In the heart of the province of Sondrio lies an Alpine paradise: Lake Palù. This natural wonder stands like a jewel set among the Alpine peaks surrounded by a backdrop of unspoilt beauty.   Lake Palù immediately catches the eye of visitors with its breathtaking beauty and timeless charm.Located in a remote and little-visited valley, Lake Palù offers an authentic experience for those seeking deep contact with nature and a refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The tranquillity of its waters, reflecting the changing colours of the sky and surrounding mountains, conveys a feeling of peace and serenity that welcomes visitors in an atmosphere of magic and contemplation. Lake Palù becomes an unmissable destination for hikers and trekkers. Within this picture-perfect paradise, carefully marked trails take visitors on a journey through spectacular and enchanting scenery. Along the way, hikers can come across rushing waterfalls, flower-filled alpine pastures and breathtaking panoramic scenery.During the summer months, the lake comes alive with outdoor activities. Nature enthusiasts can relax along its shores, cool off with a swim in its crystal-clear waters or explore the surrounding areas by kayak.  In winter, the falling snow creates a magical atmosphere, promoting calm and cosiness. Winter sports enthusiasts can venture out on exciting snowshoe hikes or go cross-country skiing, enjoying the peace and quiet that only alpine nature can offer. 

Just six kilometres away, this natural city break offers unexpected views, from water to mountains.

Don't miss the Paradiso Black Run and the Presena Glacier, which guarantees the lifts are open even out of season.

Liberty villas, gardens on the lake, itineraries in the woods. And an islet with stilts from the Neolithic. Discover the Lake of Varese

The Cammino mariano delle Alpi pilgrimage route is an important religious, cultural and tourism-driven project in Valtellina. Tracing a route through the valley, the hiking itinerary incorporates several shrines to the Virgin Mary before reaching the Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano — the most significant sacred monument in the province and proclaimed the ‘celestial patroness of all of Valtellina’ by Pope Pius XII in 1946. There are two route options: the 91km Via Occidentale (western approach) from Piantedo to Tirano (accessible from spring 2022) and the 66km Via Orientale (eastern approach) from Bormio to Tirano, in the planning stage. The Via Occidentale is divided into five stages: Piantedo–Morbegno, Morbegno–Berbenno, Berbenno–Sondrio, Sondrio–Teglio and Teglio–Tirano. It makes use of the existing trail network and waymarked routes, including the Via dei Terrazzamenti which traverses the valley’s most authentic and charming areas, passing distinctive terraced vineyards and a wealth of historic, religious and civic buildings that transmit a fascinating insight.   Discover more and request the Credenziale del pellegrino on www.camminomarianodellealpi.it 

Montecampione is in the heart of the lower Valle Camonica, a natural panoramic terrace over Lago Iseo that offers 20 slopes for skiers, a total of 30 kilometres that wind their way up to 2000 metres. The 11 ski lifts start directly from the residential areas in Montecampione at 1200 m asl. Another ski area that is perfect for families and those wanting worry-free skiing is Maniva Ski: 17 pistes, 40 kilometres total length, with 8 ski lifts including the panoramic Dasdana chairlift, which goes up to 2100 metres and offers a wonderful view from Lake Garda to the Rosa mountain chain. On Monte Maniva, musts for beginners are the Barard chairlift slope, which offers varying degrees of steepness into and out of the woods, and the historic Zocchi slope, which takes skiers right into the beauty of nature. Some not too difficult off-piste trails with good views, snowboard slopes, a bobsled and sledge slope and snowshoe hiking complete the palette of activities to have fun on the snow. - Cover: montecampioneskiarea.it