Sasso di San Martino Viewpoint
A steep but short trail above Tremezzo leads to the rocky outcrop of Sasso di San Martino, where a tiny Romanesque chapel clings to the cliff and the entire central basin of Lake Como unfolds beneath you — Bellagio's promontory, the Grigne peaks and the Larian triangle all at once.
The Hike Up
The trailhead begins on Via ai Monti, a narrow lane that leaves the SS340 just north of Tremezzo's church. The path winds through chestnut and oak woodland, climbing roughly 300 metres of elevation in about 45 minutes at a steady pace — well-marked with red-and-white CAI blazes.
Stone steps cut directly into the rock appear near the summit, and the chapel of San Martino — dating to the 11th century — sits in a small clearing just below the highest viewpoint. The door is occasionally unlocked on the saint's feast day (11 November), revealing simple medieval frescoes inside.
The View
From the flat rock shelf above the chapel, the lake spreads out 400 metres below in its characteristic upside-down Y shape. On clear mornings the snow-capped peaks of the Rhaetian Alps are visible beyond the northern arm, while the cypress-studded gardens of Villa Carlotta are directly below.
Sunrise here is exceptional — the eastern hills catch the first light and paint the water copper and gold before the valley fills with haze. Sunset is equally dramatic, with the Tremezzina coastline glowing amber as the ferry lights begin to appear on the water.
Practical Notes
Wear proper walking shoes; the final rock section can be slippery after rain. Carry water — there are no facilities on the trail. The round trip takes roughly 1.5–2 hours from the village centre.
For a longer day, the path continues north along the ridge toward the hamlet of Rogaro, connecting to the Alta Via del Lario long-distance trail. A picnic on the summit rocks, with prosciutto and local bread from the Tremezzo alimentari, is one of the great simple pleasures of a Como holiday.
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