A green week in Valtellina

Wide-open spaces, the smell of forests, breath-taking views, natural food, refreshing waterfalls and stunning peaks.

We are in Valtellina, a lush green valley at the heart of the Lombardy Alps. Easily accessible from major cities, the valley spans 120 km, from Lake Como to Passo Aprica: a location so inviting and boasting such diverse beauty, it is perfect for laid back exploring, even during warmer periods. Ideal for unwinding and living the good life for a weekend getaway or a more drawn-out touring holiday.

A trekking, wellness and skiing paradise (with the skiing regions of Livigno and Bormio), Valtellina gets more days of sunshine than Pantelleria, while a good half of the area is a natural park or nature reserve. Such figures would suffice to elevate it to the status of much better known and more visited mountain resorts, which it is on par with both in terms of its landscape and its hospitality.

Revealed to be a key feature of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in an effort to ensure the region's infrastructure avoids having an overly negative environmental impact, this micro-region of Lombardy has also recently helped boost mountain eco-tourism development, breathing life into a genuine green Renaissance in the area.

Things to see in Valtellina
If you want to find out about the must-see places for a green getaway in Valtellina, follow our itinerary. Adrenaline-filled adventures await with suspended bridges, lush green cycle and walking trails, fairy-tale trains through the heart of the Alps, and medieval towers against a backdrop of azure skies.

1. Cycling the Valtellina Trail — We’re starting with the Valtellina Trail, a 114-kilometre cycle and walking path starting at Lake Como, following the Adda river across the valley floor and ending in Bormio. A full-blown family-friendly greenway featuring moderate gradients and well-signed cycle routes in both directions, making it easy to navigate on two wheels.

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2. Bernina Express — For the second leg of our Alpine tour, we’re climbing aboard the Bernina Express: a spectacular adventure to experience at least once in your life, whether for one day or for an entire weekend. Considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world, the Bernina Express was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2018: a scenic ride that guarantees all-round panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, even more captivating in summer with open-air carriages overlooking the dramatic landscape of the Alps.

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3. Highest Tibetan Bridge in Europe — No trip to the Valtellina wilderness can be complete without experiencing the heart-pounding Ponte del Cielo, or Sky Bridge: a high-altitude Tibetan bridge 140 metres high that broke the European record for highest bridge in Europe (of those without stabilising side cables). This daring project launched in 2016 was the brainchild of a group of mountaineers. Modelled on previous Austrian and Swiss builds, it was carried out by the Consorzio Pustarèsc with substantial manual and economic efforts as well as the firm resolve that this huge undertaking would ensure the Valtellina alpine valley would not be left to fend for itself.

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4. Fraele Towers — The Torri di Fraele, or Fraele Towers, share their name with the mountain pass in which they are found (also known as the Passo delle Scale, or the Stairway Passage). Standing 1,930 metres above sea level, they can be seen from the road that goes from Bormio to Livigno. Dating back to the end of the 14th century, these two four-sided towers were built in 1391 at the height of the Viscount epoch and would have been part of a much larger fortress, since destroyed. Their dual purpose was to defend the Bormio territory from attacks from the north and to exercise control extending from Livigno to the Val Viola.

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On the wings of winter

In winter at the Parco del Mincio to spot flocks of migratory birds.

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6 slopes for the last skiing of the season

Bormio, Colere, Adamello Ski, Livigno, Madesimo and Santa Caterina Valfurva, ideal destinations for a ski-in, ski-out Easter

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Iron bridges, man-made constructions

Iron bridges, bold testimonies to the early 20th century

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Six destinations with surprises

A visit to Lombardy in the autumn means discovering plenty of surprises hidden in the foliage of the woods, lovely castles on the lakes, and city cathedrals, that give you immersive experiences with plenty of mystery and beauty.

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Gardens Milan

Spring is the best time of year to enjoy a green Milan with unexpected views

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Val Masino, the untamed heart of the Rhaetic mountains

Outdoor activities and chilling in Europe's little Yosemite. Mountains and valleys where nature rules supreme and the man who enjoys it respects its beauty

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Cross Country in Valmalenco

In Valmalenco there are 3 cross-country tracks, suitable for everyone's need.

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Nature in Lombardy: five landscapes to die for

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Lago d'Iseo - Best trails

Discover Lake Iseo's best trails with the new trekking guide!

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Dicovering Monte Lesima

Trekking in the province of Pavia

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Noci park

The Parco delle Noci, located in Melegnano, is one of the first Urban Oasis built in Italy.

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The 10 best panoramic viewpoints in Oltrepò Pavese for incredible photos

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25th April Weekend in Lombardy

Why not get out and explore? You can organise some unforgettable days out with a wide range of interesting activities.

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Train & Bike Valtellina

Discover Valtellina with the Train& Bike offer!

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Cycling from Col d'Anzana to Val Fontana

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Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips

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Eight Ideas for a Creative Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a day to spend in company, focusing on discovering original springtime destinations in Lombardy.

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Hiking: 6 easy routes

Walking in the Lombardy mountains: 6 routes suitable for kids

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Four curious places that enchant in Lombardy

Surprise yourself with authentic and singular places surrounded by fabulous views

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Guide Valmalenco

In the Valmalenco Guides group you can find professionals who can accompany you on your adventures whether you are an expert, or simply dream of taking your first step.

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