Option A:
From Menaggio you walk through the Val Sanagra nature reserve. You will reach Loveno, an incredible village with many splendid villas, then on to Pianuro, a large pasture. Then the trail follows the Sanagra rapids, a typical alpine stream, which over time has formed impressive gorges. The walk then passes through Barna, a village where time seems to have stood still.
15.5 km, +700 m, -695 m, 5 h.
Option B:
Take the ferry from Menaggio to Varenna, from where you continue by local bus or taxi to the start of the hike in Esino Lario. Walking through the Regional Park of Northern Grigna is an experience in many ways. This very special mountain range has a unique nature with spectacular heights and steep cliff sides spreading into deep valleys. The route takes you to the ‘Porta di Prada’, an impressive stone arch created by the natural erosion of limestone.
Option C:
This hike starts in Breglia, a small village above Menaggio, easily reached by bus. The trail reaches two of the most powerful peaks on the western side of the lake: Monte Grona and Mote Bregagnino. From the top of Monte Grona (1736m) you have one of the best views of the Pre-Alps; from here you can see the three lakes Como, Lugano and Piano as well as the peaks Monte Bregagno, Legnone, Pizzo di Gino, Grigne. There are different ways to get to the top of Monte Grona from the Rifugio Menaggio, where you are using a ‘via ferrata’.
14 km, +1000 m, -1000 m, 6-7 h.
Option D:
It was of course the Romans who built the Strada Regina along the west coast of Lake Como. It was an important road link between Como and the Alpine resorts. The road was used until the end of the 19th century when the current road along the lake was built. This walk starts at Menaggio and runs along cobbled paths to the characteristic village of Rezzonico. From the top of the hill you get another great view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, you can easily get back to Menaggio by local bus.
9 km, +330 m, -350 m, 3 h
