Alpe del Giumello: the big bench above Lake Como

A giant bench with a view over the whole lake

Alpe del Giumello, above Casargo in Valsassina, is one of those places everyone agrees on: open meadows, good air and a giant bench — one of the Big Benches that have become famous across Italy — placed exactly where the view over Lake Como is finest.

The route is a loop at the foot of Monte Croce crossing a beautiful beech wood and reaching the church of Sant'Ulderico, then the Belvedere dell'Alpe Chiaro. Closing the loop is the cross of Monte Muggio, the last viewpoint before heading back.

Ten kilometres and 500 metres of ascent, with lunch at a hut: pizzoccheri or a platter of cured meats, as they do around here.

Why come

• the giant bench looking out over Lake Como
• the beech wood at the foot of Monte Croce
• the church of Sant'Ulderico and the Belvedere dell'Alpe Chiaro
• lunch at the hut with pizzoccheri and cured meats

Who it suits

This is an easy hike: 500 metres of ascent over ten kilometres, on comfortable, well-marked trails. Perfect for families and beginners. The Narro car park costs 3 euros a day and is not included.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to the Giumello.