Sentiero del Viandante: Dervio to Colico, the final stage

The final stage, between fortified villages and Valtellina views

The fourth and final stage of the Sentiero del Viandante leads from Dervio to Colico, along the eastern side of Lake Como. It is the stretch that closes the old route, and the finale lives up to it: on the last section the view opens over the Valtellina and the upper lake.

The route winds among picturesque villages, old churches and panoramic mule tracks. The gem is Corenno Plinio, a fortified medieval village above the lake, with its castle and stone stairways dropping to the water: one of Italy's finest villages, and you see why.

Further along we come to the church of San Rocco, where we stop for a packed lunch, and the historic hamlet of Villatico. Ten kilometres and 730 metres of total ascent. The return is by train from Colico to Dervio: the ticket is not included.

Why come

• Corenno Plinio, a fortified medieval village on the lake
• the church of San Rocco along the route
• the view opening over the Valtellina on arrival
• the last stage of the Sentiero del Viandante, the one that closes it

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike: 730 metres of total ascent on continuous ups and downs, with no technical difficulty but six hours of walking. Bring walking shoes, water, a packed lunch and your train ticket for the return.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's finish the Viandante together.