Step onto the terrace to appreciate the beauty and breathe the fresh alpine air. Turn to your left and marvel at Monte of Tremezzo, part of the Lugano Prealps in Lombardy, Italy, between Lake Lugano and Lake Como. Due to Il Perlo’s unique vantage point, it feels as if you could reach out and touch it.

Top Five Reasons to Visit Monte of Tremezzo

The exhilarating drive, the harmonious cowbells, the distinct Rifugio experience, the watercolor views of the Italian and Swiss lakes, and Exercise!

Explore More at Monte of Tremezzo

• The exhilarating drive
• The harmonious cowbells
• The distinct Rifugio experience
• The watercolor views of the Italian and Swiss lakes
• Exercise!

Several mountains, including Monte Crocioni, make up this vast ridge. If you’re a light to moderate hiker, you can trek from one peak to another.
Reaching the first point requires careful driving along the switchbacks to Pigra and then upward from there.

My husband and I have a pact…I cannot grab his arm while driving when I look over the edge. You’ll pass cyclists making their way up, and if they can manage it, you can certainly drive it. Feel free to use your horn around curves to alert others that you’re approaching.

Pass the first parking lot, drive through the tall pines, and continue past Rifugio Buffalato. There’s parking available on the grass. You may start to spot cows (many of them) or hear the sounds of cowbells. And, you will see the only sign for the Rifugio Veninni.

Hiking and Dining at Monte of Tremezzo

The hike is mostly paved and has a slight to moderate incline. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Rifugio Venini, the first destination.

They are open for three seasons and offer indoor and outdoor seating. Many locals come for lunch or dinner at hand-carved tables, and Il Perlo can make reservations. The menu is simple: meats and cheeses, a homemade stew, and pizzoccheri.

This is where I began my love affair with authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The wine has a slight carbonation, and I swear it’s the best 4 euros I’ve ever spent. After lunch, unwind and perhaps nap in one of the lounge chairs under the flags of nations, with a view of Lake Como from 5,600 feet.

When you’re ready to take on more, hike another 20 minutes to find World War II ruins. You see Lake Lugano in Switzerland on one side and Lake Como on the other, with captivating views unique to this hike.

Continue for another 20 minutes to Monte Crocioni, the highest point, with a massive steel cross on top. You can see this from Il Perlo, too. Inclement weather is coming when Monte Crocioni has a “hat”. If you don’t trust that approach, download Swiss Meteo to see the latest weather before traveling across the lake and up the mountain.

I lived by it after we were up there in a thunderstorm!

Things to bring:

• Provisions (water and fruit) that Il Perlo can pack for you
• Sunscreen
• Layers
• Sneakers or light hiking shoes
• Credit card (yes, they do take credit cards on the mountain)

Learn more about what you can explore in the region by visiting our detailed guide at Il Perlo’s Explore Page.