Sometimes you don’t even need to get in the car to discover the most enchanting corners of Lake Como. Just step out of the Vista Lago apartments and let your feet guide you: from here, trails and walks gently climb the surrounding hills, offering sudden, spectacular glimpses of the lake’s sparkling waters.
Taking the small road that starts from Piazza Ghislanzoni – right where the little shop and café are – begins a route seemingly made for those who enjoy moving at a relaxed pace, breathing in the fresh daytime air. After a few minutes of walking, you’ll come across the first paths that wind up into the mountains. The climb is never monotonous or boring; step by step, you reach the charming village of Gaggio, a small natural balcony from which your gaze can wander across truly enchanting scenery.
From here, you can choose your adventure: continue ascending into the woods that lead to Livo, Santa Croce di Naro, and other small timeless villages, or veer left and follow the hillside down to Gravedona, the neighboring town to Domaso, before returning comfortably along the lakeside bike path.
It’s up to you how much time to dedicate to this experience. You can take a simple half-hour stroll to reach the first panoramic clearing above Domaso – the perfect spot for your best holiday selfies – or embark on a longer route, climbing past Gravedona and returning in two or three hours. For the most tireless, there’s always the option to keep ascending, step after step, until the sun sets and the lake turns golden and silent. Ultimately, the real question is simple: what do your legs tell you to do?
If you prefer a gentler, flatter route, you can start directly from Domaso beach, right outside the Vista Lago gate. Heading left, the path will lead you to Gera Lario, where the Adda and Mera rivers meet the lake in a unique natural spectacle. Here, the Pian di Spagna Oasis welcomes you with its pristine landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Continuing further, you can reach Colico, on the other side of the lake.
If you decide to walk to the right, in about half an hour you’ll reach Gravedona, from where you can continue to Dongo, a place steeped in history linked to World War II, and even further to Cremia and, for the more curious, to elegant Menaggio, with its villas and gardens overlooking the water.
A piece of advice? Walk as long as you feel like it. When fatigue sets in, you can always take a bus back – just check the local timetables, and your return journey will be as easy as the outward one.
After all, every step around the lake tells a different story. It’s up to you to choose which one to live today.
