Loop hike from Malgrate to Mount Barro

From Malgrate (305 m) to Mount Barro (922 m) and the Archaeological Park (610 m)

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) – Loop trail.
  • Elevation Gain: 750 m.↑ (2460 ft).
  • Duration: 5 hours (including breaks).
  • Difficulty: EE (Experienced hikers).

Discover Mount Barro with this scenic trail winding from Malgrate through the Natural Park, offering the chance to explore the fascinating Archaeological Park at Piani di Barra (610 m / 2,000 ft). The starting point is the parking area on Via Pian Sciresa in Malgrate. You can also reach these beautiful locations by train (Trenord - Valmadrera station) or by bus (Linee Lecco D110 - Viale Italia 38, Malgrate). Please note that the final stretch to the summit of Mount Barro is recommended for experienced hikers only. For all others, we suggest turning left upon reaching Sella della Pila (787 m / 2,582 ft) and following the path that skirts the peak until you reach Sella dei Trovanti (800 m / 2,625 ft). While there are several fountains and springs along the way, we recommend bringing plenty of water, snacks, and wearing proper hiking shoes.

From the parking area, we begin the climb toward Pian Sciresa (420 m / 1,378 ft). Near the mountain hut, turn left, skirt the plateau, and follow the "Sentiero di Mezzo" (Trail No. 301), hiking for a long stretch over relatively level ground. Upon reaching a water fountain, turn right and follow the signs for the Summit ("Vetta" - Trail No. 305) to begin the steep ascent toward Mount San Michele (the Third Peak). You will definitely feel the incline here, with challenging sections where your hands will be essential for balance, but behind you, stunning views of Lakes Garlate, Olginate, Annone, and Pusiano will open up. Once you reach the summit of Mount San Michele (771 m / 2,530 ft), the trail continues with a series of ups and downs that lead you through the other two peaks to Sella della Pila.

At the fork, we recommend that less experienced hikers turn left to skirt around the peak. For those continuing straight, proceed with caution as you scramble up two rocky outcrops to reach the summit of Mount Barro (922 m / 3,025 ft). After a well-deserved break and taking in the breathtaking views, carefully descend the western slope to Sella dei Trovanti, then head toward the Church of Santa Maria and the Eremo Archaeological Museum. After visiting the church and refreshing yourself at the spring, enter the Archaeological Park to explore the ruins of several buildings dating back to the Late Roman Empire (5th–6th century AD). To wrap up this stunning hike, follow the trail signs for Malgrate through a beautiful wooded section, eventually reaching the Pian Sciresa mountain hut (440 m / 1,444 ft) and returning to your starting point.

The Sentiero del Viandante

The Sentiero del Viandante

The Sentiero del Viandante travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, beginning in Abbadia and ending in Morbegno. To allow you to enjoy this these beautiful sites in total tranquility, the route is divided into six stages.

Sentiero del Viandante

The Strada Regia

The Strada Regia

The hike on the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult, and is instead easily doable at any time of the year, keeping in mind to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in winter. In this guide we have divided the route into three stages.

Strada Regia

Ridge Lariano Triangle

Ridge of the Lariano Triangle

The trek to the ridge of the Lariano Triangle kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, the growth is about 37 km. which corresponds to 8/10 hours of walking, with some variations it is also possible to make the route with MTB.

Ridge Lariano Triangle