From Eremo di Montecastello to Campione del Garda

Campione del Garda, a charming hamlet in Tremosine on the western shore of Lake Garda, is known for its picturesque setting and its direct access to the water. While many visit Campione for its beauty and unique location, few know it can also be reached on foot from the Eremo di Montecastello , making it a perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Campione is situated in a prime location, just a few kilometers from Limone sul Garda (home to the famous Cyclopedal Path) and Tignale. Perched at an altitude of about 60 meters above sea level, Campione seems almost nestled into the waters of Lake Garda.

Originally a fishing village, it has evolved into a popular tourist destination while maintaining its historical roots. Its culinary offerings include dishes featuring lake fish, olive oil and local wines, reflecting the rich gastronomic traditions of the Garda region.

The natural beauty of Campione del Garda is one of its biggest draws, complemented by a variety of outdoor and water activities.

Thanks to favorable winds and calm waters, Campione is a hotspot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. These conditions attract water sports enthusiasts from across the region.

The area also boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, leading to spectacular viewpoints. From Campione, you can embark on walks through forests, olive groves and vineyards, or take on more challenging routes like the one from Eremo di Montecastello.

For adventurous hikers, the trail from Eremo di Montecastello to Campione offers a rewarding, albeit demanding, experience. The hermitage, located above Tignale, sits on the slopes overlooking Lake Garda. From there, you can follow Trail 266 and other marked paths to reach Campione along the lakeshore.

The hike descends from Montecastello through forests and historic mountain paths. The most direct route passes through Tignale, with a trail leading downhill to Campione. The hike features stunning views of Lake Garda but can take several hours, depending on your pace and physical condition.

The return journey, with nearly 800 meters of elevation gain, is equally scenic. The trail passes the ruins of an old cotton mill and ascends through the San Michele Gorge. Along the way, hikers encounter a wild canyon, a small lake and a quaint bridge leading to Pregasio. Leaving Pregasio to the right, Trail 266 continues along the cliffs of Monte Cas.

Trail 266 is part of the Bassa Via del Garda (BVG), a 70-kilometer route connecting Limone to Salò, making this hike an integral part of the region’s rich network of trails.