Directions: Here is a favorite trail of mine, situated near the area I
live in (south of Lake Garda) that I would suggest to those of you fellow
runners who may be planning to tour Northern Italy in the next months. From
Verona (125 km west of Venice), go north-west for about 40 km until you reach
the village of Torri del Benaco, on the eastern coast of Lake Garda, the biggest
Italian lake. From there, take the road going uphill to the small village of
Albisano, 3 km from Torri del Benaco.
Trail Information: Start from the little central square of Albisano,
on the foothills of Monte Baldo. Head south for 3 Km, along a paved road toward
the village of Garda. Turn right when you see a roadsign saying "Monte
Luppia". Run for another 4 km along a dirt road ending at the top of a hill
(called Monte Luppia) offering a wonderful view over Lake Garda, near the
"Punta San Vigilio" cove, lined with cypresses and other Mediterranean
vegetation. From here follow a steep and narrow path going downhill and winding
through rock and scrub (be very careful: it's very easy to slip and fall here)
until you arrive to another well-marked trail. Turn right, go north toward the
village of Torri del Benaco. After about 5 km of running through brush and olive
orchards you will get at a crossroads. Turn right onto a paved road and run
uphill for about 300 meters, then turn left at the first curve you meet. Go
straight on along another trail passing through hamlets and partially paved with
cobblestones. After a while this road narrows down to a path running among olive
trees and then birch woods. You will have the lake to your left and the mountain
side to your right. After about 4-5 km of running you will finally arrive to the
tiny village of Crero. Relax and rest a while, then go back for 400-500 meters
and take the uphill path leading north to Albisano, 3 km from Crero. It'll take
you about one hour and 50 minutes to run the whole course, but I can assure you
that you will enjoy one of the nicest scenery Northern Italy can offer its
visitors.
Fabrizio Sandrelli