Best mountain passes around Magreglio are found in the Lombardy region of Italy, near Lake Como. This area is renowned for its challenging cycling routes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The passes offer diverse terrain, from historic climbs to scenic viewpoints, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Magreglio serves as a central point for accessing these notable mountain passes.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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Monument dedicated to Angelo Marelli
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Yes, at the foot of the Palanzone
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Passage to go up to Palanzone or to the Riella refuge
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Beautiful ridge hike for those who like to have a bit of emptiness on both sides.
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Since the Madonna de Ghisallo is officially the patron saint of racing cyclists, the Passo Ghisallo is a monument to the Tour of Lombardy and the Giro d'Italia, and also, in general, because it is a wonderful place with a very beautiful climb, you should definitely go up here on your racing bike.
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Technical passage for people with a propensity for exposed passages
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I'm asking for info. On the komoot map there is (going up from the 25th anniversary via ferrata) a fork on the left. Is this fork located before the Passo della Vacca? Is it passable and can it function as an escape route? Thanks
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Passo della Vacca – Corni di Canzo Elevation: approx. 1,230 m Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers) / T4 Exposure: high on the south side (vertical drop) Passo della Vacca is a characteristic rock notch located along the crest of the Western Horn of the Corni di Canzo, in the Larian Triangle. It is located just below the summit, at approximately 1,230 meters above sea level, and ideally connects the Ravella Valley (Canzo) with Valbrona, offering a suggestive and delicate passage in the crest crossing of the three Corni. Morphologically, it appears as a clear fracture in the rock, approximately 40 cm wide at the base but which widens towards the top, creating an exposed point with a vertical precipice on the south side, above the so-called Camino Gandin (an 80-meter gully). On the north side, however, it descends into a steep grassy gully, more accessible but still sloping. Its particular shape creates a natural “window effect”: at sunset, the sun can filter through the rock and make the hole visible from the valley floor. It is a must-see for those who reach the Corno Occidentale via the ridge from the west or from the Ferrata del Venticinquennale, and is part of routes classified EE (Expert Hikers) due to its exposure. The section is not equipped: there are no chains or cables. The crossing is done by supporting yourself with your hands and feet, lowering yourself on the north side to cross the gap safely. It does not present any real mountaineering difficulties, but requires a sure step, an absence of vertigo and maximum concentration, especially with a bulky backpack or in the presence of wind. The Passo della Vacca can be reached from path no. 1 from Canzo passing through Terz’Alpe, or from Colma di Pianezzo and Rifugio SEV via the ridge. Once passed, in a few minutes you reach the summit cross of the Corno Occidentale (1,373 m). From here you can continue with the complete crossing of the three Corni (Western, Central, Eastern) or descend towards the SEV Refuge. It is not recommended in the presence of snow or ice, when it becomes an alpine passage and may present verglas. In summer, however, it should be avoided in case of storms or crowds. The ideal is to tackle it in spring or autumn with dry rock. Although it is short and technically simple, it is a stretch where caution is essential: in the past, even serious accidents have occurred, often caused by distraction or underestimation of the danger. The Passo della Vacca is a symbol of the wild charm of the Corni di Canzo: a place that offers strong emotions and spectacular views, reserved for those who have experience, attention and respect for the mountains.
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The two most notable mountain passes near Magreglio are the Madonna del Ghisallo Summit and the Colma di Sormano Summit. Ghisallo is renowned for its deep cycling history and cultural significance, while Colma di Sormano offers challenging climbs and extensive natural beauty.
At the Ghisallo Pass, you'll find the historic Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, dedicated to the patroness of cyclists. Adjacent to it is the Cycling Museum (Museo del Ciclismo), which houses an extensive collection of cycling artifacts and memorabilia from legendary cyclists. It's a spiritual home for cyclists worldwide.
Both Ghisallo Pass and Colma di Sormano offer spectacular panoramic views. From Ghisallo, you can enjoy stunning vistas of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, especially towards Bellagio. The Colma di Sormano Summit provides breathtaking views of Lake Como's branches and the majestic Grigna mountains.
Absolutely. The Magreglio area is famous for its challenging cycling routes. The ascent to Ghisallo Pass from Bellagio features a challenging 4 km stretch averaging 9%. Even more notorious is the 'Muro di Sormano' (Wall of Sormano) near Colma di Sormano, a 2 km ramp with an average gradient of 15% and peaks at 25%, making it an exceptionally demanding climb. You can find more challenging cycling routes in the area by exploring the Cycling around Magreglio guide.
The Colma di Sormano is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and camping. Its vast meadows are ideal for relaxation or a summer picnic. Additionally, it hosts a small astronomical observatory that organizes sky-watching events, particularly on summer nights.
Yes, there are excellent hiking opportunities. From Colma di Sormano, hikers can reach Monte Palanzone in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, which offers incomparable 360-degree panoramic views. For more hiking options, check out the Hiking around Magreglio guide.
The best time to visit the mountain passes around Magreglio is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is most favorable for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the panoramic views. Some higher passes or specific routes might have seasonal closures in winter due to snow.
While some climbs are challenging, the general area around Magreglio offers diverse terrain. The meadows at Colma di Sormano are suitable for family relaxation and picnics. For specific easy walks, it's best to consult the Hiking around Magreglio guide, which lists routes with varying difficulty levels.
The Marelli Memorial is a commemorative monument dedicated to Pietro Marelli, a partisan from the Italian Resistance during World War II. It is located in the Larian Triangle, on Mount Palanzone, along a hiking trail that offers spectacular views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. It's a site of historical and cultural interest for hikers.
Visitors highly appreciate the combination of challenging climbs, stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the Grigna mountains, and the rich cycling history. The Madonna del Ghisallo Sanctuary and Cycling Museum is often cited as a must-visit for its unique heritage, while the natural beauty and outdoor activities at Colma di Sormano are also very popular.
Yes, the Magreglio area also offers opportunities for gravel biking. You can explore various routes, such as the 'Piano Rancio – Along Bellagio's lakeside loop from Barni' or 'Lake Segrino – Lake Segrino loop from Asso'. For more details and route options, refer to the Gravel biking around Magreglio guide.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Magreglio: