Lake Como has become one of Italy’s most popular destination spots, renowned for its stunning Alpine views, charming cities with locally sourced wine and culinary delicacies, and luxury shopping. It is no wonder millions flock from around the world to visit its crystalline shores. On our visit to this natural wonder, we aimed to escape the international crowds and venture to the paths less traveled—Lake Como’s challenging and picturesque hiking trails circumambulating the lake’s luminous waters and red‑roofed buildings. It is safe to say we enjoyed some of the best views in the region!
Geological History
Lake Como was formed by huge glaciers carved deep into the Alps during the Ice Ages. As these glaciers moved under tectonic forces, they scraped and over‑deepened the valley far below today’s sea level. After the ice melted, the basin filled with lake water and many layers of sediment. The glacial erosion created the lake’s unusual depth and mineral‑filled water, fueling an entire ecosystem that has nourished wildlife across the region for millennia.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1186/s00015-020-00361-7
Topology & Navigation
The lake is situated in Lombardy, about 25 miles north of Milan. We encountered a good amount of construction on the way there, so if you’re planning to drive be sure to check the local road conditions. Beware, the roads are single lane and quite narrow, with a few points where we needed to veer off to prevent an accident with local buses.
Driving up the region, you immediately notice an inverted “Y” shape with three long branches toward the city of Como, toward Lecco, and toward Colico. The three arms converge at Bellagio, forming the lake’s central point and a popular tourist destination city at the heart.
You will notice the beautiful surrounding mountainous topography that encircles the lake, rising ~600 m/1968 ft in the south to over 2,400 m/7874 ft in the northeast. The slopes drop directly into the water, creating dramatic vertical landscapes and cliffs onto Como’s deep waters. We love seeing the small private and fishing boats speckled across the water!
🏠 Where to Stay
La Piccola Bellagio
We stayed at La Piccola Bellagio, a tranquil lakeside residence in the quiet San Giovanni sector of Bellagio City. We chose this location based on the balcony view of Lake Como’s Alpine mountains and vegetation, along with the hotel’s solid reviews. We drove through charming cities that preserved the unique architecture and feeling of mother Italy.
Our residence was a furnished and spacious apartment equipped with a full kitchen, stovetop, refrigerator, kitchenware, coffee pot, and more! The living room and dining table were perfect for entertaining, and sat adjacent to our favorite space in the home: a stunning balcony view of the mountains with patio furniture—don’t forget to enjoy a glass of refreshing white wine the host graciously provides in the kitchen. We really enjoyed this outdoor area!
The bedroom was spacious with plenty of space to offload our belongings. The bathroom was stocked with toilet paper, towels, a bidet, free toiletries, hairdryer, and a stand‑in shower. We also had access to a small washing machine—critical for refreshing our hiking gear so that we can travel light. Of note, there is no clothing dryer unit in the apartment, so plan to use the drying racks located in the bedroom closets.
Other nice perks included free Wi‑Fi, self check‑in, private parking, and an outdoor area designed for relaxing or working remotely. We also took advantage of the complimentary breakfast buffet stocked with a variety of tasty Italian delicacies, much needed for our long hiking days. The staff was attentive and friendly!
Check out the stream of water running parallel to the hotel. The sound is magnificent!
🍜 Best Meal: Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella
https://www.ristorantemella.it/eng/index.asp
We walked from the hotel to Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella from the hotel. Mella was one of the few places on Lake Como where the connection between the lake’s locally sourced foods and the kitchen is a way of life! Given our mission to promote a sustainable future, we felt very aligned with the restaurant’s values!
Mella sits in the small piazza of San Giovanni, right by the harbor and the church, in a part of Bellagio that feels lived‑in rather than curated. It’s quiet, residential, and slightly removed from the crowds, which gives the restaurant a grounded feel.
Ittiturismo is run by a family of fishermen in San Giovanni, a small, quiet area just outside Bellagio. Their boat goes out before dawn, and the catch determines much of what appears on the menu the day of. Every part of the dining experience—regional catch, seasonal vegetables, local wine—connects you with the land. That direct link to the lake gives the food a clarity and simplicity that stands out among the rest.
