Sant’Amate: A Scenic Point Reached on Foot
This guide is part of UTLAC's The Area section and is intended for those arriving at Lake Como to race, accompany an athlete, or turn the event into an opportunity to discover the area with their family.
Sant’Amate is one of those names that, for anyone who loves Lake Como from above, makes the trip worthwhile on its own. Here the landscape opens wide and clearly, with a view that helps you understand the whole layout of the central lake and the mountains enclosing it. This is not a stop to rush through: it deserves time, breathing room, and suitable shoes.
In a truly useful editorial section, Sant’Amate also makes an important point: some UTLAC locations have to be earned. They are not convenient places for a quick stop by car, but places that reward you with views, silence, and a powerful mountain experience.
At a glance
| Location | Sant’Amate |
| Area | Above the central lake |
| Access | Access on foot |
| Type | Scenic point / high-altitude passage |
| Ideal for | Hikers, photographers, and fit spectators |
| Map | Open the location in Google Maps |
What to see and do
- the open view over the central lake and surrounding mountains
- the proximity of routes to Monte Grona and Rifugio Menaggio
- excellent photographic results, especially on clear days
Trails, views, and nearby places
- continue toward Monte Grona if you have the fitness and time
- combine the hike with Plesio or Menaggio to complete the day
- use Sant’Amate as the scenic stop on a wider itinerary in the Breglia area
Local flavors
Here, the food is decidedly Alpine: polenta, braised beef, alpine cheeses, cured meats, honey, chestnuts, and mushrooms are the most natural references. On race days, it is best to choose simple places with local cuisine and a more relaxed pace than on the lakeshore.
Art, culture, and local identity
Here the cultural story comes mainly through the landscape and the historical use of the mountain as a place for grazing, walking, and relationships between communities. It is a place that helps you understand how Lake Como is not only shoreline, but also a great system of ridges and viewpoints.
How to experience it during UTLAC
It is perfect for more athletic spectators or for those wishing to see the race at elevation, at one of its most evocative passages. It is less suitable for families with strollers or those looking for a very easy stop, but very suitable for anyone wanting to experience UTLAC as a full mountain adventure.
Where to stay nearby
For overnight stays, use the Where to stay page as your base and then come up here during the day. If you are planning a multi-day itinerary, pair it well with the central lake.