Mount Grona (1732 m a.s.l.), with its steep rocky slopes, dominates Menaggio and the Centre of the Lake. From its summit you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Pre-Alpine arc, which sweeps 360° from the Grigne to the Lakes of Como, Piano and Lugano, pushing north to embrace the Alps, and then moving on to the imposing mass of Mount Legnone and Valsassina. Climbing Mount Grona is a really interesting trek, both for the challenging but rewarding path and for the breathtaking view.
For families, I recommend stopping at the Menaggio refuge, which remains an excellent location for admiring the lake and surrounding mountains. Hikers with a fair amount of experience can instead follow the full route which offers a more rewarding experience.
The trails are in excellent condition, but be careful only in winter to the normal route that in the final stretch is located to the north and will often be icy and dangerous considering that the mountain is very steep.
For refreshment you can rely on the Menaggio refuge which is about half way up the climb.
The approach by car is comfortable up to Breglia. If you are not familiar with mountain roads, I suggest you park in the village, otherwise you can take the ticket to pass on the agro-pastoral road and drive up to Monti di Breglia. The road is quite narrow even if not very beaten.
