Italy is a great place to visit. It has so much to see and do. From great antiquities, major metropolitan areas, beautiful countryside, mountains, and...Lake Como.
If you enjoy walking, Europe is a great place to visit, and the cities and countryside of Italy is some of the best walking terrain in the world. However, if walking in big cities, like Rome, doesn't seem to be relaxing, take a trip north to Lake Como...and don't tell my wife. George Clooney has a home there, and she would give major portions of her anatomy to go there and see him!
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Top Reasons to Walk in Lake Como
By Dipika Patel
If you're planning a walking holiday in Italy, consider basing yourself in Lake Como. This fabulous destination, situated in the Lombardy region, boasts some immensely rewarding trails and incredible towns to explore. So, what are the top reasons to come here?
Rewarding routes
One of the chief reasons for choosing Lake Como for your independent walking holiday is the fantastically rewarding routes it is home to. Many of the trails here pose a little bit of a challenge, giving you the chance to stretch yourself and discover some incredible views that a lot of visitors would otherwise miss.
However, you need not worry that the paths will be excessively hard. While demanding, they will not exhaust you - and they will be all the more satisfying for your efforts.
Little-known paths
Another charming thing about a luxury activity holiday here is that you'll discover a mixture of little-known and historical paths. Indeed, the trails include pilgrimage routes and smugglers' pathways, with their rich past making your walks all the more exciting.
Among the historical trails you'll follow is a pilgrims' trail in Lenno. This uphill route is littered with twists and turns and sprinkled with chapels, before you reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santuario Soccorso. Next, you'll walk along a mountain route dating back to the 12th century to get to the wonderfully isolated Abbey of San Benedetto. Nestled high above a valley, it's the ideal scenic spot for a picnic.
Visiting Varenna will take you along another historical route. This pilgrimage trail leads uphill to the spectacular Varenna Castle. In addition to being visually striking, this fortification offers splendid views over the surroundings. Leaving here, you can follow the path along the eastern shore to where it meets the lake at Bellamo, before visiting the 'orrido' - a vast gorge that slices the town in two.
Pretty cities, towns and villages
It is not only historical walks you have to look forward to; Lake Como also plays host to some immensely attractive cities, towns and villages. Among them is Como, which is home to a fascinating old city you can explore prior to embarking on a walk high above it.
Bellagio, meanwhile, is celebrated for its picturesque promenade and the charming villages it is home to, which are nestled in the hills. These are well worth seeking out, as they boast little farms that sell excellent locally-made produce, including honey and cheeses.
After visiting Bellagio, you can spend some time in Pescallo, which is well known for its fabulous waterfront restaurants and winding streets.
Mountain views
Another attractive thing about Lake Como is its marvellous alpine views. During a walking break here, you can embark on some excellent mountain routes, discovering unforgettable vistas that many tourists miss out on.
Perhaps one of the most breathtaking is the trail up Monte San Primo. You'll transfer up to a height of 1,000 m before walking to a saddle at 1,400 m. Staggering 270 degree views will greet you upon your arrival, while the 2,400 m La Grigne towers above you. You'll have an amazing experience on the return leg too, by visiting a cliff-side bar in the village of Ghisallo, situated around 750 m below the saddle.
In Como, you can take the funicular - a near-vertical journey that's bound to thrill you - up to Brunate, which is situated 700 m above the town. You can see all the way to Milan from this vantage point, making it an unforgettable highlight of your trip.
Searching for a walking holiday in Italy? Headwater Holidays offers an excellent range of luxury activity holidays, so find the perfect independent walking holiday with us today.
Article Source: Top Reasons to Walk in Lake Como
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