise offers some of the best lake views so far . After a mount , the mule track derive step by step to Bellano . Here you may stop for lunch and visit theOrrido di Bellano , a erectile waterfall with an elevated wooden walk leading to it . This sight holds sure significance for pagan cults that still subsist in northern Italy , and it is a in truth impressive sight .

Next , the trail derive , bringing you nearer to the lake and through the town of Oro . An time of day ’s walk along this road ( with more stunning views along the way ) will bring you to the eating house Crotto del Cech , where you may stop for something coolheaded to toast or a snack , before reach the last stretchability to Dervio .

Finish your hike in Colico, then ferry back

The last part of the trail will take you to Colico at the very northern tip of Lake Como . It ’s an gentle if somewhat long part of the walk , taking about four 60 minutes , bring you past the 15th - centurychurch of San Giorgioand the belittled village of Mandonico , comprise a cluster of characteristic Isidor Feinstein Stone houses . The trail then climbs steeply , opening up to unbelievable views of the lake and lead you to theChurch of San Rocco , where a fountain can refill your bottle . Onward , more woods trails take you into the townlands of Colico , the net destination for many .

hardy trekker may bid to retain northerly towards the Swiss delimitation . The lead keeps going in dissimilar iterations through the valley of Valtellina , up as far as Sondrio , through the forest and wine rural area . But many turn back to Como at this point . The easiest way of life to reach Como from Colico isby ferryboat . The endearing ride takes about an hour and a half and will give you the chance to slacken while mention the trail you just walked from the water .

Replenish by spending a last celebratory night in Como

There ’s no better way to bask in the fruits of your labor than spending some metre in the pampered town of Como . While there ’s no shortfall of accommodation here , room can be dear , especially during high time of year . Vista Palazzo Lago Di Comois a personal best-loved andOstello Bello Lake Comomight fit travelers on a budget . For local Italian nutrient , tryTrattoria La CostaorIl Diavolo l’Acqua Santa . But if you ’re able-bodied to slosh , I Tigli in Theoriais a Michelin starred eatery that is deserving the price . And do n’t forget to experience aperitivo , which you may do at the hotspotsHemmingwayandTerrazza 241at the Hilton .

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