GREENWAY LAGO DI COMO
The Greenway del Lago di Como is a walking route of 11.5 km (7 mi) in one of the most picturesque areas of western Lake Como. It follows the ancient Via Regina, the road that was built by the Romans to connect Como with territories beyond the Alps.
The Greenway, which passes through the villages of Colonno, Sala Comacina, Tremezzina and Griante, offers splendid views and examples of architecture, villas and gardens (e.g., the unmissable Villa Carlotta). It is a great opportunity for anyone to see Lake Como from a different perspective.
This walk is suitable all year round, easily covered in about 3 hours and offers amenities of all kinds. It is also suitable for people with mild disabilities.
The Greenway can be divided into five stages, so if you just want to take a short walk, you can do only one or two stages and return to the starting point via C10 bus.
Useful tips
🎒 Things to bring with you
- Power bank
- A cape or poncho to cover yourself in case of rain, a hat for the sun
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Energy snacks such as dried fruit and nuts
- Water (at least ½ liter)
- Sunscreen
- The Komoot app!
🚨 In case of emergency
Call 112 for any kind of emergency
Things to bring with you
- Power bank
- A cape or poncho to cover yourself in case of rain, a hat for the sun
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Energy snacks such as dried fruit and nuts
- Water (at least ½ liter)
- Sunscreen
- The Komoot app!
In case of emergency
- Call 112 for any kind of emergency
For each section I have created a detailed description and a GPS map to follow on the Komoot app so you never get lost along the way!
Follow me on Komoot and don’t miss any of my routes around Lake Como!
For each section I have created a detailed description and a GPS map to follow on the Komoot app so you never get lost along the way! Follow me on Komoot and don’t miss any of my routes around Lake Como!
The Greenway del Lago begins in Via Strada Cappella, Colonno, at the southern end of the town (near the C10 bus stop). It passes through the quiet village of Colonno and, after some beautiful views of the lake and village rooftops, reaches Sala Comacina from where you can proceed with the second leg of the route.
✨ Highlights
1. Bridge over the Pessetta stream.
2. View of Colonno and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo
3. View of Isola Comacina.
📍 Facilities
Bars and restaurants
Several bars and taverns are located along the main road that runs along the lake and can be reached by quick detours from the Greenway.
Pharmacies
There are no pharmacies in Colonno or Sala Comacina. The nearest pharmacies are located in the following places:
Grocery stores
No grocery stores can be found along the route. A couple of bakeries and butcher shops can be found along the road that runs along the lake, especially in the Sala Comacina area.
🥾 Trail description
Reach Via Cappella, follow the metal signs - vertical or on the ground - indicating the Greenway del Lago di Como and then continue along Via Civetta, in the direction of the historic village of Colonno.
Past the descent to the lake leading to the main square of the town, cross the bridge over the Pessetta stream (which you may find dry at times).
As soon as you leave the center of Colonno, a slightly uphill street offers a splendid view of the village of Colonno with the bell tower of the Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Continue on the ancient Via Regina until you reach Sala Comacina, from which there is a wonderful view of Isola Comacina.
From here, down the steps, you can visit the medieval town center (where you will find the C10 bus stops) or continue on the Greenway.
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The second section of the Greenway offers a more history-oriented look at the area, passing by some of the oldest churches in the area and the historic Villa Balbiano. A short section of carriage road is crossed, where you have to be careful. From Ossuccio you can proceed with the third section or return via bus.
✨ Highlights
1. View of Sala Comacina and the bell tower of the Church of San Bartolomeo
2. Church of Santi Giacomo and Filippo, a Romanesque-style church dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, with a must-see interior richly decorated with wall paintings
3. Church of Santi Eufemia and Vincenzo, that was built in the 12th century after the destruction of the basilica of the same name on Isola Comacina.
4. Villa Balbiano, a historic residence and location for weddings and events; in 2021 Villa Balbiano was used for the filming of the movie "House of Gucci" directed by Ridley Scott.
📍 Facilities
Bars and restaurants
There is a bar in the park of Ossuccio along the Greenway. Alternatively, it is possible to take a small detour and reach the bar at Ossuccio beach.
Pharmacies
There are no pharmacies in Sala Comacina or Ossuccio. The nearest pharmacy is the one in Lenno.
Grocery stores
No grocery stores can be found along the route. A couple of bakeries and butcher shops can be found in Sala Comacina, along the road that runs along the lake.
🥾 Trail description
This part of the itinerary begins near the votive Chapel of San Rocco and, after a few minutes, offers a splendid view of Sala Comacina and the Church of San Bartolomeo, whose bell tower peeks through its rooftops.
Cross the bridge on the Premonte valley and enter Ossuccio, a locality of Tremezzina. When you get to the main street, be careful of cars!
