Walking the Italian Lakes - Sunflower Books

Adventures at the Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes, a shimmering necklace of emerald and sapphire set amongst dramatic Alpine peaks, offer a walker’s paradise.

From the grandeur of Lake Maggiore to the intimate charm of Lake Orta, each lake boasts unique beauty and a wealth of walking trails to explore.

In our guidebook to walking the Italian Lakes, we cover the following areas:

• Lake Maggiore
• Lake Lugano
• Lake Como
• Lake Garda
• Lake Orta

Below we have described some of our favourite walks.

From Cannero Riviera to Cannobio (Walk 2)

Enjoying the scenic ferry ride between the attractive lakeside towns of Cannobio and Cannero Riviera is a great way to start the day.

On this walk you can look down over the island castles and explore a hillside village that belongs to another age.

There are fine viewpoints as you hike through the shady woodlands, making this an ideal short outing when the weather is hot.

Circuit from Agrano via Alpe Selviana (Walk 10)

An easy walk that is a real gem! A beautiful river cascades into sparkling pools – perfect for a cooling dip, so take your swimsuit.

Later, a steep climb brings you to a marvellous viewpoint above Lake Orta – what more could a relatively short walk provide?

Monte Grona (and Monte Bregagno) (Walk 13)

Climbing the steep mountain slopes to the craggy summit of Monte Grona is a challenge amply rewarded by stunning panoramic views.

If you’re here on a clear day, we highly recommend wandering on and up beyond San Amate towards Monte Bregagno on the superb flower-strewn ridge that follows.

Sentiero del Viandante (Walk 19)

On this walk we take you along part of the long-distance footpath, the Sentiero del Viandante, which runs above the lakeside villages from just north of Lecco to near Colico.

We explore the section that links Bellano, famous for its gorges, with Varenna, an old medieval town with a pretty square and narrow cobbled streets.

We describe the route from Bellano to Varenna, but the route can easily be reversed. To top it all you can enjoy a lovely, relaxing ferry ride back to your resort.

Around Monte Brione (Walk 25)

The wedge-shaped rocky outcrop of Monte Brione at the head of Lake Garda, which separates Riva del Garda from Torbole, cannot be missed.

Left behind by the glacier that carved out the lake, this hill offers excellent views along Lake Garda and, to the north, up the Sarca Valley.

Monte Brione’s strategic position is such that it has several ruined forts, tunnels and bunkers along its length, but today all is peaceful.

This walk along the ridge is full of interest. The return, through the quiet agricultural valley, is in stark contrast to the busy coastal resorts.

Monte Caplone (Walk 35)

What a fine mountain walk this is! From the attractive hamlet of Cima Rest, you walk up past traditional steep-roofed hay barns and on to the high summer grazings of Cima Tombea amidst a great variety and proliferation of wild flowers.

Monte Caplone has many faces, the easily gained summit contrasting with the sheer cliffs, dramatic spurs and spires seen on the approach.

The best time of year for walking the Italian Lakes

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times to walk around the Italian Lakes.

In spring the temperatures are mild, there are blooming wildflowers and lush green landscapes.

Visit in autumn to experience the vibrant fall foliage, crisp air, and fewer crowds.

Getting around the region

The Italian Lakes are well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore without a car. Frequent buses connect towns along the lakeshores, and trains offer scenic journeys between major towns.

Ferries provide convenient access to many lakeside villages and islands.

While a car offers flexibility, parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. Driving in the mountains can also be tiring, with narrow roads and hairpin bends.

Walking the Italian Lakes is an unforgettable experience. With stunning scenery, charming towns, and diverse walking trails, this region offers something for every type of walker. Buy our guidebook to walking the Italian Lakes.