How to get there
How to get to the centre of Dervio from Alto Lario: by car, take the SP72 from the centre of Colico towards Dervio. Turn left onto Via Martiri della Liberazione at the traffic lights and cross the railway level crossing. Then turn left again onto Via Roma to reach the railway station, where several free parking spaces are available.
It is also possible to reach Dervio via the Trenord train on the Lecco-Colico-Sondrio line or by boat with the Navigazione Lago di Como ferry service.

 

The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path) is an ancient trail that runs along the lower slopes of the mountains on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The stretch between Dervio and Bellano is a relatively short and easy hike, offering a scenic walk through charming villages and stunning natural landscapes.

Route
The route starts at Dervio railway station. From there, climb the steps and continue straight ahead. On your left, you’ll pass the small Piazza Cavour and the 14th-century Palazzo De Magni. At the crossroads, turn right onto Via Diaz and follow it until you reach the Sentiero del Viandante near the Varrone River. Here, you can admire the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, renowned for its striking Romanesque bell tower.
Continue along Via Duca D'Aosta to reach the hamlet of Balma, where you’ll find a traditional washhouse still fed by the waters of the Sedeia Valley above. This area is also one of the starting points for the Falesia della Malìga, a rock climbing cliff. As you follow the road, you’ll arrive at the Crotto del Cech, where a beautiful cobbled mule track begins its climb toward the farmsteads of Chignolo. From this point, you can already enjoy a panoramic view of the marina and the Dervio peninsula.
Crossing the valley, the trail ascends toward the farmsteads of Ronchi (370 metres), where you’ll encounter ancient rock engravings and steps carved into the rock, marked by the centuries-old passage of sledges. At the crossroads, turn right and head south, taking in the stunning views of Bellano and Dervio along the way. After crossing a wooden bridge over the Val Granda, you enter the territory of Bellano and soon reach the hamlet of Verginate (396 metres).
Continue along the path as it winds through terraced slopes, where traces of historic vine and olive cultivation are still visible. Cross a valley where an asphalt road begins, leading to the upper part of the hamlet of Oro. Turn left onto a stairway that climbs toward Pendaglio (450 metres). At the fork, take the right-hand path that crosses the meadows above the highway after passing a drinking fountain.
Continue through the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), where the ruins of old buildings hint at its past, then walk on through meadows dotted with stables and chestnut groves. The path leads to the first houses of Lezzeno. After crossing the provincial road to Vendrogno, you’ll pass by a traditional washhouse and enter the heart of the historic centre. The route then reaches the Sanctuary of Lezzeno (370 metres), dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From the forecourt, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake.
After a stop to take in the view, continue behind the sanctuary along a path heading south that crosses an asphalt road before reaching the provincial road. Turn left and enter the hamlet of Ombriaco (332 metres), where you can admire the Church of San Bernardino. From here, take the steep mule track on the right, which descends toward Bellano and leads to the small Church of San Rocco.
Continue down the steps to the Orrido di Bellano, a natural monument well worth visiting. The route then passes the parish Church of Saints Nazaro and Celso and the industrial archaeology site of the former Cotonificio Cantoni. Cross the Pioverna along Provincial Road 72 to reach the Bellano railway station, where you can catch a train back to Dervio.