Sentiero del Viandante (Lecco to Abbadia Lariana)
The Sentiero del Viandante is a centuries-old mule track that once linked the lakeside villages before roads existed, and its southern stretch from Lecco to Abbadia Lariana offers the most dramatic and accessible section of the entire route. Walk it for views of the Lecco branch of Lake Como that no road or boat can replicate.
The Trail Itself
The 8-kilometre section from Lecco southward to Abbadia Lariana follows the eastern shore of the lake, climbing through olive groves, terraced vineyards and chestnut woodland before dropping back to the water's edge. The path is well-waymarked with red and white CAI blazes and gains roughly 300 metres of elevation — manageable for any reasonably fit walker in good trainers.
Along the route you pass through the hamlet of Pradello, where a small stone oratory dating to the 15th century sits in a clearing with a bench and a view that stops most walkers in their tracks. This is the kind of unremarkable, perfect spot that the trail delivers every kilometre or so.
Starting Point and Return
Begin at the Lecco waterfront near the Ponte Azzone Visconti — the medieval bridge that spans the Adda river where it leaves the lake — and follow the yellow Viandante signs uphill through the Rancio neighbourhood. The trail is shaded for most of its length and can be walked comfortably even in summer if you start before 9 am.
At Abbadia Lariana, a regional train (Lecco–Bergamo line) returns you to Lecco in 8 minutes, making this a perfect linear walk with no need to retrace your steps. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
What to Bring
Pack water (there are no reliable fountains on the trail between Lecco and Abbadia), a snack and sunscreen for the exposed vineyard sections. Trekking poles are useful on the steeper descents but not essential.
The trail is at its most beautiful in May when wildflowers line the path and in October when the chestnut trees turn gold and the lake below is mirror-still on calm mornings.
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