Northern Lombardy… not just for winter sports

Lombardy, the mountainous region of northern Italy is best known for its capital Milan, the city of fashion, a center of history, the heart of finance and business. The team at Italian Special Occasions DMC are also fans of Lombardy’s stunning northern alpine landscape and distinctive cultural traditions.

There’s plenty to see and do for lovers of the great outdoors and winter sports, but there’s also lots in store for those looking for a relaxing retreat. We selected three of our favourite things to do with our friends and family in the northern part of this region when the adrenaline junkies have packed away their skis.

 

Stunning spas

There are many thermal spas in the region and we recommend you visit the pretty town of Bormio which has a spectacular spa with breath-taking views of the Alps. The town receives many visitors during the winter ski season, but is well worth a visit in the summer months when there are fewer queues and warmer temperatures. Visiting one of the thermal spas in Bormio is an unforgettable experience and is a great way of connecting with the local terrain whilst relaxing with your friends in paradise.

 

Walk for your wine!

A fantastic way to explore the stunning countryside of the region whilst learning about the centuries old wine making traditions is to take part in a wine trail. Whether it’s hiking through mountainous vineyards, following a carefully selected sensory trail leading to hidden vines, or wine tasting in one of the pretty spa towns, the vineyards of northern Lombardy don’t disappoint.

 

 

Lake Varese

It would be rude to ignore the famous lakes of the region, and as you know we always like to share a different and less frequented side of Italy. Lake Varese is probably one of the lesser known lakes in the region and is no less beautiful than the larger better known lakes of Maggiore and Garda. Together with the lakes Maggiore, di Comabbio, di Lugano, di Ganna, di Ghirla and di Monate it forms the Seven Lakes of the province of Varese.

 

Photo Credits:
Valtellina Landscape – by Arnaldo Zitti [CC-BY-SA-2.5 and GFDL]

Bagni Nuovi open-air thermal swimming pool in Bormio – By Ghisolabella (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Vineyards in Lobardy’s Valtellina wine region – By Franco Folini [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Lake Varese at sunset – By Docfra (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0]