In Valtellina summer is the perfect season for outdoor experiences for the whole family, to discover parks and nature reserves, to exercise to regain physical shape and well-being in nature, walking or cycling in the breathtaking views of the Alps ... without forgetting the many events organized by the tourist resorts.
The possibilities for alpine excursions along the hundreds of kilometers of trails are truly endless, from easy walks in the woods to the most demanding climbs on the countless peaks that surround the Valtellina. Among these are the grandiose peaks of Pizzo Badile (3308 m), Pizzo Cengalo (3367 m), Monte Disgrazia (3678 m), Piz Morteratsch (3751 m) and the highest elevation: Piz Bernina (4049 m).
Even the smaller valleys, such as Valchiavenna, Valmalenco, Val Masino and Val Gerola, offer itineraries for all tastes, from the less frequented peaks to the climbing paradise in Valmalenco and Val Masino.
Nature lovers will find the protected areas of great interest, such as the pristine environment of the Orobie Valtellinesi Park, the Grosio Rock Carvings Park where you can learn about the oldest Valtellinese history, the Aprica Alpine Eco-Faunistic Observatory and the Pian Gembro Nature Reserve, a botanical reserve with a peat bog dating back to the last glaciation about 10.000 years ago.
Food and wine lovers cannot miss the opportunity to taste the "pizzoccheri“, The typical dish par excellence of Valtellina originating from Teglio, based on pasta with buckwheat flour, potatoes, cabbage and cheese; “Bitto”, the typical Valtellina PDO cheese with cow and goat milk produced exclusively in the summer months in high altitude pastures; the "polenta taragna", prepared with mixed corn and buckwheat flours rigorously stone-ground, with the addition of pieces of cheese or the "bresaola", the typical PGI salami of Valtellina obtained from salted and seasoned beef.
Here, in particular, are the six recommended experiences for your summer holiday in Valtellina.
The excursion aboard the Unesco Bernina Red Train
Summer is the perfect season for a slow-paced journey from Tirano, which can be reached from Milano Centrale station with Trenord, to St. Moritz. Two and a half hours of breathtaking views, to be covered while enjoying the contrast between the green of the expanses of Valtellina and Valposchiavo meadows, the immaculate white of the glaciers of the Bernina Pass, the blue of the lakes as in a film that flows out of the windows alpine and the blooms of the mountain pastures at high altitude.
A day at the spa
Perfect for a rainy day, refreshing and regenerating if it is hot outside, the Valtellina spas are a real must to fill up on relaxation and well-being. With an avant-garde spa offer and three facilities in Bormio and Valdidentro, in Valtellina you can perfectly combine mountains, wellness and fun.
Pedal along the Sentiero Valtellina
The Sentiero Valtellina, together with the Valchiavenna cycle path, is one of the longest, most suggestive and panoramic alpine cycle paths, but above all suitable for the whole family. The cycle path winds for over 100 kilometers in the valley floor along the Adda and Mera rivers, presents an (almost) completely flat course and offers the opportunity to follow it in stages, alternating pedaling in the green with stops to visit the towns and villages scattered along the path, full of churches, palaces and glimpses of peasant residences, or for a picnic in one of the equipped rest areas along the path.
Spend a day as a smuggler
The smugglers' trail is a historical-excursion route that connects the two towns of Viano in Valposchiavo with Tirano in Valtellina. It is possible to take this beautiful one-day excursion along the paths once trodden by smugglers even with a tour guide, to get to know the history and stories of smuggling between Italy and Switzerland, discover the transalpine mountain landscape of the Valposchiavo and the Tiranese and get in touch with the local population.
Un wine-tour in one of the historic cellars
Valtellina is a land of great nebbioli which increasingly attract the interest of wine lovers. In the vineyard bottom, the historic wineries welcome visitors with pleasure to offer intense Nebbiolo tastings. A wine tour with tasting, or simply a visit to one of the historic wineries in the valley, is an experience not to be missed during a holiday in Valtellina.
A (ski) day on the Stelvio glacier
Talking about the Stelvio, the legendary Alpine Pass that connects Valtellina with South Tyrol, means talking about a historic crossroads between nations, the scene of legendary sports feats linked to the Giro d'italia, but also known for the historical events linked to the Great War . Today the Stelvio Pass is a colorful microcosm made up of hotels, souvenir shops, cyclists and motorcyclists in transit, but above all a great destination for summer skiing, thanks to its splendid alpine glacier.
Happy holidays in the heart of the Alps!
