In recent decades, Lake Como has become one of the most famous Italian resorts in the world. The merit is certainly to the beauty of this reservoir and the surrounding landscapes, which have led many actors and personalities to buy a villa here. A good example is certainly George Clooney, who in the collective imagination is inextricably linked to Lake Como.
Despite this there is an aspect of this area that often remains very hidden: we are talking about the routes suitable for those who love to do trekking. Around Lake Como you can spend whole days walking, then stop to taste some typical delicacies in the “crotti”, rustic places not to be missed for those who are organizing a visit here.
The charm of the eastern shore of Lake Como
The eastern shore of Lake Como is ideal for those who enjoy doing some healthy trekking. The path is not very difficult, and it is also suitable for those who do not have much experience or physical resistance. It is a real walk that everyone can tackle with their own rhythm, stopping to rest in some old village or in those places where you can admire unique landscapes, where nature still dominates sovereign.
The East Bank trail runs along the lake in several places, with views that open up when visitors least expect it. Sometimes you are in front of the clear waters of the lake, on other occasions the view points instead towards the mountains.
The route starts in the small village of Abbadia Lariana, and is generally well signposted at all its various points, so that no one can lose track. Today it is used by trekking enthusiasts, but it was once the preferred route for those who had to move in this area especially for work, as in the case of merchants who had to take their products from one village to another.
The main stages
Following the path that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como you can find several villages, where you can stop for a rest, both to taste some typical specialties. The starting point, as we have already said, is Abbadia Lariana. Before you start the trail, you can take a look at the oldest buildings, such as the Church of San Lorenzo.
Another small town that will conquer you is Mandello del Lario. Here originated Moto Guzzi, a motorcycle brand well known among Italian fans of two wheels. By the way, you will be useful to know that here is a museum dedicated to Moto Guzzi.
We recommend you to plan a stop in the village of Varenna. Among tourists is a very famous center for the Trail of the Viandante, a panoramic route with views of the lake to say nothing.
Finally we suggest you to Bellano, where there is the Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge carved by the stream Pioverna. Thanks to a walkway, the curious can walk directly into the gorge.
Enjoy traditional cuisine in crotti
Trekking makes you hungry. Walking several kilometers is the best way to awaken your appetite, and what better opportunity than this to enjoy typical dishes of Lake Como and neighboring towns?
The perfect places to eat something traditional are crotti. These are local taverns that have been obtained in small spaces carved into the rock, or build directly inside natural caves. For this reason they are truly unique places, different from any other tavern you might find during your travels.
The purpose of crotti is to propose genuine cuisine, with dishes brought to the table thanks to the use of local ingredients, and in full respect of tradition.
In many of these taverns you can usually enjoy dishes like polenta and misultin. As the name suggests, it is a polenta to which misultin is added, a type of fish that is dried and salted. To give more flavor to the fish it is seasoned with oil and vinegar.
Among the dishes you should taste there are pizzoccheri. You can find them easily in Valtellina, but also around Lake Como there are many people who propose this particular buckwheat paste, which is served with vegetables, butter and cheese.
Finally, don’t forget to find room in your stomach for a good assortment of local cold cuts and cheeses. A nice cut is the perfect way to refresh yourself before resuming with the trekking.
Some advice
Trekking on the eastern shore of Lake Como can be a great experience even for beginners, but it is important to take some precautions.
First of all, you must wear appropriate clothing, starting with comfortable and durable shoes, that will help you not to slip. Plus bring plenty of water, especially on hot days, and maybe something to eat during the trip.
Copertina : Unsplash
