Sasso Rosso

Sasso Rosso is a rocky viewpoint rising above Gittana, a small hamlet within the municipality of Perledo on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Set well away from the lakeside crowds, it draws hikers looking for quiet and a wide-open view over the water.

How do you get to Sasso Rosso?

The lookout sits along the so-called Variante Altissima of the Sentiero del Viandante — the high-mountain branch of the famous path that links the towns strung along Lake Como's shore. The stretch leading up to Sasso Rosso starts near Bellano or Gittana and climbs across the Creste di Parlasco ridge toward Lierna. The ascent is steep and runs through chestnut and beech woods, so plan for several hours on foot and bring sturdy trekking shoes. Anyone staying in Gittana can pick up the marked CAI trail right at the edge of the village.

What will you see along the way?

The climb rewards you gradually: the first gaps in the tree cover reveal Gittana's rooftops and the lake below, and the view keeps widening the higher you go, eventually taking in the opposite shore around Menaggio. At Sasso Rosso itself, the landscape opens completely — villages scattered along the banks, gentle wooded slopes, and mountain pastures higher up. It's a scene typical of this part of Lombardy: bare rock, quiet broken only by wind and birdsong, and a real sense of remoteness even though the busy resort towns of Lake Como are just a few kilometres below.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn offer the clearest air and the most comfortable temperatures for a longer climb. Summer slopes can get quite exposed to the sun, so an early start is worth it. In winter, the upper section can ice over, so less experienced hikers should stick to milder months.

Who is this spot for?

Sasso Rosso suits travellers who have already seen the popular lakeside towns and want an active day away from the crowds. It's not a route for complete beginners with no mountain experience, but with reasonable fitness and proper footwear the climb is entirely doable in a single day, with a return to Gittana either by the same path or another leg of the loop.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sasso Rosso an official mountain peak? No, it's not a standalone summit but a distinctive rock outcrop along the high-altitude variant of the Sentiero del Viandante, valued mainly for its panorama.

How long does it take from Gittana? Depending on fitness and the exact route chosen, expect roughly two to four hours for the ascent alone, so start with enough daylight in reserve.

Is the trail waymarked? Yes, it's part of the CAI trail network and follows the standard white-and-red markings used across Italian mountain paths.

Do you need a guide? Experienced mountain hikers don't need one, but carrying a map or an offline app is wise, since phone signal can be patchy in the woods.