Hike on Lake Como with Benvenuto Club

Hike to San Martino of Griante Church: a Wonderful Balcony on Lake Como

San Martino is a tiny church perched on the mountain above Cadenabbia/Griante, a small village in the middle of Como lake.

This spot is mostly well known for the breathtaking view: from the small plateau on which the church sits, we overlook Bellagio, right where the two southern branches of Como lake join together, the town of Griante directly below, and the massive mountains of Grigne and Legnone.

We will enjoy the view from the boat and then hike along a quite short but uphill trail to reach the church.

To go: 8:00am meeting point at Milano Centrale Railway Station, at the front of the platform of Regional train 2816 (headed to Tirano). At 8:20am train to Varenna-Esino arriving at 9:24am. At 10:23am boat to Villa Carlotta (a. 10:56am).

Hike: Villa Carlotta (200 m), San Martino Church (450 m), Carsolina (250 m), Griante (200 m), Villa Carlotta

Picnic at San Martino

To come back: 3:35pm boat from Villa Carlotta to Varenna (a. 4:25pm) At 5:35pm train to Milano Centrale arriving a 6:40pm.

Difficulty: easy/medium (easy except some short steep stretches), ascent: 350 m, descent: 350 m, minimum altitude: 200 m, maximum altitude: 480 m, walking time (excluding stops): 3 hours – km 8

Equipment: daily backpack, trekking boots and socks or good running shoes, trekking poles (if you use them), comfortable clothes in layers, rain jacket, 1 liter bottle of water (canteen), packed lunch, identity card

Cost: €25 (includes insurance, does not include train and boat tickets). Minimum 6 participants

Ticket costs: train Milano/Varenna €7.10 x 2. Boat €4.60 x 2 (€3.70 if over 65)

Sign up: Fiona Betournay, fbetournay@yahoo.co.uk