Walking on Lake Como where the soul reconnects to the earth
There are paths that lead not only from one point to another. But inside the landscape. The story. Inside yourself. One of these is the Path of the Wanderer, an ancient path that winds along the eastern shore of Lake Como, between sky and water, between silence and wonder.
About 45 kilometres long, the route follows the route that has linked Abbadia Lariana to Colico over the centuries, passing through villages, olive groves, Romanesque churches, fragrant woods and natural terraces overlooking the deep blue of the lake. It was once the route of pilgrims and traders. Today it is the destination of those who seek an authentic, alive, humble and powerfully beautiful Italy.
It is a route that suits everyone, divided into short stages, with refreshment points, small b&b, solitary churches that seem to be standing still in time.
Among the most suggestive features are:
The passage for Varenna, one of the most romantic villages on the lake, with its colorful houses and discreet elegance;
The view from the Church of San Giorgio in Mandello del Lario, set between mountains and lake;
The forest of Perledo, where the sounds are turned off and only the heartbeat remains.
The Wanderer’s Path is not just a hiking experience. It is a spiritual journey, in the deepest sense of the term. Here time slows down, and nature is not just a backdrop. The scenery looks like an open-air painting.
Slow tourism is not a fashion. It is an answer. To the frenzy, to the distracted consumption, to the superficiality of “everything and immediately”. Walking on paths like the one of the Viandante is an act of awareness: a way to find the inner Italy, the one that hides in the folds of a mule track or in the look of an old farmer.
In a time that demands speed, Italian Tradition chooses depth. And tells about places that are not only visited, but lived.
The IT guide
Where to sleep
- B&B Alla Torre del Barbarossa
Located in Mandello del Lario, this B&B offers a family welcome in a historic building, perfect for a relaxing break after a day of walking.
- Farm La Zia Berta
Also in Mandello del Lario, this property surrounded by greenery offers comfortable rooms and home cooking with local products.
- B & B Il Bolentino
In Varenna, it offers rooms with lake view and a strategic position to explore the village and its surroundings.
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Where to eat
- Da Giovannino restaurant
In Malgrate, it offers typical Lombard dishes in a rustic and welcoming environment.
- Inn of the Braves
Located in Mandello del Lario, it offers traditional cuisine with a creative touch, ideal for a dinner after the trek.
- Crotto di Somana
Hidden in the hills, this crotto is famous for its local charcuterie and cheeses, accompanied by wines from the area.
Points of interest
- Church of San Giorgio in Mandello del Lario
A 12th-century Romanesque church, famous for its well-preserved frescoes, is a significant cultural stop along the way.
- Villa Monastero in Varenna
An ancient villa transformed into a museum and congress center, with botanical gardens offering breathtaking views of the lake.
- Castle of Vezio
Located above Varenna, this medieval castle offers spectacular views and often hosts falconry demonstrations.
Cover : Unsplash