The best traffic-free bike rides around Esino Lario
4.5
(535)
14,487
riders
12
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Esino Lario are situated in the Italian Prealps above Lake Como, within the Regional Park of Northern Grigna. The region features a mountainous landscape with peaks of the Grigne Mountains, dense forests, rocky outcrops, and open pastures. Its karst topography includes numerous sinkholes, contributing to a diverse and challenging terrain for road cyclists. Panoramic views of Lake Como and surrounding valleys are accessible from various points.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Esino Lario
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Ring tour towards Alpe Giumello and Valvarrone, a 34.5 miles (55.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 49 minutes to complete. This difficult route winds through scenic valleys and alpine pastures.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Onno — a village on Lake Como – Viewpoint (Onno) loop from Mandello del Lario, a moderate 24.3 miles (39.2 km) path. This route offers panoramic views of Lake Como.
- Local road cyclists also love the Menaggio – Breglia Fountain loop from Menaggio, a 11.1 miles (17.9 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 1 hour 13 minutes.
- Road cycling around Esino Lario is defined by the Grigne Mountains, Lake Como views, and dense forests. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate rides to challenging alpine ascents.
- The routes in Esino Lario are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 450 reviews. More than 14,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Esino Lario's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
4.9
(20)
432
riders
55.5km
03:49
1,870m
1,870m
This difficult racebike tour, the Ring tour towards Alpe Giumello and Valvarrone, offers a challenging ride over 34.5 miles (55.5 km) with a significant 6147 feet (1874 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete it in about 3 hours and 49 minutes, traversing mostly paved roads. The route takes you through quiet, forested climbs and traditional villages, rewarding your effort with dramatic scenery. From Alpe Giumello, perched at 1530 meters, you will find expansive panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. The Valvarrone section also provides picturesque landscapes as you wind through the valley.
This difficult route requires an excellent level of fitness and experience in road cycling. While most surfaces are asphalted, be aware that some segments within the Valvarrone area may have poorly maintained or unpaved sections. The climb to Valvarrone from Dervio is particularly steep, with parts reaching an average of 11.2%, so consider using mountain gearing for this section. Planning for these challenging sections will help ensure a smoother ride.
What makes this trail notable for road cycling is its combination of demanding climbs and consistently spectacular views. It is an excellent route for experienced cyclists looking for a significant physical challenge coupled with immense scenic beauty. The relatively low traffic on some parts of the Valvarrone road also contributes to a more enjoyable and immersive cycling experience. This tour offers a true taste of Alpine cycling, rewarding your effort with memorable descents and a sense of accomplishment.
4.6
(5)
142
riders
34.6km
01:49
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(2)
56
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
72
riders
34.2km
01:58
810m
810m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
28
riders
18.2km
01:18
680m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Other adventures around Esino Lario
Tips from the Community
The road surface is worn but easily rideable with a road bike. Little traffic, almost completely in the shade and with breathtaking nature. Personally, I would not ride it in rain / wind, as the risk of falling rocks is very high - at least after a thunderstorm, there were some large stones and branches on the road.
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The Fontana ad Onore del Ciclista (also known as the Fountain in honor of the cyclist of Maisano) is located in Valbrona, in the province of Como, near the hamlet of Maisano. It is a famous resting point and a true "must" for two-wheel enthusiasts who travel the scenic cycling routes of the Triangolo Lariano.
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one of the most beautiful views of the lake and Lecco!
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A beautiful climb with very little traffic. Very scenic and beautiful.
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Spectacular view towards the tip of Lake Lecco, Grigna and Resegone
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The beauty of the views will reward you for all your efforts.
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On the descent to Onno there are beautiful recesses for taking spectacular photos
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A must! A must stop every time you pass by!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Esino Lario?
There are 10 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Esino Lario, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists looking to explore the region's stunning landscapes without vehicle interference.
What makes Esino Lario a good destination for no-traffic road cycling?
Esino Lario is nestled in the Italian Prealps above Lake Como, within the Regional Park of Northern Grigna. This provides a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and pastures, with many routes offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como. The focus on no-traffic routes ensures a serene and immersive cycling experience through this preserved natural beauty.
What are the general difficulty levels for no-traffic road cycling routes in Esino Lario?
The no-traffic road cycling routes around Esino Lario cater to a range of abilities. Most routes are classified as moderate (9 routes), offering a good challenge without being overly strenuous. There is also 1 difficult route for experienced cyclists seeking significant elevation gains and demanding terrain.
What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic routes in Esino Lario?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Esino Lario are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 454 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning views, the quiet roads, and the diverse terrain that makes for an engaging ride.
Are there any challenging no-traffic road cycling loops in the area?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Ring tour towards Alpe Giumello and Valvarrone is a difficult route covering over 55 km with nearly 1,900 meters of elevation gain. This route offers a demanding ride through the mountainous landscape.
Are there any moderate no-traffic routes with lake views?
Absolutely. A great option is the Stone Fountain with Lake View – View of Lake Como loop from Varenna. This moderate route spans over 18 km and offers beautiful vistas of Lake Como, making it a rewarding ride for those who enjoy scenic beauty.
Can I find any no-traffic routes that are circular?
Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Esino Lario are designed as loops. For example, the Onno — a village on Lake Como – Viewpoint (Onno) loop from Mandello del Lario is a moderate circular route of nearly 40 km, perfect for exploring the lakeside villages and viewpoints.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along these routes?
The region is rich in natural beauty. While cycling, you might encounter elements of the karst landscape, including sinkholes. For specific natural highlights, consider visiting the Tobi Waterfall or the impressive Bellano Gorge, both accessible from nearby areas.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the area around Esino Lario is dotted with historical sites. You can explore ancient structures like Vezio Castle or the Andreani Castle in Corenno Plinio. These offer a glimpse into the region's rich past and provide interesting stops during your cycling adventure.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling in Esino Lario?
The humid temperate climate of Esino Lario, with cooler conditions due to its higher elevation, makes spring and autumn ideal for road cycling. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, perfect for enjoying the no-traffic routes. Summer can also be good, especially in the mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the warmest part of the day.
Are there any routes that pass through scenic valleys or alpine pastures?
While not explicitly listed as a no-traffic route in the guide, the region is known for scenic valley rides like the Valsassina Cycle and Pedestrian Path. Many of the routes around Esino Lario, such as the Pernighera Cableway loop from Dervio, will take you through diverse landscapes that include forested areas and open views typical of alpine pastures.
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