You will definitely want to book a reservation long in advance! A line forms outside the door around 6:30 pm, one half hour before the staff opens the doors to its hungry public. Prior to opening, we walked over to the harbor and enjoyed the stunning sunset eclipse the mountains and spent a moment in gratitude for the opportunity to be there. We also love the Mary grotto close to the restaurant.
When our reservation came up, we were seated with a large group and given a set local menu. The cooking focuses on traditional Larian dishes, especially those built around lesser‑known freshwater species that rarely make it onto menus elsewhere. Rice with perch, missoltini, and seasonal lake fish are treated with a kind of practical respect—just careful technique and good ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.
We absolutely loved the ambience, the food pairings, and the entire experience at Mella. We enjoyed hearing Italian spoken at nearly every table—locals know the best spots! We couldn’t have asked for a better primer for our first hiking adventure in the region.
🇮🇹 City Wandering
After your meal, you’ll want to check out Bellagio and the surrounding cities. Bellagio has a unique lived‑in charm, where the old architecture feels like it’s simply grown out of the landscape. We wondered the steep stone stairways, narrow lanes, and pastel houses in the historic center still look much like they did centuries ago. The town follows strict rules to protect its historic look, so even newer renovations blend in with the older buildings.
Sunsets in Bellagio feel magical, like the whole lake decides to slow down for a minute. The sky shifts from warm gold to soft pink, the mountains turn into dark silhouettes, and the water picks up every color like a mirror. People wander along the promenade, boats drift by, and there’s this easy, calm vibe that makes you want to just sit on a bench and watch the light fade without thinking about anything else. This was the perfect primer to our hiking adventures!
☀️ Weather
Early October brings mild temperatures, cool autumn breeze, and an increasing chance of rain. Expect daytime highs around the low–mid 60s °F and cooler evenings in the upper 40s–50s °F. Mornings can be misty around the lake, creating dramatic views as fog lifts from the water—so if you can start hiking early, you may be able to catch the stunning morning view!
For our hiking adventurers, you’ll want to pack layers with a waterproof overcoat. We made sure that we were ready for cool mornings, hot mid‑day sun, and potential rain in the afternoon. Check out our packing list.
🎒 Packing Essentials
🥾 Hiking shoes or trail runners
🎒 Lightweight daypack (15–20L)
💧 1–2 L/person
🍎 Snacks
🧥 Light jacket or fleece
🌧️ Rain layer
🧢 Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
🗺️ Map or offline trail app
📱 Phone + charger
🩹 Basic first‑aid items
🧻 Small towel
💶 Cash
🥾 Trail Talk
Monte Nuvolone via Bellagio
This was a challenging 9-mile hike that required 6.5 to 7 hours to compete. The apex sits at 1065 m/3,494 ft above sea level, delivering sweeping views of the region.
You can access the trail from Brogno, Guggiate, or the Perlo valley. We walked through housing and agricultural areas with grapevine farms, animals, and small private homes. The elevation steadily climbs from paved roads to a thick forest line, and trail elevation progressively gets steeper!
Along the way, we hiked through shaded forest paths, rocky uphill stretches, and airy ridgeline sections that open suddenly to expansive views of the lake. At points of steep elevation change, we decided to take breaks for nature photography and to enjoy a meal together.
The hike’s defining highlight is the Belvedere del Nuvolone, a natural balcony overlooking Bellagio, the mid‑lake triangle, and the Grigne massif—one of the most striking viewpoints in the area. The hike feels wild despite its proximity to town, and the summit’s elevation gives you a sense of being above the entire central lake basin without requiring a full alpine ascent.
We dedicated the hike to the summit, which proved challenging over the last 1–2 hours. Expect to encounter steep rocks and uphill climbs that test your cardio endurance. We are thankful that we stuck it out to the end because the views are unbeatable. If you are looking for a breathtaking challenge, we recommend you explore this hike or any of the trails below.
