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Alpine Beaches between Sondrio and Como

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

In Lombardy, there’s no need to go to the lakes to enjoy the beach. Between the provinces of Sondrio and Como, streams, rivers and waterfalls cross woods and alpine valleys, forming crystal clear wells, pebble bays and green spots where you can spend time on warmer days.

We could call these alpine or mountain beaches. It’s not because they are at high altitudes, but because they frame cool, clear water courses that begin in the mountains and come together to form surprising pools of water. You will come across these beaches, fragmented and never in the same place, on a hike. Some of them appear suddenly at the foot of a waterfall, while others are only found after going upstream, between little fords and woodland paths. Here are five fantastic locations for summer in close contact with nature. 

Acquafraggia Waterfalls (SO)
The Acquafraggia waterfalls are located in Borgonuovo di Piuro, a small municipality in Val Bregaglia. The Acquafraggia torrent originates at Pizzo di Lago, at 3050 m about sea level. As it descends to the valley floor, it passes through two suspended valleys, both of glacial origin, one at an altitude of 2,000 m asl and the other at 1,000 m asl.


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Pozze di Domaso (CO)
Just above Domaso, in the province of Como, the crystal-clear pools of the River Livo, also known as the Pozze di Domaso, offer a more secluded alternative to the lakeside beaches when it comes to cooling off in summer.The path to the Pozze di Domaso starts in the municipality of Domaso, where it is possible to park in Via dei Mulini or in the centre of town, near the Church of San Bartolomeo. Continuing up along the course of the river, the route is flanked by sections of smooth pebbles, little waterfalls and natural pools.


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Val di Mello (SO)
Val di Mello, in the heart of the Rhaetian Alps, has often been compared to Yosemite National Park in California on account of its imposing granite walls, spectacular waterfalls and green meadows dotted with wild flowers. Val di Mello is in the province of Sondrio, at the end of Val Masino. It can be reached along the SS 36 road to Colico, then continuing towards Sondrio, then to the municipality of Val Masino. Park in San Martino, purchase a pass at the Info Point and pay for the car park. Alternatively, you can get there by train, getting off at the station of Morbegno before continuing to Val di Mello by bus.


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Val Sanagra Park (CO)
Just above the town Menaggio lies the splendid Val Sanagra Park.This magnificent valley, set in the heart of the Lepontine alps, lies in between 300 m and 2000 m altitude. It features the presence of rare botanical species some of which are endemic to the area. In addition the Val Sanagra contains some of the oldest rock formations in Italy and some go way back to the mid-Carboniferous period. A mosaic of woods, meadows and pastures, a valley formed by the river Sanagra and modelled during the last Ice Age.


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Boggia Waterfalls (SO)
On the higher side of Val Bodengo, the River Boggia descends towards Gordona, flowing between the smooth walls of large stone blocks. Its route alternates narrow gulleys, waterfalls, natural chutes and deep pools of clear water, and on to the pool at the foot of the last fall. This river is particularly well known to canyoning enthusiasts. The course of the Boggia is divided into different sections, with different, progressive levels of difficulty, and it takes you through the gully alternating swimming, slides, little rapids, and rappels.


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