Olive Tree Trail

A walk on wild trails between Lecco and Bellagio

On a steep slope that at times plunges directly into the waters of Lake Como, several trails cover the entire coast of Oliveto Lario. Between vertical walls and limestone caves, the landscape is at times rugged and at times wild. Starting from the water, olive trees give way to chestnut woods, hazel trees, ancient hornbeams and oaks, some of impressive size. At times there are grazing meadows, but nature reigns over these lands, and in recent years the view has taken the form of a dense and resilient forest. The inhabitants of the forest here are not accustomed to encountering humans.

Starting from Onno, it is possible to reach the locality of La Madonnina, following trail no. 1, which is particularly scenic, overlooking Lake Como and the Grigne mountains. It is not particularly long, but some sections are steep and equipped with chains. A more relaxing walk without alpine technicalities is the one that takes you to Crezzo, following trail no. 3, which runs along an ancient mule track and crosses the chestnut forest, which takes on incredible colors in the autumn season.

Starting from the locality of Vassena, you can reach Magreglio, at the foot of Monte San Primo, ascending trail no. 14, which is also based on the route of an ancient mule track. For the more experienced, you can reach Civenna, but the itinerary includes a long section with steps.

It is pleasant to start instead from Limonta, a locality always illuminated by the sun on the shores of Lake Como. From here you can reach Civenna and Guello, localities a few kilometers from Bellagio, ascending the slopes that are at times wooded and at times covered with olive trees and orchards.

However, every excursion must be undertaken with appropriate equipment and always with respect for the environment that hosts us.