Places suspended between land and water

Lombardy’s landscapes unfurl before you in a smooth balance ofvalleys, rolling hills and imposing mountains, shaped by the passage of streams, rivers, and lakes adding to their stunning effect.

A natural mosaic, bursting with a range of different colours that show us the identity of a region that offers so much to explore. From river beaches to rock spurs suspended over the water, and from panoramic balconies immersed in the green to the traditional old villages caressed by waterfalls, every location is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the wonder. If you love to go on walks where you can contemplate the natural beauty, then these six destinations suspended between land and water are an ideal way to see Lombardy from a different perspective. It might be a regenerating walk, a hiking trip, or simply a moment of peace and quiet: every experience can become an authentic opportunity to connect with nature and the area.

Spiaggia della Luna (Gerre de’ Caprioli, CR) — The Spiaggia (or Spiaggione) della Luna is an expanse of sand, covering some 30 hectares, along the banks of the River Po, in the Parco del Po e del Morbasco a nature park in the municipality of Gerre de’ Caprioli. Here, in the district of Borgo Ex Parmigiano, an old river settlement in the Cremona valley, the beach emerges like a vast strip of stunning, wild nature, where pale sand meets the slow rhythm of the river Po. A continuously evolving ecosystem, shaped over time by the course of the river, and now an ideal oasis for walks, bike rides, and outdoor activities.

Borgonuovo di Piuro (SO) — The identity of the village of Borgonuovo di Piuro, in Valchiavenna has been influenced by thewater that moulds the landscape and preserves its memory. Once the nerve centre of the valley, this fascinating village bears the name of Piuro, an ancient municipality buried by a tragic landslide in 1618. Today the village lives suspended between history and natural beauty, with above it the famous Acquafraggia Waterfalls, cascading down between the rocks and the woods, framing their unique setting. This is the perfect place for walks, nature treks and panoramic breaks surrounded by the silence of the Alps.

Sasso di Dascio (CO) — In the Nature Reserve of Pian di Spagna, where the River Mera widens out to flow into Lake Mezzola, stands Sasso di Dascio, which offers spectacular views over the surrounding landscape, allowing you to appreciate the natural features. This rocky spur, part of the municipality of Sorico and within reach from Ponte di Passo, where you can leave the car. This is the most panoramic point of Pian di Spagna. A refuge between the expanses of green and the water courses, a space for precious wildlife conservation, where you can enjoy the hiking routes and immersive excursions just a stone's throw from Lake Como.

Baluardo di Varenna (LC) — The Baluardo di Varenna is all that remains of the fortified castle built by the Sforza family during the Venetian wars. Today it is a panoramic balcony looking out over the lake, a grassy refuge surrounded by cypress trees, immersed in the natural silence. Like a treasure, preserved through time, it unveils itself to hikers who walk through the woods. It can be reached on foot just 30 minutes from the centre of Varenna, along the trail leading to the source of the Fiumelatte river, or taking a detour along the Lierna-Varenna section of the Wayfarer's Path [Sentiero del Viandante], where the views are nothing short of breathtaking.

Riserva naturale di Castellaro Lagusello (MN) — Castellaro Lagusello, mediaeval village in the municipality of Monzambano (province of Mantua) has a traditional charm all its own, with town walls around the castle, looking out over a romantic, heart-shaped lake. The beauty of this place is enhanced by its stunning setting: the Castellaro Lagusello Nature Reserve, the centre of the moraine complex where the low, rolling hills stretch from Lake Garda and into the plain, creating an expanse of green, with wetlands and small bodies of water. An area to discover, with nature trails and photographic views.

Mulini Asciutti (Monza, MB) — The Complesso Molitorio dei Mulini Asciutti, inside Monza Park, is a precious testament to 19th-century agriculture. At the heart of the project is the Mulini Asciutti farmhouse, consisting of twin buildings separated by a roggia, an artificial canal deviated from the course of the River Lambro. Here you will find the old engine rooms and the kitchens of the mill, now used as a learning centre. The surrounding area is filled with educational vegetable gardens and woodland workshops that make this a magical place for learning and discovery.

Suzzara forest

An urban forest in the Municipality of Suzzara, created to recreate an environment typical of the Po Valley of the past.

Active & Green

The Soapstone trail

A short loop trail that allows hikers to visit the ancient places where the renown soapstone of Pirlo used to be quarried and worked.

Active & Green

A holiday in the heart of the Alps: Valmalenco

Holidays in nature and culture, hiking in the high mountains, right up to the glaciers where the deep silence lets you listen to the voice of the mountains

Active & Green

Gardens in Lombardy

The botanical gardens of Lombardy are real jewels to visit, so come on, what are you waiting for?

Active & Green

The Salt Route

From Varzi to the sea

Active & Green

Foppe di trezzo

Trip outside the town of Trezzo d'Adda to discover a small but very suggestive WWF oasis.

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

Ferrata del Torrione Porro

It is a moderate difficulty ferrata that develops in Valmalenco.

Active & Green

Valtellina Nascosta: second installment

Valtellina continues to surprise with its hidden corners and wonders.

Active & Green

Between the Ticino and Po rivers

Alla scoperta di acque e castelli in provincia di Pavia

Active & Green

Trekking with Alpacas

Alpacas la Foppa: the first alpaca farm in Valmalenco.

Active & Green

Gardens Brescia

Let yourself be enchanted by the splendor of the green and the thousand colors of the nature of the gardens of Brescia

Active & Green

Mountain flowers in May

Six itineraries to discover this month's flowers in the mountains of Lombardy

Active & Green

Bergamo Valle di Scalve, nature, peace and quiet

Active & Green

Spring in Pavia

5 suggestions to spend a spring day in the name of outdoor in the territory of Pavia.

Active & Green

The Patriarch's Greenway Path

An easy walk to discover Varenna and its most charming corners, with unique views on the central lake.

Active & Green

Ciclovia del Po

It stretches from the confluence of the Ticino and Po rivers to Parpanese harbour in Arena Po. The track is suitable for both walkers and cyclists with sections through Oltrepò river bank towns and others along the Po itself.

Active & Green

Rock climbing walls

The Campo dei Fiori crag is an open-air gym for all lovers of sports and alpine climbing.

Active & Green

Where to Go Paragliding in Lombardy

A race and a jump in the void. Adrenaline and wonder. Discover where to paraglide in Lombardy

Active & Green

Learn from nature in the lowlands of the Po Valley

Take a lesson, and much more, from the educational farms on the Lombardy Plains, learning about the environmental and cultural wealth of our countryside.

Active & Green