🌿 Easy Hikes
Greenway del Lago di Como
Passes through seven historic lakeside villages with continuous waterfront views.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/lake-como-greenway
Sentiero del Viandante (Varenna Segment)
Offers some of the best mid‑lake panoramas without requiring major elevation gain.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/sentiero-del-viandante-varenna-dervio
Rogolone Trail (Il Rogolone)
Leads to a massive 300–400‑year‑old oak tree considered one of the largest in Lombardy.
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/lombardy/carlazzo/rogolone-multi-use-trail
Punta Spartivento Viewpoint
Offers stunning views of the lake where Lago di Como and Lake Lecco meet and form a “Y,” and offers mountain biking.
https://www.komoot.com/highlight/189262
⛰️ Moderate Hikes
San Martino Church (Griante)
The church is perched dramatically on a cliff, giving a balcony‑like view over the lake.
Monte Crocione (via Rifugio Venini / Tremezzo)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/chiesa-san-martino-via-griante
Features WWI military fortifications along the ridge.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/menaggio/monte-crocione-venini-refuge-monte-tremezzo
Varenna → Castello di Vezio Loop
Includes the medieval castle known for its falconry demonstrations and sweeping lake views.
https://www.alltrails.com/italy/lombardy/varenna/castle-of-vezio
Menaggio → Rifugio Menaggio
The rifugio terrace offers one of the clearest views of Monte Grona’s dramatic limestone peak.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/breglia/menaggio-refuge-pizzo-coppa-via-breglia
🏔️ HARD
Monte Grona (via Rifugio Menaggio)
The summit provides a rare 360° view of three lakes at once — Como, Lugano, and Piano.
https://www.alltrails.com/italy/lombardy/plesio/monte-grona
Monte Legnone
The highest peak around Lake Como, offering an alpine‑style ridge walk near the summit.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/introzzo/monte-legnone-via-lorla-refuge
Grigne Massif (Grignetta / Grignone)
Famous for its jagged limestone towers, making it one of Italy’s classic scrambling areas.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/lombardy/abbadia-lariana/anello-grignetta-meridionale
Sentiero del Viandante – Full Route
A historic Roman‑era path that once connected trading routes along the eastern shore.
https://www.alltrails.com/lists/il-sentiero-del-viandante
🌱 Environmentally Conscious Investments
As one of Europe’s deepest lakes, Lake Como plays a critical role in the sustainability of the environment and its larger alpine ecosystem. We encourage our followers to invest in preservation projects that protect the integrity of the region. Here are a few ways to get involved.
🌎 Larian Sustainability Network (Como–Lecco Chamber of Commerce)
Region‑wide ESG initiative supporting sustainable business practices, circular economy projects, and coordinated environmental action across Lake Como.
https://www.lakecomo.is/en/sustainability
🏕️ Keep Lake Como Beautiful (KLCB)
Community‑driven greening, public‑space restoration, and environmental stewardship. Ideal for philanthropic or CSR‑aligned investment.
https://www.keeplakecomobeautiful.com
🌳 Regione Lombardia Sustainability & Environment Programs
Official regional government programs supporting environmental protection, water quality, mobility, and climate initiatives.
https://www.regione.lombardia.it/wps/portal/istituzionale-en
🌱 Green Real Estate & Energy‑Efficient Development
Municipalities around Lake Como (Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna) offer incentives and guidelines for sustainable building and renovation.
Sponsor Us!
Become a Mission Arcturus Sponsor or Donor
Are you enjoying our hiking and sustainability mission? Do you want to help us expand our work, plant trees, organize eco-friendly events, promote green investments, and more? Consider donating or become a Mission Arcturus sponsor.
📧 Sponsorship email: info@missionarcturus.com
💻 Follow us on Instagram: @missionarcturus
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
💬 Share Your Story
Mission Arcturus love to hear how Lake Como has shaped your travels, inspired your creativity, or given you a moment you’ll never forget. Share your story with us and help others discover the magic of this place through your eyes.
Leave a Reply