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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Sempione park

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Montorfano oasis

Here is a forest reborn thanks to WWF: the Oasis of Montorfano, in the Municipality of Melegnano.

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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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The High Route of Valmalenco – 1st stage

Torre Santa Maria (frazione Ciappanico) - Alpe Piasci - Rif. Cometti (1720 m) - Arcoglio sup (2123 m) - Cima Bianca (2490 m) - Rif. Bosio (2086 m)

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The High Route of Valmalenco – 5th stage

Rif. Lago Palu - Bochel del Torno (2208 m) - A. campascio (1844 m) - A. Musella (2021 m) - Rif. Carate (2636 m) - Rif. Marinelli (2813 m)

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Foliage in Lombardy

From Via Francigena to the Cadorna Line. Discover where to see the autumn colours in Lombardy

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Galbusera bianca

Rediscover the taste of life slowly immersed in unspoiled nature, visit the Oasis of Galbusera Bianca.

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Ski Touring in Valmalenco

Valmalenco is a synonym to ski touring. Every spot of the valley is suitable for nice ascents.

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Virtual trip to Lecco: nature and art

An online tour, through green landscapes and culture

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Sports in Monza

Outdoor activities in the heart of Brianza

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The Bassone Peat Bog in Albate

The Oasi Torbiere of Bassone di Albate encloses in a few hectares an extreme wealth of very different habitats.

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A green escape in Milan

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Four Panoramic Walks by Lake Como

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A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems

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The High Route of Valmalenco – 2nd stage

Rif Bosio (2086 m) - A Mastabbia (2077 m) - A Giumellino (1756 m) - Laghetti Sassersa (2369 m) - Passo Ventina (2675 m) Alpe Ventina (1960 m)

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Lombardy: spring has come to town

Spring flowers bloom on the balconies, terraces, window sills and in the gardens of Lombardy's towns and villages

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Five waterfalls to visit in Lombardy

Five ideas for a trip out of town to enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and picturesque scenery of Lombardy.

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Valmalenco sports centers

Valmalenco offers all nature lovers and sports enthusiasts various facilities-sports centers, each with its own special features.

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Valsassina and the Grigne

From one-day trips that anyone can enjoy, to climbing on the vertical walls of the Grigne, through to splendid hikes leading up to the mountain refuges

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Hiking with the Family

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