Exploring Lake Como | A Scenic Hiking Trails Guide for Every Adventurer

Lake Como is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, luxurious villas, and charming lakeside towns. However, beyond the glitz and glamour lies a hiker’s paradise, where trails meander through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of both the lake and the surrounding Alps. Whether you’re an experienced trekker looking for a challenge, a casual tourist seeking a scenic walk, or a family planning a day out, the trails around Lake Como have something to offer everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore four of the region’s most stunning trails, providing practical travel tips, descriptions of what you can expect along the way, and advice on how best to prepare. Each trail has its own unique charm, blending natural beauty with rich local culture.

1. Greenway del Lago di Como: An Easy Stroll Along the Lakeshore

Distance: 10.5 km
Best For: Casual hikers, families
Difficulty: Easy
Ideal Season: Spring and Fall

The Greenway del Lago di Como is perfect for those looking for a leisurely hike while soaking in the picturesque views of Lake Como. This relatively flat trail runs along the western shore, connecting the towns of Colonno and Griante. The Greenway passes through quaint villages, historic landmarks, and offers multiple opportunities to pause for coffee or a meal in a lakeside café.

Trail Overview

Starting from Colonno, the Greenway follows the lake’s edge, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and the serene waters of Lake Como. As you walk, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Sala Comacina, Lenno, and Tremezzo. The trail is well-marked and paved, making it suitable for families with children or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

One of the highlights of this trail is the chance to visit Villa del Balbianello, a stunning 18th-century villa perched on a promontory with panoramic views of the lake. I remember taking a spontaneous detour to the villa on a bright spring day. The path leading to the villa winds through cypress trees, and as you arrive, the gardens seem to spill into the lake. It’s an ideal spot to pause for a break, surrounded by the lush greenery and calm waters.

Travel Tips

Start early to avoid the afternoon crowds, particularly during the summer months.
There are many cafés and restaurants along the way, but pack a small daypack with water and snacks if you prefer to picnic by the lake.
The trail is easy and mostly paved, so comfortable walking shoes are sufficient. Families with young children can easily manage this trail.

2. Sentiero del Viandante: Tracing Ancient Footsteps

Distance: 45 km
Best For: Experienced hikers, cultural explorers
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (can be done in sections)
Ideal Season: Late Spring to Fall

The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) is an ancient route that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como. With a history dating back to Roman times, this 45 km trail is steeped in local lore and offers spectacular views of the lake, mountains, and traditional stone villages. The path begins in Abbadia Lariana and stretches all the way to Piantedo, though it can be divided into smaller sections for those who prefer shorter hikes.

Trail Overview

This trail is a must for those looking to experience a blend of nature and history. Starting in Abbadia Lariana, the path ascends gently into the hills, offering panoramic views of Lake Como below. One particularly memorable hike took me through the village of Varenna, a charming lakeside town known for its narrow cobblestone streets and lush gardens. Here, the trail dips down close to the water, allowing for a well-deserved break by the shore before continuing upward into the hills.

Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient chapels, medieval watchtowers, and terraced vineyards, all of which speak to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The path itself is well-maintained but can be challenging in certain sections due to steep ascents and uneven terrain.

Travel Tips

Divide the trail into smaller sections if 45 km is too daunting. The stretch between Varenna and Bellano is a favorite for its stunning lake views.
This hike requires proper hiking boots, as parts of the trail can be rocky and steep. Trekking poles may also be helpful for stability on descents.
Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as the weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations.

3. Monte San Primo: Panoramic Views for the Adventurous

Distance: 12 km (round trip)
Best For: Experienced hikers, nature lovers
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal Season: Summer and early Fall

Monte San Primo is the highest peak in the Larian Triangle, the region of land between the two branches of Lake Como. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of the lake, the Grigne mountain range, and even the distant Alps on a clear day.

Trail Overview

The hike starts at Pian Rancio, a small plateau easily accessible from Bellagio. From here, the trail winds through dense beech forests, providing cool shade during the initial ascent. I found this section particularly tranquil, with nothing but the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of birds to break the silence.

As you climb higher, the trees thin out, and the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Lake Como below. The final push to the summit is steep, but the reward is spectacular: a 360-degree vista that stretches for miles. On a clear summer day, I remember standing at the peak, feeling like I was on top of the world, with the shimmering lake far below and the jagged peaks of the Alps in the distance.

Travel Tips

Start early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially in summer. The trail is exposed in the final sections, so sun protection is essential.
Sturdy hiking boots are a must, as the ascent can be steep and uneven in parts.
Pack a lightweight picnic to enjoy at the summit—there’s nothing quite like eating lunch with one of the most spectacular views in northern Italy.

4. Rifugio Menaggio to Monte Grona: A Challenging Adventure

Distance: 7 km (round trip)
Best For: Experienced hikers, thrill-seekers
Difficulty: Challenging
Ideal Season: Late Spring to Fall

For those seeking a more challenging hike with dramatic views, the trail from Rifugio Menaggio to Monte Grona is a fantastic option. While short in distance, this hike involves a steep and rocky ascent that rewards climbers with unparalleled views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

Trail Overview

The trail begins at Rifugio Menaggio, a mountain hut located above the town of Menaggio. To reach the rifugio, you can either hike up from Breglia or drive partway and start your hike from the parking area. From the rifugio, the trail climbs sharply, with rocky terrain and occasional scrambles. As you ascend, the views grow more and more spectacular.

On my first trek to Monte Grona, the weather was perfect—crisp air, clear skies, and the sun casting long shadows across the peaks. The final stretch to the summit involves some minor rock scrambling, but when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a view that sweeps across Lake Lugano to the west and Lake Como to the east. It’s one of those moments that makes every bit of effort worth it.

Travel Tips

This trail is best suited for experienced hikers. The rocky terrain and steep sections require good balance and endurance.
A pair of sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support is essential, as the path can be uneven.
Check the weather forecast before setting out. The final ascent is exposed, and conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes.

Practical Tips for Hiking in the Lake Como Area

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for hiking in the Lake Como region is from late spring to early fall (May to October). During this period, the weather is mild, the trails are clear, and the lake views are at their most stunning. Spring and early summer offer blooming wildflowers, while fall provides a backdrop of vibrant autumn colors.
What to Pack: Always carry water, snacks, a lightweight jacket, and sunscreen. Even on easy trails, it’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions, particularly in the mountains where temperatures can drop quickly. For longer hikes, a small first aid kit and a map or GPS device are recommended.
Local Cuisine: After a day on the trails, don’t miss the chance to indulge in some of the region’s culinary specialties. In lakeside towns, you’ll find dishes featuring fresh fish from Lake Como, such as missoltini (dried fish) or risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto). Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, such as a light red from the Valtellina region.

Overall Lake Como’s hiking trails offer a unique combination of stunning natural beauty, cultural history, and physical challenge. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll along the lakeshore or a demanding climb to a mountain peak, the region has a trail for every type of adventurer. So, lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and set off on a journey you won’t soon forget—Lake Como’s landscapes are waiting to be explored.