The Best Travel Routes for Hiking Around Italy's Lake Como

Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como has long been a siren call for artists, aristocrats, and travelers seeking its unique blend of serene waters and dramatic mountain scenery. While most visitors experience its charm from the deck of a ferry or the terrace of a villa, the true soul of the Lario—as it's known locally—is best discovered on foot. The trails that crisscross its steep slopes and hidden valleys offer a perspective that is both humbling and exhilarating, revealing a world far removed from the glamorous lakeside promenades. This guide explores the best hiking routes around Lake Como, designed for various fitness levels and interests, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of this iconic landscape.

The Classic: The Greenway del Lago di Como

For those seeking a gentle introduction to hiking the region, the Greenway is unparalleled. This is not a mountain climb but a leisurely, cultural stroll through history and horticulture. Stretching approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante, the route weaves through ancient villages, elegant gardens, and historic villas, all while keeping the dazzling blue of the lake in constant view.

Begin in the quiet village of Colonno, where the path immediately immerses you in narrow, cobbled streets. As you walk, you'll pass through Sala Comacina, with its charming piazzetta, and Lenno, home to the magnificent Villa del Balbianello—a location familiar from films like Star Wars and Casino Royale. A short detour to explore its terraced gardens is highly recommended. The trail continues through Ossuccio, beneath the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a sanctuary perched high above. The final leg takes you to Griante, offering stunning views across to Bellagio.

The Greenway is a hike through time as much as through space. It requires little technical skill but rewards with immense cultural and scenic payoffs. It can be completed in 3-4 hours of walking, and its proximity to ferry stops means you can easily break the journey or return to your starting point with ease.

The Iconic Summit: Monte San Primo

For the quintessential panoramic view of Lake Como's inverted-Y shape, a hike to the summit of Monte San Primo is essential. As the highest peak (1,682 meters / 5,518 feet) directly between the two southern branches of the lake, its summit offers a 360-degree vista that is nothing short of breathtaking. The view encompasses the entire central lake, from Bellagio and the distant Grigna mountains to the pre-Alps of Switzerland.

The most popular trailhead starts from the mountain village of Breglia, above Menaggio. The path, well-marked as Sentiero 1, begins with a steady climb through cool, fragrant chestnut and beech forests. As you ascend, the trees begin to thin, revealing glimpses of the lake below that grow more impressive with every step. The final approach is across an open, alpine meadow before a short, steeper section leads to the cross-marked summit. Here, you are rewarded with the full spectacle: the towns of Menaggio, Varenna, and Bellagio look like miniatures far below, set against the vast, shimmering expanse of water.

This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of about 900 meters (2,950 feet). The round trip takes approximately 4-5 hours. The effort is a thousand times repaid by the sense of accomplishment and the unparalleled photographic opportunity.

The Pilgrim's Path: The Way of the Saints (Via dei Monti Lariani)

For the serious trekker seeking a multi-day adventure, the Via dei Monti Lariani is Lake Como's premier long-distance trail. Stretching roughly 125 kilometers (78 miles) from Cernobbio in the south to Sorico in the north, this path runs high along the western ridge of the lake, offering a continuous sequence of spectacular views and a deep immersion into the alpine culture of the region.

Rather than clinging to the shoreline, this route explores the "other" Lake Como—the world of high-altitude pastures, rustic rifugi (mountain huts), and stone villages that seem suspended in time. The trail is divided into six segments, each a full day's hike. One of the most rewarding sections is the stage from Rifugio Menaggio to Breglia and onward to Monte Grona. This part of the trail offers not only stunning lake views but also access to the rocky summit of Monte Grona (1,736m), a more challenging and dramatic peak than San Primo.

Hiking the Via dei Monti Lariani requires careful planning. Accommodation must be booked in advance at rifugi or B&Bs along the route, and a good level of fitness is essential due to significant daily elevation changes. The reward is a profound and intimate experience of the landscape, far from the tourist crowds, where the only sounds are cowbells and the wind in the larch trees.

The Hidden Gem: From Varenna to Fiumelatte and Beyond

The eastern shore of Lake Como, dominated by the charming town of Varenna, offers some of the lake's most romantic and varied walking. A superb loop hike combines history, geology, and sublime views. Start by climbing the ancient stone stairways of Varenna, following signs for the "Sentiero del Viandante" (Wayfarer's Path), an old trading route.

Your first destination is the tiny village of Fiumelatte, home to Europe's shortest river. The Fiumelatte river flows torrentially from March to October, appearing almost mysteriously from a cave in the mountain. From here, the path continues to climb more steeply towards the ruins of the Castle of Vezio. This medieval fortress, perched on a promontory above Varenna, provides a dramatic and historic viewpoint. You can often see falconry demonstrations here during the summer months.

Beyond the castle, more adventurous hikers can continue upwards on a steeper trail through woods and past old charcoal platforms to the summit of Monte Fopp (1,072m). The view from here is more intimate than from San Primo, framing Varenna and Bellagio perfectly within the arms of the lake. The descent can be made via a different path, creating a satisfying loop back to Varenna for a well-deserved lakeside aperitivo.

The High-Alpine Experience: The Rifugio Menaggio Circuit

For those who want to taste the true alpine character of the region without committing to the multi-day Via dei Monti Lariani, a circuit starting and ending in Menaggio is perfect. This route utilizes the high-altitude trails to create a demanding but immensely rewarding day hike.

Take the cable car from Menaggio up to the hamlet of Breglia, saving significant elevation gain. From Breglia, follow the signs for Rifugio Menaggio (also known as Rifugio Riva), a charming mountain hut nestled in a high valley. The path winds through lush pastures and forests, with the imposing rocky face of Monte Grona looming overhead. After a refreshment stop at the rifugio, the true adventure begins as you tackle the ascent to the summit of Monte Grona. This final section involves some easy scrambling and requires a good head for heights, but the payoff is arguably the most dramatic 360-degree view on the lake, with a bird's-eye perspective of the entire central basin.

The descent can be made by returning to Breglia or by taking a longer, circular route back towards Menaggio, passing the small church of San Domenico. This hike is strenuous and should only be attempted by those with good fitness and proper footwear, but it provides a genuine alpine experience just a short distance from the civilized comforts of the lakeside town.

Practical Tips for Hiking Lake Como

• When to Go: The best seasons are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). The weather is mild, the wildflowers (or autumn colors) are spectacular, and the trails are less crowded. Summer can be very hot and humid.
• Navigation: Always carry a detailed paper map (e.g., Kompass or CAI) in addition to a digital GPS. Trails are generally marked with red-and-white painted stripes, but junctions can be confusing.
• Gear: Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and layers of clothing, as weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
• Transport: The lake's efficient ferry system is your best friend. It allows for point-to-point hikes without needing to backtrack on foot. Always check the timetable in advance.
• Respect: Stay on marked paths, close all gates, and carry all your trash out. The mountains are a working environment for local farmers.

Hiking around Lake Como is to engage with the landscape on its own terms. It is to trade the passive admiration of a beautiful postcard for the active, sweat-and-effort-earned memory of a place that has revealed its deepest secrets to you. From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging alpine ascents, these routes offer a pathway not just through spectacular scenery, but into the very essence of one of Italy's most beloved destinations.