Esino Lario between the Grigna Landscape and Local Culture

Between the Grigna Massif and Lake Como

Esino Lario is the only municipality located entirely within the Parco della Grigna Settentrionale; the park stretches between Lake Como and the Orobie Alps around the Grigna massif. Its elevations range from approximately 500 to approximately 2,409 metres. The Grotte delle Grigne comprise caves extending over several kilometres and reaching depths of more than 1,000 metres. The summit of the Grigna Settentrionale is the destination of numerous hikes, including the Ghiacciaia del Moncodeno, a gorge with ice formations that remain year-round.

Hiking Trails with Different Profiles

The trails around Esino Lario vary in length and route. The Percorso dei santi eremiti is an approximately 7-kilometre round trip through the woods and meadows of Esino to Sasso di San Defendente. The Antiche mulattiere tra Varenna ed Esino Lario route connects the two places on foot via historic mule tracks; the ascent to Esino is approximately 6.5 kilometres long. The 13.5-kilometre Panorama sui monti e sui laghi route can be started at any point in Esino Lario. The route offers viewpoints overlooking Lake Como and the Grigna.

Mountain Sports and Local Culture

The Esino Skyrace has been organised every May since 2015 by the Polisportiva di Esino association and runs along the ridges of Val d'Esino. For those interested in culture, the Museo delle Grigne is a highlight in its own right: across two floors, it houses palaeontological, archaeological and ethno-anthropological sections. They illustrate the development of the local area and society from the earliest times through to the 20th century. Visits are possible by prior reservation and as part of guided group tours.

Churches, Chapels and Artistic Stations

The Romanesque Chapel of San Pietro is located in the Ortanella hamlet of Esino Lario at an altitude of 996 metres; its origins certainly date back to before the 13th century. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a subsidiary church of Esino Lario and belongs to the parish of San Vittore Martire. It was consecrated in 1565 and first restored in 1635. The Via Crucis in Esino Lario was created between 1939 and 1940, with fourteen bronze panels set into the chapels.

The Flavours of Val d'Esino

The local food culture includes the Patata bianca di Esino, also known as Biancona. It is a potato variety traditionally grown in Val d'Esino. Ravioli di Sant'Antonio, also known as Patole, are a traditional dish of upper Esino Lario in Crès. They are prepared for the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate.

Connections in the Surrounding Area

The D21 municipal bus route connects Esino Lario with Perledo, Varenna and Bellano.

Other Places in the Same Travel Area

Suello, Maggio, Molteno, Civate, Pescate, Rovagnate, Introbio, Cassago Brianza

To the overarching travel overview: Lecco.