Spending
a summer holiday in the mountains means fresh air, an escape from the stifling
heat, access to nature, sport, and all sorts of outdoor activities to suit
every taste. Still wondering where to spend your summer?
Here are a few reasons why Valtellina should be top of your
list ;)
HOLIDAY IN THE WILD
The
first reason – and probably the most obvious one – has to be the sheer beauty
of the landscape. With seven nature reserves, some of the most stunning peaks
in the Alps, the Stelvio National Park (one of the largest in Europe)
and the Parco Regionale dello Orobie all within this region, it’s fair to say
that mother nature has looked favourably on Valtellina
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT PARKS AND NATURAL RESERVES IN VALTELLINA
- Passo Angeloga, in Valchiavenna
A SUMMER OF HIKES
Hiking
plays a starring role in Valtellina, with limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Explore everything from high altitude trails
like the Alte Vie (the High Routes) to family-friendly walks for all abilities,
as well as historic hikes and pilgrimage routes. Countless mountain huts and
refuges dot the landscape, so what better excuse to take a rest and indulge in
delectable local cuisine while soaking up the panoramic views?
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIKING
- The Sentiero Roma, one of the high routes in Valtellina
RELAXING AT THE THERMAL BATHS
The
famous thermal baths in Bormio are the ultimate destination to satisfy your
wellness wants amidst the wilderness of the Stelvio National Park. Pick
between the family-friendly Bormio Terme, the romantic Bagni Vecchi with its
spectacular panoramic outdoor baths overlooking Bormio or the authentic thermal
garden with open-air baths and pools at the Bagni Nuovi. Beyond the baths,
Valtellina isn’t short of experiences that restore natural balance and recharge
your spirit.
DISCOVER MORE
- The spectacular panoramic outdoor baths of the Bagni Vecchi overlooking Bormio
FOR A GOURMET EXPERIENCE IN THE ALPS
Your mountain
holiday… with a foodie twist? Of course. Whether with friends, family, or on
your own, Valtellina is awash with opportunities to meet local producers,
discover their traditions and taste locally grown, hyper seasonal produce –
load a plate high with pizzoccheri, bresaola, cheese, apples and much more.
Valtellina is also fixed on the radar of wine enthusiasts, so a tasting session
at a wine cellar is a must-do to acquaint yourself with the great wines
produced on the steep slopes.
THE MAIN FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY IN VALTELLINA
- Tasting the famous wines of Valtellina
AN ACTIVE ALPINE HOLIDAY
For
outdoor sports enthusiasts, a summer spent in Valtellina is a ticket to
paradise.
Not only can lovers of road cycling tick off iconic climbs
like the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo, MTB enthusiasts have a vast playground
with hundreds of routes available, while bike-tourers and recreational riders
can explore the region at their own pace, perhaps cruising along the 114 km
traffic-free Sentiero Valtellina. When it comes to pedalling your way to
holiday happiness, Valtellina has all the ingredients for an unforgettable bike
holiday.
Valtellina’s sports offerings extend to include the glory of
golf, sport fishing, rock climbing on faces that have written the history of
the sport (for example, Val di Mello), mountaineering on majestic peaks, with
some over 4,000 metres high, plus summer skiing on the Passo dello Stelvio… We
challenge any sports fan or lover of the outdoors not to fall head over heels
in love with Valtellina.
- The iconic corners of the Stelvio Pass
UNESCO EXPERIENCES AND one of the EUROPE’S HIGHEST TIBETAN BRIDGE
The Bernina Express train – a
recognised UNESCO World Heritage site that connects Tirano and St Moritz – is
the highest transalpine railway in Europe, crossing the Alps in a spectacular
fashion. This isn’t your average train ride; expect this experience to leave a
lasting impression.
Further down the valley, the Ponte nel Cielo is one of
Europe’s highest Tibetan bridges. 234 metres in length and 140 metres high,
this ‘Bridge in the Sky’ dishes out breathtaking panoramic views and a real hit
of adrenaline. While perhaps best avoided by those who suffer from vertigo,
this high-thrills adventure is suitable for all the family, even with young
kids in tow.
- The Bernina Express line, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage
EXPLORING HISTORIC HAMLETS AND RENOWNED MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS
It’s
official, Valtellina can reel off a list of renowned mountain destinations
including Livigno, Bormio, Madesimo, Chiavenna, Santa Caterina Valfurva, and
Aprica to name but a few. However, elsewhere you’ll come across storybook
villages that live and breathe a traditional way of life, inviting you to enjoy
the peace and quiet. To get really off-grid, there are villages in Valtellina
that can only be reached by foot, such as Savogno and Val Codera in
Valchiavenna.
DISCOVER MORE
- Scilironi, in Valmalenco
