Vesta on Lake Idro: Trails, Water and History

Vesta Beach lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Idro. The Vesta district belongs to Idro. Vesta Beach can be reached on foot and by bicycle. The district combines access to the water with varied scenery, trails for different activities and visible traces of the region’s history.

From the Sentiero dei Contrabbandieri to the Alta Via dei forti

The Sentiero dei Contrabbandieri begins in Vesta. It recalls the historic smuggling between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, particularly the transport of sugar and tobacco from Austria to Italy. A circular hike on the Sentiero dei Laghi uses part of the trail, starts in Vesta and includes a boat transfer to Baitoni. The boat transfer to Baitoni adds a change from trail to water to the hike.

The Alta Via dei forti passes through the Vesta district in Idro. The route is around 62 kilometres long, consists of five stages and climbs 2,500 metres in elevation. It is largely suitable for cycling. When planning individual sections, the five stages, the approximately 62 kilometres, the 2,500 metres of elevation gain and the fact that most of the route can be cycled can be considered separately.

Ferrata Sasse directly on Lake Idro

The Ferrata Sasse is 4,700 metres long, runs directly alongside the water and connects Vesta with Baitoni. In some places it touches the water; at the same time, it offers views of Lake Idro. Chiosco La Fuga rents out equipment for via ferratas. When planning this connection, the 4,700 metres are just as relevant as its direct route along the water and its endpoint in Baitoni.

Church and military relics

The Chiesa di Maria Regina della Pace in Vesta is a subsidiary church associated with the architectural heritage. On the Alta Via dei forti in Vesta, there is a concrete emblem of the Primo Reggimento del Genio Zappatori near a machine-gun position. This position is integrated into a complex of caves and barracks.

Beach, pier and refreshments

Chiosco La Fuga on Vesta Beach serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. This makes it possible to combine time at the beach with a meal at different times of day. The excursion boat Idra berths at the pier on Vesta Beach.

The landscape by the lake

Corna di Fenere is a large, varied limestone massif located a few metres above Lake Idro. The sections of the Ferrata Sasse alongside the water complement this landscape with their immediate proximity to the lake. The few metres above the lake thus contrast with a route that runs directly alongside the water.

More destinations

Carpenedolo, Soiano Del Lago, Vobarno, Piancogno, Gardone Riviera, Malonno, Verolanuova, Gratacasolo

To the higher-level travel overview: Brescia.