Alpe Chiaro and the Big Bench - the perfect sunday trip

The eastern branch of Lake Como is full of breathtaking views, but the one that you can enjoy from the giant bench of Alpe Chiaro is certainly one of the best.

Alpe Chiaro, a small group of houses reachable with a short walk from Alpe Giumello, is the ideal trip if you want to spend an afternoon in nature and is a perfect destination in both summer and winter. You can easily reach Alpe Giumello by car from the town of Bellano. The trip is also very convenient for those arriving from Milan since the road to take is right at the exit of the SS36 highway. From the highway exit you will go through Valsassina valley with its characteristic villages. In half an hour's journey you will reach Alpe Giumello where you will find a large car park. Parking there for the whole day costs 3 euros.

From the car park you have to walk for come minutes to reach the big bench. This hike is really easy, since it is a mainly flat path. Following the signs for Rifugio Capanna Vittoria, you will find several red signs with the words "Big Bench" to show you the way, you will pass a small town, then you will reach Alpe Chiaro.

The destination will be just a few steps away, and once you climb a small hill, the panorama that stands out before your eyes will leave you breathless: a giant red bench, perched on the ridge. In front of you there will be several valleys and mountains that sorround Lake Como. On a clear day you can even see the Swiss side and Lake Lugano.

Once there, all you have to do is climbing onto the bench, sit on it and feel very small while enjoying the view. For fans of Big Benches it is possible to get your passport stamped at Rifugio Capanna Vittoria, open all year round, where you can also have lunch or warm up with a cup of coffee.

The Big Bench in Alpe Chiaro is an ideal destination for a Sunday trip, for both adults and children.