Reach the Church of Santi Giacomo e Filippo, an ancient Romanesque church that I recommend visiting if you have time, then enter Via Santuario and turn immediately right onto Via Andrea Castelli.
Go past the park in Ossuccio, where you can also find a bar, and head toward the end of this stretch past the Church of Santi Eufemia and Vincenzo.
The end of this leg of the route is at Villa Balbiano, a beautiful historic mansion that was used for the filming of the movie "House of Gucci" directed by Ridley Scott.
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This section passes through the historic village of Campo di Lenno, skirting the Lavedo headland, on the tip of which is Villa Balbianello (reached by a detour). It finally arrives at the Gulf of Venus, one of the most beautiful waterfronts in all of Lake Como. From the end of this stretch, you can proceed with the fourth section, return via bus, or embark for another location at the Lenno pier.
✨ Highlights
1. The historic village of Campo di Lenno, with its stone paths and where you can see the gates of Villa Monastero Pax (venue for weddings and shootings).
2. Footpath to Villa Balbianello: from this gate located directly on the Greenway, it is possible to reach Villa Balbianello in about 20 minutes on foot. The road is mostly uphill, but it is easily passable.
3. Golfo di Venere (Gulf of Venus): an ideal place to admire magnificent views while strolling along one of the most beautiful lakeside promenades on Lake Como, or to relax in one of the cafés or restaurants with tables overlooking the lake.
4. Baptistry of San Giovanni Battista, octagonal building dating from the second half of the 11th century and dedicated to St John the Evangelist.
📍 Facilities
Bars and restaurants
Along this stretch, there are many bars, pizzerias and restaurants in the Golfo di Venere area. Alternatively, small detours can be made to other bars and restaurants located on Via Statale (the main carriage road).
Pharmacies
Grocery stores
🥾 Trail description
You are now at the third section of the Lake Como Greenway. Cross the bridge over the Perlana stream and reach the picturesque old town of Campo di Lenno (another hamlet of Tremezzina) which runs alongside Villa Monastero Pax, a wedding and shooting venue.
After a few minutes' walk, you will find the promontory of Lavedo on the right and a small campsite on the left.
Past the Albergo Ristorante Lavedo, you have two options:
- the first is to continue on the Greenway thus reaching the Gulf of Venus
- the second is to make a detour to Villa del Balbianello, which can be reached after a 1-km path from Via degli Artigiani (check opening times here) or by taking a taxiboat that leaves near Lido di Lenno and costs about €9 for the round trip.
Once you arrive in the Gulf of Venus, enjoy a walk along Lenno's beautiful lakefront and don't forget to check out the Church of Santo Stefano and the Baptistery of St. Giovanni. Here you will also find plenty of bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors for a break.
After that, you can continue to the Lenno pier and proceed on the Greenway or embark to another destination.
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This section passes through some of the most reserved places on Lake Como. In fact, it enters Tremezzina territory by passing through the ancient hamlets of Mezzegra, Bonzanigo and Bolvedro, with their respective historic buildings and nature all around. From Tremezzo, you can proceed with the last section, return via bus, or embark for another location at the Tremezzo pier.
✨ Highlights
1. Church of San Giuseppe and Church of San Abbondio, two churches built between the 17th and 18th centuries in scenic spots inland from Tremezzina.
2. Historic villages of Bonzanigo and Bolvedro, places where time seems to stand still.
📍 Facilities
Bars and restaurants
There are a couple of restaurants on this section, in the hamlets of Bonzanigo (Ali di Alice) and Bolvedro (Zoi), respectively. At the end of the route, when you reach Tremezzo, there are several bars (e.g., in Teresio Olivelli Park).
Pharmacies
Grocery stores
No grocery stores can be found along the route. With a small detour, however, you can reach the Crai grocery store in Bonzanigo.
🥾 Trail description
Cross the bridge over the Pola stream, and then follow a small alley that leads to the main street. Cross it and continue uphill for ten minutes, until you reach Mezzegra.
After about 10 minutes uphill you exit on Via Pola and turn right. At the next fork, turn left into via Pola vecchia and, after passing the Church of San Giuseppe, continue to the Church of Sant'Abbondio from whose churchyard there is a splendid view of the lake and the promontory of Bellagio.
Continue slightly downhill and reach Palazzo Brentano, which dates back to the 17th century and was built by the rich local Brentano family.
Walk on the antique urban center of Bonzanigo, then go down towards the lake, turning left into Via delle Gere.
By crossing the bridge over the Bolvedro stream and, walking alongside the village, you will finally reach the main street that runs next to the lake (two steps away from the bus stop).
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The last section of the Greenway is the flattest and offers many attractions: you can relax in the park of Tremezzo, visit the botanical garden and museum of Villa Carlotta, eat in a restaurant with a lake view, and much more. You can return via bus or embark at Cadenabbia (pier that also allows vehicle transportation to central lake destinations).
