Along the river Mincio, from Lake Garda to the Po, along foot and cycle paths crossing a mosaic of evocative scenery

From Lake Garda to Val Brembana, 5 action sports destinations offering a hefty dose of adrenaline

The transition from summer to autumn provides the ideal conditions for regenerating family moments along the scenic trails of Lombardy.

It's time to discover the charms of high-altitude cycling: 9 bike climbs in Lombardy

Walking in the Lombardy mountains: 6 routes suitable for kids

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes

Imagine Alpine and pre-Alpine valleys, shining lakes and a great, boundless plain. That's Lombardy, an area so unique and diverse that it is the cradle of so many exquisite goodnesses.   As many as 264 regional traditional products, 34 PDO and PGI certified products and 13 Slow Food presidia. Good food in Lombardy is therefore synonymous with quality, respect for the environment and healthy, wholesome products that come from a thriving agriculture that can perfectly combine tradition and innovation. Lombardy's typical cuisine is a riot of flavors. If you are looking for an oil with a delicate taste and almond aftertaste, don't missOlio del Garda, while if rice is among your favorite products, don't miss visiting Lomellina in the Pavia area, where rice has been grown for at least five centuries.Whether you are in the mountains or in the plains, a taste of the delicious cheeses, from Taleggio to Grana Padano, or cured meats from Salame di Varzi in Oltrepò Pavese to Bresaola della Valtellina is not to be missed. Tasty and varied are the fish dishes prepared on the shores of the lakes, from Como to Varese, from Lecco to Brescia. And strong mountain dishes, first among them the pizzoccheri of Valtellina and polenta taragna. In Mantua the queen of the table is the pumpkin, used in the preparation of exquisite tortelli, while in Milan dishes were born that now occupy a place of honor in the imagination of every gourmet in Italy and around the world, such as risotto alla Milanese with veal ossobuco, cassoeula and cotoletta. Among the desserts not to be missed are Sbrisolona of Mantua, Torrone of Cremona and Panettone of Milan. And it is in the region's historic trattorias and award-winning starred restaurants that the excellence of a gastronomic tradition with an ancient history but an open eye to the future is exalted.

The Sentiero delle Fontane hiking trail is in the upper Val di Nizza. It is a 7 km route through the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese to show you the richness of the area, which is crossed by natural springs.   This valley, which is one of Lombardy’s most important wine-growing areas, is set in countryside that extends from the hills of the Ligurian Apennines to the Prealps. Spring turns the orange hues of autumn into lush expanses of green, splashed with flowers, and these panoramic views are dotted with picturesque villages to explore.  One of these is Poggio Ferrato, a mediaeval village 600 metres above sea level, and well known for its Autumn Festival, dedicated to local flavours and which attracts large numbers of visitors in October. This peaceful hill village is surrounded by vineyards, as well as being the starting point for the Sentiero delle Fontane trail. This begins at the Votive Chapel in Via delle Vigne, and continues, following the signs, past six active springs, through oak and beech woods, and past the old stone houses of Carasco, an early castle belonging to noble Lombard family, the Malaspina. Val di Nizza has plenty of hiking routes to enjoy on a sunny day, also setting out from the municipalities near Poggio Ferrato, such as Fortunago, but it is also dotted by characteristic mediaeval villages to visit in case of bad weather. They include Zavattarello, with Castello Dal Verme, an old stronghold that stands at the top of the village, and Varzi, with its little cobbled streets and panoramic views, which add to the nature experience with a dive into the history of Pavia.     

Lombardy, nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lake landscapes, is a region that hides natural jewels of rare beauty. Among them, the Alpine lakes offer a magical and charming journey, allowing one to experience an unforgettable adventure among the crystal-clear waters of the Alps.   In the province of Sondrio, the Alpe Gera Basin offers breathtaking views and unique tranquillity; Lake Gallo/Livigno is nestled in a wide basin and offers magical reflections of the surrounding mountains; and Lake Palù, a short walk away, is a place of rare beauty surrounded by wild flower-filled meadows.  In the province of Bergamo, Lake Valcanale, surrounded by lush forests, is an oasis of serenity ideal for immersing oneself in unspoilt nature, while Lake Gleno, with its emerald green waters, is a true Alpine jewel.   Along the way, one will find panoramas of great beauty, where the deep blue water blends with the lush green of the mountains, creating a picturesque and enchanting view.  A trip to these Alpine lakes in Lombardy is much more than just a hike: it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, to breathe pure air and to surrender to the wonder and magic of unspoilt places. We will lead you along the route, exploring the enchanted beauty of these landscapes, a discovery of hidden natural treasures that will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of those privileged enough to explore them.

Fountains and springs, the natural oases of Lower Lombardy

Five elegant picnic ideas in Lombardy, with delightful scenery and elegant food and wine experiences.