Lake Como mountain hikes The joy of living on Lake Como is that you can choose: dive into the water or head uphill on foot and earn views that leave you speechless. Today, I’m taking you along a few of the loveliest hikes around Lake Como – the ones we locals call our “classic favourites”. A glimpse from the “Sentee di Sort” between Corenno Plinio and Dervio on Lake Como The Wayfarer’s Path (Sentiero del Viandante): where lake meets mountains Walking the Wayfarer’s Path is one of Lombardy’s most authentic and rewarding experiences. Along its 75-kilometre route, linking Abbadia Lariana to Morbegno, this historic trail serves up breathtaking scenery suspended between the waters of Lake Como and the pre-Alpine ridges leading towards Valtellina. Thanks to the unmistakable orange arrows, it’s very hard to lose your way. You can tackle the route end-to-end over several stages, or pick shorter day sections – perfect for hikers of different abilities. The best seasons are spring, when flowers brighten the terraced slopes, and autumn, when the woods glow with golden colour. Along the way you’ll pass picture-perfect villages, tiny mountain churches, old fortifications and stone mills. You’ll also spot terraces planted with vines and olive trees – a living reminder of centuries of local farming tradition, and a constant source of gorgeous viewpoints. The Wayfarer’s Path is ideal if you want an active break in nature, blending culture, history and sweeping views across the lake and towards Valtellina. Start from Abbadia Lariana to Colico Duration multi-stage; also perfect in 2–3 hour sections Why go it’s the lake’s soul – an ancient route once used by merchants. Every bend reveals villages, olive groves, churches and, of course, Lake Como itself. 💡 Local secret: the stretch from Varenna to Bellano at sunset is pure poetry — here’s why Lake Como sunsets feel magical in every season. Alpe Giumello, where the sky meets the lake Climbing the hairpin bends up towards Casargo, the landscape slowly shifts: woodland opens out into high meadows. Reaching Alpe Giumello feels like stepping into a suspended world, where time moves more gently and your gaze can roam towards far-off horizons. At 1,600 metres, the Alpe is a broad pasture overlooking Lake Como. From here, with just a short walk, you can reach Monte Muggio – and the surprise is always the same: a 360-degree panorama stretching from the Resegone to the Alps, right down to the glittering lake, like a mountain-framed sea. The path isn’t demanding, and that’s the beauty of it: you have time to breathe, look around and listen. In spring the slopes fill with wildflowers; in summer you’ll hear cowbells carried on the wind; in autumn the colours deepen; and in winter the hush of snow softens everything. This is slow walking: lingering in mountain huts for a warm dish, enjoying the simplicity of an authentic landscape. Alpe Giumello isn’t just a hike – it’s a place for the soul, where the strength of the mountains meets the gentleness of the lake. Start from Narro, above Casargo For everyone easy, ideal for families Why go a natural balcony over Lake Como, with views across Bellagio, the Grigne and—on clear days—even Monte Rosa. 💡 Tip: stop for lunch in a mountain hut — the local specialities taste different up here. Bietti-Buzzi mountain hut: into the heart of the Grigne At 1,719 metres, tucked beneath the dramatic dolomite-like walls of the Northern Grigna, the Bietti-Buzzi hut is one of the most-loved hiking destinations in the Lecco area. Its panoramic position, poised between rock and sky, opens up a spectacular view from Lake Como to the Rhaetian Alps. There are several routes up; the best-known start from Pasturo, Prato San Pietro or Cainallo (Esino Lario), following mule tracks and paths through woods and pastures to the Grigna’s scree slopes. This is a hike for reasonably fit walkers, with around 1,100 metres of ascent and an average climb time of about three and a half hours. Once you arrive, the atmosphere is welcoming: the hut (owned by the Milan branch of the CAI) serves hearty mountain dishes – perfect for refuelling. From here, many itineraries set off for hikers and climbers, including the ascent to Grigna Settentrionale (2,410 m) and the link to Rifugio Brioschi. Open in the summer season, Bietti-Buzzi is a must if you want a challenging day out, grand views and the thrill of being in the wild heart of the Grigne. Start from Cainallo (Esino Lario) Duration around 2 hours Why go you’re right in the heart of the Grigne: rugged, fascinating mountains. From the hut, your view runs all the way to the lake and the Swiss peaks beyond. 💡 Curiosity: the Grigna is so imposing that, according to local legends, it was shaped by giants who once lived here. Sentee di Sort: the “hanging” lakeside trail between Corenno and Dervio From the small medieval village of Corenno Plinio, with its stone houses and lakeside castle, a path begins that feels suspended between water and mountain. It’s the Sentee di Sort: short, but packed with emotion. The route winds through woods and terraces, always accompanied by the blue of Lake Como flashing between the trees. Each step brings a new viewpoint: the lake sparkling in the sun, boats cutting across the water, mountain silhouettes framing the scene. It’s a simple trail, suitable for most people, yet surprisingly beautiful. In little time you reach Dervio and its lakeside promenade. In between: a walk that stitches together nature and memory, lake and village. The Sentee di Sort isn’t just a stroll – it’s an invitation to discover Lake Como slowly, savouring the view, the quiet and the magic of a lesser-known but truly authentic stretch. Start from Corenno Plinio or from Dervio Duration around 1 hour Why go short, but with cliff-side sections above the lake that make your heart race. It’s one of the panoramic walks locals love most. 💡 Practical tip: wear proper walking shoes — the path is narrow in places. Where to stay on Lake Como: which village to choose? Around Lake Como you’ll find every kind of accommodation, from luxury hotels to small B&Bs or private apartments. Just bear in mind that prices in this area are generally on the higher side. If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como, I’d recommend basing yourself in the mid-lake area. Stay in one of the central villages such as Varenna or Bellano so you can move around easily by boat — this guide explains the best way to get around Lake Como without long waits. On my last trip to Lake Como, I stayed at Villa Vista Lago in Bellano. Villa Vista Lago manages three apartments between Bellano and Varenna: Il Pontile in Bellano’s historic centre opposite the ferry (handy if you arrive by train), Downtown Varenna in Varenna’s historic centre, and Villa Vista Lago in Bellano with a panoramic lake view. More information on villavistalago.it In summary: a perfect day between mountains and lake Lake Como’s mountains aren’t just trails: they’re gateways to unique panoramas, where lake and sky meet and every step tells a story. If you love walking, you’ll find routes for every taste here: easy strolls as well as bigger adventures on the peaks. Here’s a simple idea for a perfect day: 🌄 Morning → Hike to Alpe Giumello (Casargo): easy and panoramic, with stunning views over Lake Como. 🍝 Lunch → In a mountain hut: hearty local dishes and a warm welcome (you can also explore traditional Lake Como food to know what to order). 🏖️ Afternoon → Relax by the water: Lake Piona if you’re after peace and quiet, or kayaking/SUP in Dervio or Colico if you want to stay active. With the afternoon Breva wind, it’s also great for sailing. 🍹 Sunset aperitivo → In Varenna, on the pier: spritz with lake-and-mountain views (for more inspiration, see what to do in Varenna in the evening). 🍽️ Dinner → Lake fish in Bellano or Valtellina wine in Colico. Ready to experience it for real? Plan your day between trails and the lake — and secure your stay for the best season. Check availability and book now