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Trekking Lake Como: The Most Beautiful Routes Through Scenic Trails and Mountain Refuges
Trekking on Lake Como means having countless possibilities, and the difficult part is often not finding a trail, but deciding which one to choose. There are easy walks that fit perfectly into a day of vacation, routes that climb toward panoramic mountain refuges, and more challenging itineraries for those who are used to hiking in the mountains.
That’s why we created this guide with a slightly different approach: we don’t simply want to list the most popular trails, but help you find the one that best suits you, considering difficulty, available time, and the type of experience you’re looking for. And if you’re staying at our holiday home in Cremia, you’ll also find some useful tips for planning your hikes starting from the Upper Lake Como area.
Table of contents
Which Trekking Route Should You Choose on Lake Como?
The first question to ask yourself is: what kind of day do you want to spend? On Lake Como, a walk lasting a few hours or a mountain trek can both offer beautiful views, but they require very different preparation and time.
If you want to start narrowing down your options, here are the routes we recommend:
If you’re looking for... | Route to consider | Indicative level | Why choose it |
An easy walk | Lake Como Greenway | Easy | Villages, villas, and lake views |
A scenic trek | Rifugio Menaggio | Moderate | Beautiful views over Central Lake Como |
A real mountain climb | Monte San Primo | More challenging | Panoramic views over Lake Como from above |
A route through woods and mountains | Vendrogno - Camaggiore | Moderate | Nature and wide views over the lake |
A walk without major difficulty | Torno - Montepiatto | Easy | Village, woodland, and Pietra Pendula |
A route to explore in stages | Sentiero del Viandante | Variable | Combines trekking, villages, and scenery |
The Greenway, for example, is approximately 10 km long and passes through seven towns from Colonno to Griante. The full route takes around three and a half hours, but it can easily be divided into individual sections. This makes it a great choice even if trekking is not the main focus of your vacation.
If, on the other hand, you want to head higher into the mountains, both the scenery and the level of difficulty change completely. At 1,682 meters, Monte San Primo is the highest peak in the Triangolo Lariano and requires a more challenging hike. Rifugio Menaggio, which can be reached from Breglia, takes you up to 1,380 meters and offers a particularly beautiful view of the point where the lake divides into its branches.
OUR TIP
Don’t choose a route just because you saw a beautiful photo of the view. Always check the duration, elevation gain, difficulty, and trail conditions in relation to your experience.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each trek, making it easier to decide which one to include in your stay on Lake Como.
The Most Beautiful Treks on Lake Como
We have selected some of the most interesting treks on Lake Como, trying to include different types of experiences: from accessible walks that can be completed in just a few hours to routes that require more training and time.
Lake Como Greenway: Start with a Scenic Walk
If you want to enjoy a walk without taking on a true mountain trail, the Lake Como Greenway is probably one of the best places to start. The route extends for approximately 10 km from Colonno to Griante, passing through Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, and Tremezzo. In some sections, you walk just above the villages, while in others directly alongside the lake, following parts of the ancient Via Regina. It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the entire route, but there is no need to walk it all: you can choose a single section and plan your day more freely.
Why choose it: it is a great option if you want to include a walk during your vacation without dedicating an entire day to a challenging hike. Along the route, the scenery constantly changes between small villages, villas, gardens, and lake views.
Difficulty: easy
Length: approximately 10 km
Estimated time: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes for the full route
Ideal for: those looking for a scenic walk that is not too challenging.
Sentiero del Viandante: The Great Route Along the Eastern Shore
The Sentiero del Viandante is a completely different option. It runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como and allows you to turn trekking into a real multi-stage itinerary. The possibility of dividing it into sections makes this route particularly interesting even during a vacation: you don’t necessarily have to walk it from start to finish, but you can choose a section of the trail based on the time available and your level of preparation. The route alternates between climbs and descents, with numerous panoramic viewpoints over the lake.
Why choose it: if you like the idea of walking through different landscapes and want to dedicate more than just a simple stroll to trekking.
Difficulty: hiking
Route: long itinerary, suitable for walking in stages
Ideal for: those who want to combine hiking, scenery, and exploring the local area.
Rifugio Menaggio: One of the Best Hikes to Consider If You’re Staying in Upper Lake Como
Among the routes we find most interesting is the one leading to Rifugio Menaggio, also because it is located on the western shore and fits perfectly into a stay in the Upper Lake Como area. The route starts from Breglia, above Menaggio, and climbs toward the refuge at around 1,400 meters above sea level. The real reward is the view: from here, you can look out over Central Lake Como and the point where the lake divides into its branches.
