Where to cool off in Lombardy

A few kilometres from Lecco, the Pozze di Erve are one of the most popular destinations in the Lombardy summer. With natural slides, crystal-clear water and small lakes surrounded by greenery, this place is ideal for families and nature lovers. The route is easy and also suitable for children. Bring water shoes, a towel and a swimsuit: the water is cold but irresistible on the hottest days. You can organise a picnic lunch in the nearby meadows.

How to get there: Erve is easily reached by car from Lecco in about 30 minutes.
To try in the surrounding area: polenta taragna and typical cheeses from the Lecco valleys.

In Alzano Lombardo, in Val Seriana, the Buche di Nese offer an oasis of peace among paths, rocks and natural pools. A  perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity without going too far from the city. The routes cross woods and streams and are suitable for both easy walks and slightly more challenging hikes. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

How to get there: from Bergamo, it takes about 20 minutes by car.
Useful tip: visit them early in the morning to find fewer crowds.

Among the most photographed wonders of the Valtellina is the famous Bidet della Contessa, in the beautiful Val di Mello. Emerald green waters, waterfalls and woodland make this the perfect place for a day immersed in nature.

It begins from San Martino and continues on foot or by shuttle bus. The route offers spectacular views among streams and alpine meadows.

How to get there: San Martino can be reached from Morbegno by car.
You must try: pizzoccheri valtellinesi and bresaola in the mountain huts of the area.

The Val Vertova, near Vertova, is one of the most popular excursion routes in Lombardy thanks to its clear streams, waterfalls and the famous "marmitte dei giganti" (giants' pots).

The trail runs alongside the stream and is also suitable for families. In summer, it is the ideal place to walk in the cool air, while in autumn the colours of the forest offer spectacular views.

How to get there: about 40 minutes from Bergamo by car.
Tip: bring light hiking shoes and a sweatshirt, even in summer.

For those who prefer to relax without giving up nature, Melissa Beach in Golasecca is a perfect solution. A large green lawn along the Ticino where you can sunbathe, read a book or rest in the shade of the trees.

Admission is free and sun loungers and parasols can be rented. Also ideal for sunset aperitifs and late summer weekends.

How to get there: easily accessible from Milan and Varese by car.
Not to be missed: Lombardy cured meats and local wines in nearby restaurants.

For all these destinations, we recommend comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and respect for the environment. On summer weekends, it is best to leave early to avoid traffic and find parking more easily. These places are perfect not only in summer, but also between September and October, when the cooler weather and autumn colours make the landscapes and trails even more evocative.

A trip among the waterfalls, lakes and trails of Lombardy is also the perfect opportunity to discover authentic flavours and typical local products. Between mountain huts, agritourisms and local trattorias, each area offers ideal specialities after a day immersed in nature.

In the area of Lecco and the Lecco valleys, near the Pozze di Erve, try the polenta taragna, the mountain cheeses and the artisanal cured meats. In Val Seriana, after a visit to the Buche di Nese or Val Vertova, Bergamo's casoncelli,  PDO cheeses and traditional sweets are highly appreciated.

Val di Mello and Valtellina, on the other hand, win you over with pizzoccheri, crispy sciatt, bresaola and Valtellina wines, perfect for a break in a mountain hut with a view of the mountains. In the surroundings of Ticino and Golasecca, there is no shortage of farmhouses immersed in greenery where you can enjoy platters, risottos and Lombard specialities accompanied by local wines.

For those who visit these destinations between late summer and autumn, many villages organise festivals and gastronomic events dedicated to typical products, chestnuts and local wines.