Hike from Peschiera Maraglio to the Sanctuary of Ceriola

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola stands on the top of Monte Isola and from its churchyard you can admire a vast panorama of the lake. The building was built in the thirteenth century and then rebuilt after three hundred years. It is thought that the name of the church derives from the oak wood used to carve the image of the Madonna. Among the various works of art contained in the church, the numerous and ancient ex votos deserve interest.

You can access Monte Isola with the ferries that depart from Sulzano and arrive in Peschiera Maraglio in a few minutes. Once disembarked you can walk north along the lakefront of the lively village passing next to a shipyard, a commercial port, portions of wood and olive groves that characterize the whole island.

Once in Carzano you can take a nice dip on the beach and then continue along the route following the signs for Olzano. The route, always well signposted, crosses a chestnut grove and runs along a paved and panoramic stretch.

From the Ceriola Sanctuary you can continue along a different itinerary that enters the wood just below the sanctuary. Passing through vineyards, chestnut groves and olive groves, with a view of the island of San Paolo, you return to Peschiera Maraglio.