It is therefore an interesting hike if you want to spend a few hours in the mountains during your stay, without necessarily choosing one of the long multi-stage trails.
Why choose it: above all, for the combination of trekking, a mountain refuge, and panoramic lake views.
Difficulty: hiking
Starting point: Breglia
Arrival: Rifugio Menaggio
Ideal for: those looking for a true mountain hike with a scenic viewpoint as their goal.
Monte San Primo: See Lake Como from Above
If you want to step up the difficulty, you can consider Monte San Primo. At 1,682 meters, it is the highest peak in the Triangolo Lariano and offers some of the most impressive viewpoints over Lake Como. One of the routes starts from Piano Rancio and climbs toward Rifugio Martina, passing through stretches of woodland and open meadows before continuing toward the summit. Compared with the Greenway or the Torno loop, this is a hike that requires greater preparation and mountain experience.
Why choose it: for the views. Reaching the summit allows you to see the lake from a completely different perspective compared with the villages along its shores.
Elevation: 1,682 m
Difficulty: more challenging than tourist walks
Ideal for: experienced hikers who want to dedicate a significant part of the day to trekking.
Camaggiore Loop: Woodlands, Elevation Gain, and a Full Day on the Trails
The Camaggiore Loop, starting from Dervio, is a great option for those who want to dedicate a full day to trekking. The route is approximately 15.4 km long, takes around 6 hours, and has an elevation gain of about 1,050 meters. After the first paved sections, the trail continues through paths, mule tracks, and woodlands on the eastern shore of the lake. The numbers, however, already say a lot: although it is classified as a hiking route, more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain requires good physical preparation.
Why choose it: if you want trekking to be one of the main activities of your day and are looking for a more substantial route than a simple scenic walk.
Difficulty: hiking
Length: approximately 15.4 km
Estimated duration: around 6 hours
Elevation gain: approximately 1,050 m.
Torno, Montepiatto, and Pietra Pendula: A More Accessible Alternative
Those looking for something less challenging can start from the village of Torno and climb toward Montepiatto. The route passes through woodland and also leads to the Pietra Pendula, a distinctive boulder with its characteristic mushroom-like shape. Considering the loop itinerary, Garmont indicates approximately 9.4 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes of walking, and 420 meters of elevation gain, with a tourist/hiking difficulty level.
Why choose it: it offers something more than a simple lakeside walk, without requiring the same level of effort as routes such as Camaggiore or Monte San Primo.
Difficulty: tourist/hiking
Length: approximately 9.4 km
Estimated duration: around 3 hours and 30 minutes
Elevation gain: approximately 420 m.
Alta Via dei Monti Lariani: For Those Who Want Trekking to Be the Journey Itself
The Alta Via dei Monti Lariani runs along the western shore of Lake Como for approximately 125 km, from Cernobbio toward Upper Lake Como, passing through mountains, alpine pastures, woodlands, and small settlements. It is normally divided into several stages. This is therefore not a hike to add to your vacation plans at the last minute, but an itinerary to prepare and organize in advance, designed for more experienced hikers.
Why choose it: if you don’t simply want to go trekking during your trip, but want the trail itself to become a central part of your Lake Como experience.
Lake Como Trekking by Difficulty: Which One Is Right for You?
When choosing a route, distance and duration don’t tell the whole story. Elevation gain, type of terrain, and experience hiking in the mountains can make two seemingly similar hikes very different. Before deciding where to go trekking on Lake Como, it’s best to start with your own level of preparation.
Easy Treks: Enjoy a Walk Without Taking on Overly Challenging Routes
If you want to include a scenic walk in your vacation without turning it into a full day in the mountains, you can consider routes such as the Lake Como Greenway. It is a particularly versatile option because you can walk the entire route or choose just a few sections. The Torno–Montepiatto–Pietra Pendula route is also a step up from a classic walk, while remaining more accessible than treks with significant elevation gain.
These routes are worth considering especially if trekking is one of the activities of your vacation, but not necessarily the main one.
Moderate Treks: When You Want a Real Climb
If you are used to hiking and are looking for something closer to a true mountain excursion, Rifugio Menaggio is one of the most interesting options. The climb from Breglia allows you to gain elevation and reach a panoramic viewpoint over Central Lake Como, without taking on a multi-day itinerary.
In this category, however, it is important not to rely solely on the “hiking” classification: elevation gain, duration, and trail conditions should always be assessed individually before setting out.
