Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are two of the most celebrated destinations in northern Italy, combining a mild year-round climate, dramatic mountain backdrops, historic villas, charming lakeside villages, and well-waymarked trails that lead well away from the tourist crowds. From easy lakeside strolls and ferry-assisted walks to terraced mountainside rambles and panoramic summits, the Italian Lakes offer a remarkably varied walking landscape for all abilities.
This Cicerone guidebook by expert author Gillian Price describes 28 graded day walks ranging from 3 to 20km (2 to 12 miles), completable in 1 to 5 hours, plus the full 5-stage Sentiero del Viandante trek along Lake Como's eastern shore. It pairs clear route descriptions with detailed planning information to help you explore Lakes Como and Maggiore with confidence, whether you have a long weekend or a full week to spare.
The 28 day walks are split between Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como and graded 1 to 3, covering everything from the Stresa cable car to panoramic Mottarone and the Lake Como Greenway to the historic Strada Regia, with routes to suit all abilities
The Sentiero del Viandante, or Wayfarer's Path, is described in 5 stages covering 54km (34 miles) along the eastern shore of Lake Como between Lecco and Colico, making it an ideal multi-day addition to any visit to the Italian Lakes
Sketch maps are included for every walk alongside detailed information on accommodation, public transport, and wildlife, with practical guidance on combining ferry trips with walks across both lakes
Highlights include high-altitude sanctuaries at Sacro Monte on Maggiore and San Martino on Como, the ancient pilgrim route through Val Cannobina, the car-less village of Monteviasco, and the Como funicular to Brunate
The lakes' mild climate makes this a year-round walking destination, with lakeside walks accessible in winter, spring to autumn offering near-perfect conditions, and midsummer best for the higher routes to Mottarone and Monte San Primo
From lakeside paths and ancient pilgrim routes to panoramic peaks above Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, this second edition guidebook covers every aspect of walking in the Italian Lakes. Explore with Gillian Price as your guide.