✨ Highlights
1. Church of San Lorenzo, an imposing eclectic-style church in Tremezzo with a beautiful facade featuring neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque elements.
2. Parco Teresio Olivelli, a small botanical and architectural gem that provides access to the lake and is ideal for relaxing in the shade of its towering trees or sitting at tables in its small café. In summer, this park can host food and music events in a unique landscape setting.
3. Lake Como’s Landscape Museum: located inside Villa Mainona, it houses a collection of old prints of the lake that offer a fascinating look of Lake Como, and a multimedia system that allows visitors to compare maps and historical images with the current layout of the area.
4. Villa Carlotta surrounded by a wide botanical garden, Villa Carlotta is home to a museum that collects works by Canova and Hayez. Ideal to visit in springtime, during the blossom period.
📍 Facilities
Bars and restaurants
Along the lakefront between Tremezzo and Griante, you can find a wide selection of bars and restaurants for every price range.
Pharmacies
Grocery stores
🥾 Trail description
The final section of the Greenway del Lago di Como runs entirely along the lakefront of Tremezzo and Griante.
One of the first things you will see is the beautiful Villa Sola Cabiati (once known as Villa La Quiete), which features a well-kept Italian-style garden.
A few minutes later you'll see the eclectic Church of San Lorenzo and cross the beautiful Parco Teresio Olivelli, where you can have a coffee at the park's café or relax in the shade of the centuries-old trees.
Just outside the park you will pass by the Lake Como’s Landscape Museum, which houses a collection of old prints of the lake and a multimedia system that allows visitors to compare maps and historical images with the current layout of the area.
Once past the pier of Tremezzo, cross the road to walk through the ancient arcades with many shops and restaurants.
After a few steps you will see the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which was built in 1910 and is still one of the finest hotels around Lake Como.
A few minutes later you will pass by Villa Carlotta, which houses a wide botanical garden and a museum that is a must-see.
Immediately after Villa Carlotta you enter Griante. The route passes through the hamlet of Cadenabbia where, in front of the Anglican Church of the Ascension, there is a pier where it is also possible to embark by car to central destinations on the lake (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio).
The route finally skirts the beautiful villas of Griante and ends at the lido. From here it is possible to take the C10 bus back to the starting point.
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This Post Has 19 Comments
Is it possible to do this trail with bicycles?
Hello Omri! Yes, you can do it with your bike (a mountain bike, preferably). You will find some narrow alleys along the path, so just be careful. Enjoy your trip!
We will staying at Varenna. Can we take the ferry to the beginning of the hike?
Hi Judy! Yes, you can reach Cadenabbia by ferry and do the route in reverse of how I described it. Once you end the route in Colonno, you can take the C10 bus, get back to Cadenabbia and take the ferry back to Varenna. How does it sound?
Sounds great! Thank you so much for all of the information. It is very helpful.
HI! We’ll be staying in Bellagio. Where do you recommend starting the trail?
Thanks!!
Hello Jenny, first of all I suggest you to go to Cadenabbia by ferry. It will take 10 minutes and you can see timetables here: navigazionelaghi.it > Timetables and lines > Como Lake > Ferry boat. From here, you can follow the reverse path from the one described in this article. Once you end the route in Colonno, you can take the C10 bus, get back to Cadenabbia and take the ferry back to Bellagio.
Such a beautiful walk.
True 🙂
Ciao! Is it also nice to walk the walk backwards (starting in Griante and walking to Colonno), or would the path then be more upwards in that direction (and not an ‘easy walk’ anymore ? Grazie mille! 🙂 🙂
Hi Olivia, don’t worry it will be pretty much the same 🙂
How long will it take to leisurely walk from Colonna to the turn off for Villa del Balbianello on the Greenway?
Thanks
Hi! 1 hour, more or less.
Hello
I want to take the boat from Bellagio to Menaggio. There I want to take the bus to the start in Colonno. I want to start the greenway walk in Colonne and walk back to Menaggio to take the boat again back to Bellagio.
Do you think it’s possible?
Does the C10 drives from Menaggio to Colonno?
Hi Marly, unless you want to visit the town of Menaggio I suggest you to take the ferry from Bellagio to Cadenabbia (15 minutes), then from there you can take the C10 bus to Colonno (approx. 30 minutes). Or, yes, you can take the ferry to Menaggio and then take the C10 bus to Colonno and start from there (the journey will last more, in this case). After you finish your walk in Cadenabbia, you can take the ferry back to Bellagio. Hope this helps!
hello
i will stay in como town. what you suggest me? how will ı reach this beautiful trail?
Hi, you have to take the C10 bus and get off at Colonno.
Hi! Is there plenty of parking in Colonno to start the Greenway Walking Trail
Hi, yes you can find some parking lots along Via Cappella and Via Civetta!