Hiking through Italian lakes

Lake Como, surrounded by the Pre-Alps mountains, is often referred to as an emerald-colored jewel. The Pre-Alps create an enchanting setting for this lake, and the hiking trails that wind through the beech and chestnut forests offer opportunities for exceptional panoramic discoveries. Picturesque villages like Bellagio, Cernobbio and Menaggio are home to sumptuous villas that bear witness to the region's illustrious past. The terraced gardens that slope down to the lakeside, overflowing with hydrangeas and camellias, add a touch of charm to the whole.

Lake Maggiore, with its famous Borromean Islands, also attracted the attention of illustrious writers such as Flaubert. Enthusiastic hikers can explore balcony trails that lead to panoramic peaks, offering spectacular views of the lake and islands. These islands, with their manicured gardens and elegant homes, add a special dimension to the experience of this region.

Finally, Lake Orta, although the smallest of these lakes, is often considered one of the most romantic. The small villages that line its banks, as well as the charming chapels scattered throughout the region, create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation. This serene atmosphere seems to invite visitors to reflect and appreciate the harmony of this enchanting place.

In short, the Lake District of Northern Italy continues to captivate hearts with its natural beauty, picturesque villages, historic villas and scenic hiking trails.

During your stay, you can hike the trails that cross the surrounding mountains, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the lakes.

During your trip, you will have the opportunity to spend the night in a comfortable hotel to relax, and enjoy delicious local cuisine during an evening dinner featuring fresh lake fish, local cheeses, salamis and more Again. For lunch breaks at midday you will have picnics from the country's cuisine.

During your stay, you can even benefit from boat excursions on the crystal clear waters of Italian lakes to visit islands such as the San Giulio Islands or the Borromean Islands.

A stay in the Italian lakes would be a real adventure between mountains, lakes, islands and picturesque villages allowing you to experience magical moments in the heart of Italy.

An experienced local guide will be able to accompany you during your stay and help you discover the hidden treasures of the country.

When to go for a stay in the Italian lakes?

Summer: The summer period, from June to August, is ideal for hiking in the Italian lakes. Temperatures are pleasant, varying between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the days are long, providing more time for outdoor activities.

Autumn: September and October offer magnificent landscapes with autumn colors. Temperatures are cooler, between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for a hike. The lakes and mountains are less busy during the day at this time, thus offering more tranquility.

Spring: April, May and June are also excellent for Italian lake hikes. Temperatures begin to rise, varying between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the landscapes are rich in flowers and greenery. However, there may be rain showers during the day at this time.

Winter: If you like snow and winter landscapes, winter is also a great time to go hiking in Italian lakes. Ski resorts located around the lakes offer snow-covered hiking trails and spectacular views. Temperatures can be cold, between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, so it is important to equip yourself correctly.

What type of trip is offered?

The departures of our stays are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Trip prices vary depending on the length of stay, level of comfort and options chosen. Whether you prefer a star stay, with daily hikes departing from your accommodation, or roaming with nights in different accommodations, we have options adapted to the desired trip.

On our trips, it is possible to choose two roaming options:

Star:

The star stay takes place from a central lodge or hotel where you spend your nights in the same room (possibility of having a single room for a single supplement depending on availability). The hotel is often more comfortable and the weight of the bag is limited to the things needed during the day. The departure takes place in a loop every day.

While roaming:

During the traveling stay, your nights spend in a different lodge, hotel, or refuge. On these stays which require a more committed physical level, we take care of the transfer of your luggage from hotel to hotel.

Self-guided or tailor-made travel:

This type of stay allows you to go on the trails on the dates of your choice. The self-guided stay allows you to choose your departure date, who you wish to go with, for a trip personalized to your wishes and in the type of accommodation of your choice. We take care of reserving your hotel accommodation and meals for your midday lunch breaks as well as evening dinner. You will not be accompanied by a guide but we will provide you with travel documents, IGN maps, a roadbook and a guide application. To guide you during your hikes and accompany you throughout your stay, we provide you with detailed maps of the region. This way, you can explore the trails freely to your hotel, following the itinerary provided.

