From the Romans to the War — panoramic trails at Italy’s Lake Como

​​This Collection takes you on an adventure through the incredible sights on the western shore of Lake Como. Over three days, you can enjoy a taste of the natural and historical beauty the area has to offer: 360-degree panoramic views over three lakes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman paths, historic military roads lined with First World War trenches, and cobblestone trails with 16th-century monuments.

You'll head off on a loop that starts and ends in Griante, one of the most evocative villages on the western shore of Lake Como. A concentration of nature, history and breathtaking views will accompany you throughout the hike. You can enjoy long walks through the woods, descend along the old mule tracks from alpine pastures and climb the hairpin bends of Monti di Nava, Monte Crocione and Monte Galbiga. Moreover, you have the opportunity to walk along a path of immense historical value, seeing the military remains of the Great War as well as the typical verdant mountain landscapes, populated by old villages of stone houses.

The route also follows in the footsteps of the Romans along the Ancient Via Regina, now called the Greenway. From this road, you can reach the village of Ossuccio, walk along the UNESCO World Heritage cobblestones to the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso and visit the villages overlooking the lake, from Colonno to Griante. In other words, the western shore of Lake Como is truly incredible.

I suggest you spend one night in the Venini Refuge and another in Colonno, although there are other places to choose from. This Collection starts and ends in the Griante car park, easily reachable by car from Como or from Valtellina. In Griante, you can leave your car for the whole hike. If you don’t want to drive, you can take the ferry to Cadenabbia from Como and walk to the starting point. Another option is the bus from Como; both ferry and bus take around two hours. I don't recommend starting the walk in the afternoon because the road to Venini Refuge is long and it might get dark before you finish. So, if you arrive in the afternoon, it’s better to stay overnight in Griante, or nearby, and leave the following morning.

To finish the hike on a real high note, you can add a visit to the iconic botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) or a boat trip to Bellagio or Varenna.