Lake Como, with its shimmering waters and grand villas, has long captured the imagination of travellers and romantics alike. Often seen as a postcard-perfect destination, most visitors arrive expecting luxury and elegance — and they’re certainly not disappointed. But beyond the polished promenades and lakeside estates lies another Lake Como entirely — one carved by ancient footpaths, whispering forests, and panoramic trails that tell stories older than the villas themselves. With a bit of curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes, travellers can trade grandeur for authenticity and discover a version of Lake Como many have never seen.
Hidden among the folds of the surrounding mountains are paths once used by shepherds and stone masons. These routes, far from the tourist bustle, are dotted with forgotten chapels, centuries-old olive groves, and rustic hamlets that still cling to the mountainsides. For those planning Lake Como holidays, venturing into these less-travelled areas offers more than just exercise — it’s an immersion into the region’s natural rhythm and deep-rooted traditions.
While Lake Como often headlines Italy holidays with its iconic villas like Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, true magic waits in places where signs are scarce and time slows down. The Sentiero del Viandante, a historic path hugging the eastern side of the lake, reveals medieval stone steps, terraced vineyards, and glimpses into daily life that haven’t changed much in centuries. It’s these moments — a shepherd leading goats across a sunlit ridge, or the chime of church bells echoing through a pine forest — that redefine package holidays to Italy not just as getaways, but as soulful connections to place. With curated escapes offered through companies like Travelodeal, the journey to these quieter corners becomes not just accessible but deeply rewarding.
The Mountain’s Whisper: Trails Less Taken
One of the most rewarding hikes is the climb to Monte San Primo, the tallest peak in the area. From its summit, Lake Como sprawls like a silver ribbon between rugged mountains. Early risers are treated to sunrises that set the sky on fire, while dusk paints the alpine ridges in moody pastels. Along the way, you’ll pass alpine huts and perhaps spot chamois or golden eagles — silent sentinels of this high terrain.
Alternatively, the Greenway del Lago di Como, though more accessible, weaves through sleepy villages and gardens where wisteria frames every doorway. It’s ideal for those wanting the beauty of the region without intense climbs. Stops along this trail include quiet cafés and artisan studios, where you can meet locals whose families have lived here for generations.
History Etched in Stone
Walking through these trails isn’t just about scenery; it’s about story. Abandoned mule tracks lined with dry-stone walls hint at Lake Como’s history as a trade route. In remote hamlets like Nesso or Vezio, timeworn frescoes and stone fountains whisper of medieval pilgrims and alpine legends. You may even stumble upon a sagre — a local food festival — celebrating chestnuts, cheeses, or handmade pastas unique to the region.
It’s in these pockets of preserved life where the true heart of Lake Como beats — quietly, steadily, and beautifully. Here, there are no crowds, no filters, just mountain air, ancient echoes, and the occasional greeting from a local who knows every bend in the path.
A Different Kind of Luxury
Lake Como’s hidden trails offer a different kind of luxury — one defined not by opulence, but by solitude, silence, and the slow discovery of place. For travellers yearning for deeper experiences, stepping off the ferry and onto the trail may just lead to the most unforgettable part of the journey.
So while the lakeside villas will always shimmer with elegance, the soul of Lake Como lies higher — in the whisper of pine trees, in the crunch of gravel beneath hiking boots, and the echo of stories told between mountains and sky.
