10 must see lakes in Valtellina

Tucked into northern Lombardy, Valtellina is Italy’s second-largest alpine basin, home to over 100 lakes, two major rivers, and a total 2000 km of water channels.
Whether hiking, cycling, dipping your toes in glacier-fed waters or simply chasing clean air and good views, the region is full of places to hit pause.

From high-altitude gems to lesser-known spots hidden deep in forested valleys, here are 10 lakes in Valtellina worth planning a trip around.

Where: Valmalenco (1,965m)
How to get there: Hike from S. Giuseppe (1.5 hrs) or take the cable car from Chiesa in Valmalenco (30 min)
Did you know? Every second Sunday in August, divers commemorate the Christ of the Abyss with a 6-metre submersion and lakeside celebration.  

The spectacular Palù lake is one of the largest in Valtellina

Where: Valdidentro, Alta Valtellina (2,000m)
How to get  there: Drive from Fiordalpe (Valdidentro), following the road signs
Top tip: There’s a dirt track around the two lakes that is flat, family-friendly, and ideal for MTBs or gravel bikes.
Near Val Alpisella, you can also visit the springs for the Adda River. (click here for more information).  

Cancano has two reservoirs plus the natural Lago delle Scale (bottom left of the image), which you’ll pass just after the Torri di Fraele (click here for more information).

Where: Livigno (1,816 m)
Top tip: for the best views, hike to Crap de la Parè.
In summer, why not spend the day kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake?  

This is the jaw-dropping view of Lake of Livigno that you can enjoy from Crap de la Parè

Where: Val di Mello, Val Masino (1,000 m)
How to get there: Expect a 20-min walk from the car park in S. Martino
Top tip: Val di Mello is Lombardy’s largest nature reserve, known for its crystal-clear pools and dramatic granite cliffs.
In dialect, the Bidet della Contessa is locally known as “Bùrgùn”.   (click here for more info)

Val di Mello is a must-visit for hikers and climbers

Where: Bormio (2.775 m above sea level)
How to get there: This spot is 60-minute hike from Bormio 3000, which you can reach by cable car from Bormio or Bormio 2000 (PLEASE NOTE: the lifts will be closed during the  2025 Summer Season)
Top tip: Bei Laghetti are often dubbed the ‘Maldives at 3000 m above sea level’ due to the striking blue of the water.

Where: Pescegallo, Val Gerola, (1,865 m)
How to get there: Hike from Pescegallo (1.5 hrs) or take the lift from Pescegallo to Rifugio Salmurano, then walk 40 min
Did you know?: Originally a natural lake, the size of the lake at Pescegallo increased when the dam was constructed.  

Where: Alpe Motta Alta, Campodolcino, Valchiavenna (1,853 m)
How to get there: 30-min hike from Alpe Motta
Did you know? Fed by an underground spring, this lake fills in spring and empties in winter - making it a fleeting seasonal wonder.
The poet Carducci, who often holidayed in Madesimo, even dedicated a poem to this lake.   

Where: Altipiano degli Andossi, Valchiavenna (2,069 m)
How to get there: It’s a 1-hour family-friendly hike from Madesimo
Did you know? It’s a popular spot for photographers, especially at golden hour.
Family-friendly and easy to reach.
Close by you’ll find the Giardino Alpino Valcava, an alpine botanical garden that’s worth a visit.

Where: Val Lunga, Val Tartano (2,000 m)
How to get there: A 2-hour hike from the car park in Arale
Did you know? The Porcile lakes are actually a trio of lakes, all at different heights - and particularly stunning when the rhododendrons are in season.

Where: Val Belviso, Aprica (1,800 m)
How to get there: By car, follow directions to the Diga di Frera dam. From the car park, it’s a short walk
Did you know? This spot is a magnet for mountain bikers thanks to its great trails and lush scenery. 

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