There is something magical about a lake set at an altitude of 1,000 meters above Lake Maggiore. This is Lake Delio or D’Elio, of glacial origin, which was converted to a hydroelectric reservoir between 1911 and 1971. Located at the foot of Mount Borgna, it offers exciting views of the Swiss shore on one side and the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore on the other
On this hike, starting from the village of Maccagno, we follow ancient mule tracks leading to the lake, which can be visited all around its perimeter.

Technical description:
A wide, stepped mule track leads in 10 minutes to the hamlet of Pianca, briefly finding asphalt and passing Entilio’s Chapel, then taking the right fork of the trail up to the Lake.
Walking inside the forest, you quickly gain quoa and, past a stone bridge, enter the village of Sarangio and then reach the village of Musignano. At the next fork, keep right, following signs to the lake on several occasions, reached after walking about 2 hours.
The route takes a pleasant loop around Lake Delio, then rejoins the trail on the way out, which leads back to the starting point.

Route type: loop
Length: 13 km
Height difference in ascent: 690 m
Downhill elevation gain: 690 m
Highest point: 973 m
Lowest point: 313 m

Technical tips
Difficulty E (for hikers). The trail has a small elevation gain, however, it is quite slippery, especially downhill.

Commune of departure:
Maccagno

Starting location:
Maccagno

Municipality of arrival:
Maccagno

Location of arrival:
Maccagno

Recommended period:
Spring and autumn. Excellent hiking even in winter, as long as there is no ice along the way.
During the summer temperatures can be very high.

Where to park:
At the 6th bend of the road connecting Maccagno with Delio is a parking lot for 5-6 cars