Group travel with a guide:

The group trip brings together several participants on one trip. You are accompanied by a guide who leads you on the trails and tells you all the details of the country. Going in a group means living a shared experience with participants you don't know before leaving. It also means being supervised on the route by a local mountain guide, who will pass on all his knowledge of the region to you.

What are the most beautiful hikes to do in Italian lakes?

SentierodelViandante, Lake Como:

Walking time: approximately 5 to 6 hours (from Varenna to Colico)

Elevation: approximately 800 meters of positive elevation and 700 meters of negative elevation

Difficulty level: moderate

The SentierodelViandante is one of the most popular hiking trails in Lake Como, Italy. It winds along the eastern coast of the lake, offering magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains, picturesque villages and of course, the lake itself. This scenic trail runs along Lake Como and offers magnificent views of the water and the surrounding mountains. It passes through small picturesque villages and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Sentiero del Ponale, Lake Garda:

Walking time: approximately 2 to 3 hours (one way)

Elevation gain: approximately 600 meters of positive elevation (or negative depending on the route chosen)

Difficulty level: easy

This hiking route follows an ancient road that connects Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley. The trail offers spectacular views of Lake Garda and its surroundings. It is well maintained and accessible to all levels of hikers.

SentierodellaValsolda, Lake Lugano:

Walking time: approximately 4 to 5 hours (loop)

Elevation: approximately 800 meters of positive and negative elevation

Difficulty level: moderate

This loop route takes you through traditional villages and green landscapes around Lake Lugano. You can enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains along the way.

Sentiero dei Fiori, Lake Maggiore:

Walking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours (from Stresa to Montorfano)

Elevation difference: approximately 950 meters of positive altitude difference and 1100 meters of negative altitude difference

Difficulty level: difficult

The Sentiero dei Fiori, also known as SentieroAzzurro, is a beautiful hike located near Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. This hike offers breathtaking landscapes, panoramic views of the lake and the opportunity to discover incredibly rich flora.

The route offers incredible landscapes of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. The trail passes through forests, green hills and picturesque villages, providing a complete hiking experience.

Please note that walking times and difficulty levels may vary depending on personal walking pace and weather conditions. Make sure you prepare well before each hike and have appropriate clothing, water and food with you.

Going on a trip with La Vie Sauvage guarantees you:

To experience a stay where each accommodation is selected for its qualities by paying a hotel at the right price.

Our trips are supervised by experienced and passionate local mountain guides who will guide you through the trails, sharing with you their knowledge of the region and their love for nature. They will be there to help you fully enjoy your group hiking experience.

By choosing La Vie Sauvage, you can enjoy all the advantages of an organized stay, without having to worry about logistics. We'll take care of all the details, including hotel, transfers, meals and hiking routes, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your stay. We will do everything we can to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in Italy whether you choose to hike with a guide or on your own.

It is clear that the lake district of Northern Italy, with its gems such as Lakes Como, Maggiore and Orta, has a long history of seducing artists and travelers since ancient times. These lakes offer stunning scenery and a romantic atmosphere that has continued to charm visitors over the centuries.

Italian lakes offer an exceptional hiking experience, especially for lovers of spectacular landscapes and unspoiled nature. Accessible from Milan by train, discover Lakes Como, Orta and Lake Maggiore where you will be enchanted by the diversity and authentic beauty that Italy has to offer. We take care of the transfer from city to city to facilitate your visit, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment of your trip. Don't forget to go to Isola Bella, an unmissable island, where you can combine hiking with discovering the country's rich historical heritage. All in all, booking a stay in the Italian Lakes represents an ideal travel destination for nature lovers and travelers looking for a truly memorable getaway in Italy.