Greenway del Lago di Como (Cadenabbia to Colonno Section)
The Greenway del Lago di Como is a 10-kilometre waymarked walking route along the western shore that threads through olive groves, villa gardens and medieval hamlets on paths that have existed for centuries. The stretch passing through and north of Cadenabbia — toward Lenno and Colonno — is the most varied and visually rewarding section of the entire trail.
The Route
Starting from the Cadenabbia ferry dock, the Greenway heads south along the lakefront and then climbs gently inland through the hamlet of Rogaro before descending through citrus-scented terraces to Lenno and the headland of Punta di Lenno.
The full Cadenabbia-to-Colonno section (walking north) passes through Tremezzo, skirting the walls of Villa Carlotta, then continues through ancient mulberry terraces to the tiny village of Colonno with its medieval tower.
The path alternates between shaded stone mule tracks, open lakeside promenades and narrow village lanes — no two kilometres feel the same.
Highlights Along the Way
Just south of Cadenabbia, the path passes the grounds of Villa Balbianello's access lane at Lenno — one of the most photographed headlands on the lake, recognisable from Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale.
The olive groves between Tremezzo and Mezzegra are among the northernmost productive olive groves in Europe, and the oil pressed here each November is a genuine local product worth seeking out.
Mezzegra village contains a small, sobering piece of history: a roadside plaque marks the spot where Benito Mussolini was shot in April 1945 — an unexpectedly resonant moment on an otherwise pastoral walk.
Practicalities
The Greenway is well-signposted with green-and-white markers; the full 10 km from Colonno to Cadenabbia can be walked in 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace with stops.
One-way walkers can take the ferry or local bus back along the shore; the C10 bus line (Como–Menaggio) stops at most villages along the route, making it easy to walk just a section.
Wear comfortable shoes with grip — some stretches involve uneven stone paving and short steep climbs.
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