HIKING ALONG LAGO DI COMO

Steps to climb in Moltrasio.

Hiking on Lake Como is fantastic. You can choose from several routes in each area: The highest route is on top of the mountain, and is for those who like a strenuous trail with lots of great distant views. Sometimes there is a middle route half way up. I prefer the lower routes which, on the western side of the lake, are located mostly on old roads and paths that connect the small villages.
The views to the lake are wonderful; there are a postcard photos around every bend. The trail is mostly away from roads, so it is quiet and peaceful. One thing to keep in mind when taking these trails is to be sure to bring your own water and snacks. Although most of the small villages will have places for nourishment, a lot of bars and cafes are closed from 12:30 to 4:00, and if is Sunday, there will probably be nothing open along the way. Also, I found that there were very few people on the trail, and those that I did encounter were local residents (not many tourists can be a good thing). Keep in mind that you are mostly on your own, which can be a nice way to be more intimate with your surroundings.
On this trail, I trekked from Moltrasio (near the town of Como) north to the small village of Laglio (pronounced Lallio), where George Clooney has his Villa, the Villa L’Oleandra. The Villa L’Oleandra is not easy to find, there are no signs or flashing lights. In fact, I walked past it several times without realizing it. Then I noticed an ornamental iron fence and gate on the lake road which had an almost hidden sign saying Villa L’Oleandra. There was a car parked just behind the gate, George’s car? The only thing you can see from the gate is a little bit of the roof of the villa, the whole thing is enclosed with a high
vine covered fence. Just on the north side of the villa is a small lake cove and boat dock which, the best I can tell, you can see the side of the Villa L’Oleandra complete with a nice vine covered terrace along the lake. At the little cove I found a family of swans taking a break from the water (see photo), as if posing just for the camera.
Laglio is a very small and pleasant and quiet lake village, except for a constant stream of large, noisy motorcycles, which I’m told frequent the lake road especially on weekends (I was there on a Sunday). All in all, the hike from Maltosio took about 2 and a half hours (I stop frequently to take in the views), and the walk back to Monltrasio along the lake road was only approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy the photos.