Valvarrone walks

A beautiful round trip hike above Lake Como. There are magnificent views throughout the route and at the summit. There are lots of ibex and a few chamois, all of which are quite tame. The hike is quite physically demanding, with a steep climb all the way! But the trails are well marked, with a few sections where you need to use your hands, but no major difficulties and no exposed sections. This hike should be done in dry weather (and on dry ground). The access roads to the starting point are very narrow.

This route takes you all around Monte Muggio, in an anti-clockwise direction. All the track is on gravel/dirt. A large part of the path is in the forest, with a wonderful view of Monte Legnone and the Swiss and Valtellina Alps.

Easy (although long) route to the Refuge Ombrega from the Alpe di Paglio, which also includes the Cima di Olino (1781 m). During the walk, you will have a stunning panorama of the Valsassina valley, and also of Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps. You can also spot the Como Lake.

A beautiful walk in the forest overlooking Domaso. The actual starting point is at the beginning of Via Paradisio. If you are coming from the church, the sign will be hidden. On the way back, pay particular attention to take the path behind the church in Peglio.

Along the Via del Bitto, this route leads you steadily uphill from Introbio to the Tavecchia refuge. It isn't a difficult ascent, but it's long. The route itself isn’t particularly scenic, but the Val Biandino panorama is worth the effort.

A truly unique and breathtaking panorama, embracing the three arms of Lake Como. On the left, the Como arm with the island of Comacina and Dosso di Lavedo with Villa Balbianello; opposite, the tip of the Lario Triangle with Bellagio; and on the right, the Lecco arm at the foot of the Grigne mountains.

This route takes you from Balisio Hill to San Calimero via Cornisella. The terrain is not difficult, but it becomes quite steep from Cornisella onward, so some preparation is required. The panorama of the Valsassina valley and also of the Valtellina Alps is wonderful.

After a bus transfer to the other side of Lake Lugano, you will gradually enter the Val d'Intelvi, which is very popular with Italians. In Lanzo d'Intelvi, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the city of Lugano and Monte Salvator.

This fifth stage will take you to the shores of Lake Lugano in Italy, to the small village of San Mamete. You can even swim in the lake at the Albergo Stella del Italia. This route offers several panoramic viewpoints, particularly from the "Denti della Vecchia" massif, where the lake plays hide and seek with the teeth. In Castello, from the Oratory of San Martino, you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

During this fourth stage, Lake Lugano will only be visible from a distance. From Monte Gazzirola to Bocchetta di San Bernardo, you will follow the ridge and border between Ticino, Switzerland, and Italy. At lunchtime, you will probably be in San Lucio, a great place to take a break. You can choose between the Italian refuge and the Swiss hut. You will also have a cultural moment with the San Lucio Chapel, a former 15th-century Romanesque oratory.

This stage is entirely in Italy but very close to Switzerland, particularly at Erbonne. You will walk along the Sentiero delle Trincee, a historic trench trail dating back to the First World War. This will also be your last opportunity to look out over Lake Lugano.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Como, the final destination of this tour. A pleasant, almost flat path will take you from the Binate refuge to the magnificent viewpoint of Monte Bisbino. The descent offers several panoramic views of Lake Como.

Hike starting from Aldesago, near the Airbnb apartments, towards and around Monte Bré with several breathtaking views of Lugano and its lakes. Short hike with a nice elevation gain.

This third stage offers several more viewpoints over the lakes. On this route, you move away from Lake Maggiore and closer to Lake Lugano. At Davrosio, you will recognise Monte Tamaro and Menéra with its antenna. At the Motto della Croce viewpoint, looking south, Lake Lugano is clearly recognisable by the peak that towers above it: Monte San Salvator. A glance to the west allows you to catch a last glimpse of Lake Maggiore.

Final stage to reach San Bernardino. From Rossa, follow the road to the hamlet of Valbella (bottom of Val Calanca). The trail continues on the right bank of the Calancacasca torrent. At Alpe de Lögna, turn right towards Pass di Passit. In a chaotic setting, after a first lake, Pass di Passit is easily reached. After the pass, reach the second lake and continue along the high-altitude trail. Descend towards Lago d'Isola. Head towards Ponte di Cal and descend towards San Bernardino along the Ri di Confin.Markings: White-Red-White.

Passo Giümela marks the border between the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden. From Capanna Cava, head to the farm at Alpe de Cava, continue down the gravel road to Alpe di Sceng, then Fontai. In this small hamlet, follow the signs for Ponte di Sceng, cross the Lesguïna via the bridge and climb back up to Biborgh. The path continues towards Alpe de Lesgiüna (goat farm). The trail (with cables and steps) is quite steep until Alpe de Giümela. Continue to Passo Giümela, which marks the entrance to the canton of Graubünden. Descend to Alpe de Naucal and follow the signs for Rossa. Take this road to the first houses. Behind the small chapel, the path descends directly to Rossa.Markings: White-Red-White.

The day's programme includes a climb of nearly 2,000 metres. In the village of Pollegio, follow the signs for Biasca. In the centre of Biasca, at the foot of the imposing San Carlo church, signs indicate the direction for Capanna Cava via Svall. The trail passes by a few grotti (restaurants set up in caves), then climbs fairly steeply to reach an old road. The signs are still there. The path continues through a chestnut grove and leads to Svall (a few houses and a water source). Above the chalets, the climb is still quite steep until you reach an altitude of 1,900 metres. Then the trail becomes very pleasant until you reach Forcarella di Cava. Capanna Cava is now in sight. It takes just 15 minutes to reach it.Markings: White-Red-White.