Family walks to put a spring in your step

September bids farewell to summer but still allows for a gentle transition from holiday to routine.

Children gradually return to school, and the weekends continue to offer clear skies and ideal temperatures for family outings spent exploring the lakes and mountains. In Lombardy, countless itineraries wind through the provinces, revealing hidden views and enchanting places in which to recharge your energy as you enjoy moments of relaxation in good company in the open air. Let's discover 6 of the most characteristic ones.

1. Pliniana Spring Walk (Bormio, SO) — Within the Stelvio National Park, sheltered by an artificial cave, lies the Pliniana Spring, a thermal spring known for its beneficial properties. It is surrounded by the romantic woodland flora of larches and mountain pines in the Parco dei Bagni di Bormio, located between the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi. The 3-kilometre loop trail starts from the parking area of the Bagni Nuovi and, following signs for Fonte Pliniana, leads to this precious spring. The walk, relaxing and surrounded by nature, passes through scenic spots such as the small thermal waterfall. It is almost flat, lined with benches, and perfect for children, who will love the fairytale atmosphere and the chance, if they’re lucky, to spot ibex along the way.

2. Sentiero dei Borghi (San Pellegrino Terme, BG) — The charming Art Nouveau town of San Pellegrino Terme is surrounded by the Orobie Prealps, offering many trails of easy to medium difficulty. One of the most famous ones is the Sentiero dei Borghi, a loop trail of about 1 km. It can be accessed from the Vetta area of San Pellegrino Terme, which is reachable with the historic funicular railway, or from the town centre, although this adds an additional 400 metres of elevation gain. Along the route, which is well signposted and also suitable for younger children, though partially challenging, you can immerse yourself in the rural life of several villages that have preserved their ancient beauty in the mountains (Alino, Ca’ Boffelli, Vettarola, Ca’ Nova, and Sussia) and visit the Grotte del Sogno, which are of karst origin.

3. Penisola Olgiasca (Piona, LC) — The enchanting Olgiasca Peninsula emerges on Lake Lecco, offering panoramic views of the Alto Lario and the surrounding Prealps, and is home to the Abbey of Piona, an architectural gem in Romanesque-Lombard style and a scenic destination for a loop trail that starts from the municipality of Olgiasca. At the Church of San Filippo, you will find signs for trail no. 7, which, from the road to the forest, between dry stone walls and postcard views, reveals the impressive Sass Negher Cliff. With minimal elevation gain, the route continues downhill towards the Piona lake, along a flat stretch leading to the Abbey, where the priory, terrace, and cloister are steeped in a spiritual, tranquil atmosphere. A panoramic cobblestone road will keep you company on the return.

4. Percorso dei Fontanili (Capralba, CR) — The northern part of the Cremona province is home to a green oasis of a beauty only seen in fairy-tales: Parco dei Fontanili di Capralba. Spanning 750 hectares, it hosts thirteen ancient water springs, structures dating back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries designed to channel spring waters and irrigate the surrounding fields. Today, these springs line eight different trails of increasing length and difficulty, perfect for a family outing. The bike paths make this itinerary ideal for cyclists, but the shorter routes are also accessible on foot. Among these, the Percorso Verde (Green Trail) is a 10 km loop that circles between Fontanile delle Canne and Fontanile di Farinate, where you can also see the historic Mill.

5. Walk in the Royal Gardens (Monza, MB) — The Royal Gardens of Monza frame the splendid Villa Reale, nestled in the green heart of the city's park, and offer families a regenerating walk just steps away from the historic centre. As you stroll alongside the Serrone, behind the famous rose garden adjacent to the Villa, you will quickly find yourself immersed in the 8th-century English garden, where monumental trees and shrubs blend with relics of classical architecture. From the temple in the centre of the pond to the Grotto of Neptune, the Royal Gardens provide a fairy-tale setting, with flowing water and green expanses, and can be explored without a set route. The 40 hectares of parkland also host numerous other trails to choose from.

6. Riserva della Fagiana (Ponte Vecchio di Magenta, MI) — A cradle of rich natural biodiversity, the Ticino Park is a Lombard treasure a variety of trails. Among them, the Riserva Naturale della Fagiana, located between Magenta, Boffalora Ticino, and Robecco sul Naviglio, is particularly worth a visit. Once home to a famous hunting reserve, today it serves as a sanctuary for local species such as roe deer, sturgeon, and marble trout. To protect the wildlife, this trail is not accessible to dogs, but it is perfect for children and suitable for all ages due to its lack of elevation changes. Departing from the Centro Parco La Fagiana in Ponte Vecchio di Magenta, in just over half an hour by car from Milan, you will find yourself immersed in a refreshing green space.

Visconti park

The medieval splendor come alive in today's Pavia.

Active & Green

The most beautiful gorges!

The six most beautiful gorges to visit in Lombardy: those of Bellano and Nesso, the most famous, and the equally spectacular gorges of Caino, Cunardo, Val Taleggio and Via Mala

Active & Green

Gardens Como

Lake Como is famous for its villas with fantastic gardens: let's discover them together!

Active & Green

On the wings of winter

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

Active & Green

Places suspended between land and water

Between the trails and panoramic views of the Lombardy countryside, nature meets expanses of water, for a truly unique experience.

Active & Green

Parco dello Stelvio, Bormio and Valdidentro

Walks and strenuous hikes in the heart of the Stelvio National Park surrounded by unspoilt nature and in close contact with mountain fauna

Active & Green

Parks, waterways and castles near Lodi | A journey through history and nature

Waterways, castles and rare wildlife: Lodi is an ideal destination for outdoor trips in the beautiful Lombard countryside. Discover the best places to visit!

Active & Green

Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

Active & Green

Doing sports in Varese

From rowing on the lake to gliding. From cycling to trekking. From golf to horse riding. Tips for playing sports in Varese

Active & Green

Valchiavenna and Valle Spluga

High mountain pastures, lakes, rivers and a varied network of hiking trails through nature and mountain villages where time seems to have stood still

Active & Green

Yoga in Parco Sempione

A green oasis in Milan.

Active & Green

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

Active & Green

Coolcation and Adventures in Valtellina

Six outdoor experiences in the Valtellina Alps to get out in nature while you beat the summer heat.

Active & Green

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.

Active & Green

Where to Go Fishing in Lombardy

Carps, chars, trout. River and lake fish. Some advice on where to go fishing in Lombardy. From Pavia to Como

Active & Green

Bruschera Oasis

On the shore of Lake Maggiore, it is a small paradise, a place of passage and nesting of various species of birds.

Active & Green

Val Trompia, where nature and ancient mines await visitors

Be ready for a great vacation in Val Trompia to discover natural treasures amidst huts and trails winding down the forest in Zone and reaching up to mounts Guglielmo and Maniva.