The ancient pilgrim path along the eastern shore — a Roman-era trail running 45km from Abbadia Lariana to Colico along the high ground, with unmatched panoramic views of the lake and access to villages not reachable by road.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Sentiero del Viandante is Lake Como's finest walking route — an ancient trail originally used by pilgrims and traders, running 45km along the eastern shore at elevations of 200–900m above the lake. Day sections from Varenna or Bellano offer spectacular high-lake views different from anything visible from a boat or town. The path passes through abandoned villages, olive and lemon terraces, Romanesque churches, and natural viewpoints. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best seasons.
What Stands Out
- Roman-era trail along the eastern shore — 45km total
- walkable in day sections
- Panoramic views from 200–900m above the lake — impossible to achieve from a boat
- Passes through abandoned villages and Romanesque churches off the tourist trail
- Accessible day sections from Varenna and Bellano — ferry back at end of day
- April–May and September–October: best walking seasons