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Hiking Tours in the Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes hiking region centers on Lake Como and Lake Garda, where trails climb from lakeside villages to ridge lines with sweeping views over the water. Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel, running Italian Lakes trips for years.

Walk high above Bellagio and Varenna on Lake Como, or explore the trails around Riva del Garda on Lake Garda's northern shore. Extend your trip with a few nights in Milan or combine with our Italian Alps itineraries.

20+ years of self-guided expertise, hand-picked lakeside accommodation, and luggage transfers throughout - Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel.

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Routes in Italian Lakes

  • Italy

    Lake Como Trails

    • Walking
    • 6–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$2,360CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy · Switzerland

    Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lugano

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,565CAD pp
    View Route

Here's why the Italian Lakes make for a rewarding self-guided hike:

  • Ridge trails above Lake Como link Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio with panoramic lake views
  • Lake Garda's northern shore around Riva del Garda offers a mix of lakeside and mountain trail options
  • Villages along the route mix genuine Italian character with easy access by ferry or local train
  • Trips pair naturally with a few nights in Milan or an extension into the Italian Alps
  • Graded Easy-Moderate to Moderate - accessible for most regular hikers
A woman stands by Lake Como in Italy, backpack on her back and hiking poles in hand, taking in the peaceful view.

Italian Lakes like a local

  • When to go

    April to June and September to October are ideal, with warm days and manageable trail heat. July and August can be hot and busy on the lakeshores.

  • What the trail is actually like

    Ridge and hillside paths above the lakeshores, with well-marked trails and regular villages to stop in. Terrain is steady rather than high-mountain.

  • Where you stay

    Lakeside hotels and guesthouses in villages like Bellagio, Varenna and Riva del Garda, chosen for views and easy access to the trailheads.

  • Fitness needed

    Moderate fitness for hillside ascent and descent. This is an accessible route for most active hikers, not a technical trek.

  • How do I get between lake villages

    Regular ferries and local trains connect the main villages on both Lake Como and Lake Garda, making logistics simple.

More regions to explore

Know before you go

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