Lake Como: Hike the Smugglers Path
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Lecco
On the southeastern tip of Lake Como, an hour’s drive or train ride from Milan, is Lecco where you will begin your exploration. We will arrange a simple city hotel in the centre with a view of the lake. Lecco is not large, but has a pleasant centre with shops and restaurants and is known for the iconic clock tower. Pop into the tourism office in Lecco today and pick up a special ‘passport’ for walkers following the Sentiero del Viandante. Along the way you can get stamps at various hotels and tourist offices.
Day 2 – Follow in the footsteps of smugglers!
The Sentiero del Viandante is part of a long-distance path that connects Switzerland with Milan. At a time when there was no road along the shore and only transport by boat, the footpath was used as a smugglers’ route. The well-signposted path goes up into the mountains and down to the lakeside villages. You walk through forests and past viewpoints , stopping to drink coffee or eat an ice cream in the villages on the water. With the handy walking app you choose how far you wish to walk – 5, 10 or 15 kilometres – before jumping on the train back to your hotel in Lecco.
Day 3 – Walk to Varenna
Jump on the train to where you finished your walk yesterday and continue along the smugglers’ path. Today we would suggest to walk as far as Varenna, which is part of the famous Lake Como triangle (Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio). It is one of the most charming and fashionable towns on the lake, and well worth a stroll around.
When you’re ready, take the train back to your car in Lecco (if you have a rental car) and drive to the northernmost town of Colico. Or take the train from Varenna directly to your next hotel in Colico. (We can arrange transportation of your luggage). Located on the north eastern tip of Lake Como, Colico has a laid back atmosphere. Italian families gather together at the waterfront for a chat, ice creams and aperitivo. For the next two nights you will stay in a boutique hotel within walking distance of the centre.
Day 4 – Your final walking day
Today we suggest taking the train a few stations south and then walk along the last part of the smugglers’ trail back to your hotel in Colico. The route is steep to start, following through narrow streets. Keep a look out for signs for the Sentiero del Viendante and of course you will have the navigation app to assist you in finding the right path. The trail continues to climb slightly and you walk through forests, over narrow bridges and past small villages before arriving back in Colico. Time for a rewarding ice cream and a dip in the lake!
Day 5 – Departure from Colico
Travel on to your next destination. In about four hours you can be in Tuscany or Cinque Terre in Liguria. In three hours you can be in the wine region of Piemonte or at the north of Lake Garda. Get in touch with our Travel Specialists who can offer ideas and information about how to piece together your northern Italy holiday.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Lake Como North - 1 hour SUP lesson
Learn stand-up paddling (SUP) from an experienced instructor. In a small group of maximum 8 people, you’ll learn the techniques to stay balanced and upright on the board. SUP board, paddle, and a life jacket will be provided. Don’t forget to bring your own towel.
The SUP school is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Colico (or half an hour by bus). It’s a delightful place to be. After the session, lay out your towel on the grass and take another dip in the lake. You can also join in a game of basketball or football. There’s ample parking space, lockers in changing rooms, and showers available.
