Two shores, two kinds of walk
The Greenway runs along the west shore through Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo and Griante. It covers about 10 km from Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante, and other figures give 10.50 km in 7 stages. Parts follow the old Via Regina and link villages and villas. Do not assume it is flat, car-free or suitable for strollers along its whole length.
The Sentiero del Viandante is the historic path on the east shore. It is about 50 km long and split into several stages. It is not the same as the larger international network called Le Vie del Viandante, so check which route a map or a guide means before you plan a day.
Routes compared
Figures for the examples below. Times are walking time without long stops.
| Walk | Shore | Distance | Time | Climb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenway, Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante | West | About 10 km | – | – |
| Viandante, Varenna to Bellano via Vezio | East | 8 km | 4.5 hours | 400 m up |
| Menaggio loop via Croce, Castello, Loveno and Nobiallo | West | 11 km | About 3 hours | 280 m up |
| Menaggio loop with the Crocetta variant | West | 13 km | About 3.5 hours | 411 m up |
The Menaggio loop starts at Piazza Garibaldi, follows the lakefront and Via Mazzini at first, then climbs to Croce and runs along an old railway line. The Crocetta turn-off is steep, so wear proper hiking shoes. The Varenna stage is described from Varenna or Perledo and passes Vezio, so treat the 8 km as a guide and not as a measured station-to-station distance.
Guided walks, boats and day trips at Lake Como
Walks with a guide, boat trips and village visits with live prices and availability.
Pair a walk with something to see
Every route here runs near a ferry pier or a train station.
Greenway with Villa Carlotta
Tremezzo lies on the Greenway. Villa Carlotta costs €17.50 for adults (2026) and is open from 10:00 to 18:00 between 19 October and 8 November, with last tickets at 17:00. Special winter days follow in November and December. Walks from Cadenabbia to the villa gate take about 900 m, from Tremezzo about 450 m.
Villa Carlotta →Greenway with Villa del Balbianello
From Lenno, the short path to the villa is 1 km and takes about 25 minutes. The trekking route is 2.5 km and takes about 45 minutes. Both climb and the paths are partly gravel, so they do not suit strollers or people with difficulty walking. There is no direct road to the villa. Reservation is required even for the park, which costs €15, or €25 with the villa. The villa is normally closed on Monday and Wednesday.
Villa del Balbianello →Viandante with Castello di Vezio
The castle above Varenna costs €7 for adults. It is open daily from 1 March to 1 December. In October the hours are 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday, and in November 10:00 to 17:00, closed in rain. In winter it opens only on weekends and holidays in good weather, except 25 December. Dogs must be on a leash and off the lawns.
Varenna →Getting to the start
A direct train from Milano Centrale reaches Varenna-Esino in about 64 minutes. The ferry from Menaggio to Varenna takes 15 minutes on a weekday, so a west-shore walk and an east-shore walk fit into one stay. Bellagio to Cadenabbia takes 10 minutes, and Cadenabbia is where the Greenway ends.
Ferry guide →Weather and trail conditions
Pick the month before you pick the route.
In Como the warmest months are July and August, with a mean air temperature of 24.4 °C. February is the driest month, with 44.9 mm on average. September is the wettest, with 194.5 mm, followed by November with 169.2 mm and October with 154.7 mm. These are long-term averages from 1991 to 2021, not a forecast. Rain makes paths slick and can close the castle at Vezio, so read the best time to visit page when you plan an autumn walk.
Trail sections can close, and nothing guarantees that every stage is open on your day. Look for notices at the start of each stage and ask at the local tourist office or your hotel. Carry water and shoes with grip, and treat steep sections like the Crocetta turn-off with respect.
Places to start from
Four bases that put a trail within reach.
Hiking at Lake Como: frequently asked questions
What is the best hike at Lake Como?
That depends on the day you have. The Menaggio loop of 11 km takes about 3 hours with 280 m of climb. A Viandante stage from Varenna to Bellano is 8 km, takes 4.5 hours and has 400 m of climb. The Greenway is about 10 km along the west shore.
How long is the Greenway del Lago di Como?
About 10 km from Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante. Other figures give 10.50 km in 7 stages, so you will see both numbers.
Is the Greenway flat and stroller-friendly?
Do not count on it. Parts follow the old Via Regina and link villages and villas, and the paths up to Villa del Balbianello are steep and partly gravel.
How long is the Sentiero del Viandante?
About 50 km along the east shore, in several stages. It is a different route from the wider network named Le Vie del Viandante.
Do I need to book anything for the walks?
The trails themselves need no ticket. Villa del Balbianello needs a reservation even for the park, and Villa Carlotta and Castello di Vezio charge an entry fee.