Challenging Treks: For More Experienced Hikers
Routes such as Monte San Primo or the Camaggiore Loop require greater preparation. In the latter case, for example, the route covers approximately 15.4 km with more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain and an estimated walking time of around 6 hours.
The Alta Via dei Monti Lariani is a different case altogether: with a total length of approximately 125 km, it is not a simple day hike but a multi-stage itinerary, suitable for experienced hikers who want to make walking a major part of their trip.
⚠️ WARNING: the difficulty indicated in guides should always be considered a reference, not a guarantee. Weather, trail conditions, season, and personal circumstances can significantly affect the level of effort required. Before setting out, especially on mountain routes, always check the latest trail conditions and choose according to your experience, not just the view you want to reach.
Scenic Treks on Lake Como: Which Ones to Choose for the Best Views
If the scenery is one of the main reasons you want to go trekking on Lake Como, you don’t necessarily need to choose the longest route or the highest peak. There are many different panoramic viewpoints around the lake, some reached through more challenging mountain hikes and others through much more accessible walks.
Among those worth considering are:
Monte San Primo: if you’re looking for a wide panoramic view from above. At 1,682 meters, it is the highest peak in the Triangolo Lariano and requires more preparation than a simple walk;
Rifugio Menaggio: one of the most interesting options on the western shore. Climbing from Breglia, you reach a privileged viewpoint over Central Lake Como;
Monte Croce di Muggio: on the eastern shore, with views not only over Lake Como but also over the main surrounding mountains, including Grigna, Resegone, and Legnone;
San Domenico above Breglia: particularly interesting if you want a wide panoramic view with a shorter walk. From the village, the viewpoint can be reached in just over 20 minutes.
Where to Stay for Trekking on Lake Como
For those who want to focus mainly on the western shore and Upper Lake Como, Cremia can be an interesting base. It allows you to stay in a quieter area while easily reaching Menaggio and the trails that climb into the surrounding mountains, alternating trekking days with time spent by the lake.
The house is designed for those looking for space, tranquillity, and convenience during their stay:
✅ Open lake view to enjoy the scenery every day
✅ Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, ideal for families or small groups of up to 6 people
✅ Furnished terrace and outdoor area with barbecue to relax after your hikes
✅ Reserved private parking, particularly convenient for getting around between the different trailheads
✅ Fully equipped kitchen and spacious interiors, designed for stays of several days
✅ Peaceful location in Upper Lake Como, away from the crowds but close to the area’s main attractions
For those who come to Lake Como to enjoy hiking as well, it is above all the practical aspects that make the difference: having enough space for several people, being able to organize meals independently, and returning to a peaceful area after hours on the trails. Above all, you don’t have to choose between the lake and the mountains. You can dedicate one day to trekking, the next to the beaches or villages, and decide on your plans even after you arrive.
Planning a Vacation Combining Trekking and Lake Como?
Discover our holiday home in Cremia and check availability for your dates.
After Trekking, Choose Cremia as Your Base for Exploring Lake Como
Trekking on Lake Como can be just one part of your trip. After a day on the trails, you can spend the next one by the lake, explore the villages in the area, or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery.
That’s why Cremia is a base we recommend to those who want to alternate between the mountains and the lake without building their entire vacation around a single activity. Our holiday home in Cremia gives you a space of your own to return to after your hikes and a starting point for a different plan every day.
FAQ
Where to Go Trekking on Lake Como?
There are plenty of options on both shores of the lake. You can choose easier routes such as the Greenway, hikes to mountain refuges such as Rifugio Menaggio, or more challenging treks in the mountains surrounding the lake.
What Are the Most Beautiful Treks on Lake Como?
It depends on the type of experience you are looking for. The Greenway, Sentiero del Viandante, Rifugio Menaggio, Monte San Primo, and Alta Via dei Monti Lariani offer a choice of walks, scenic treks, and more challenging routes.
What Are the Most Scenic Treks on Lake Como?
Monte San Primo and Rifugio Menaggio are two of the most interesting options, but there are also panoramic viewpoints that can be reached with shorter walks, such as San Domenico above Breglia. For wider views that also take in the surrounding mountains, you can consider Monte Croce di Muggio.
Where to Stay for Trekking on Lake Como?
If you mainly want to explore the western shore and Upper Lake Como, Cremia is a great base. Holiday Home Delo offers space for 6 guests, lake views, a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and private parking: a practical option for combining trekking with days spent by the lake.
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