Lombardy

Riding a bicycle is a journey of discovery, especially in Lombardy – a region with an outstanding environmental, landscape and architectural heritage. Old cities, hidden rural architectures, and a rich peasant culture, bursting with customs and flavours await you.

Riding slowly and gently through the woods, among the centuries-old vineyards, through beautiful walled towns, in the plains or on the hills, you will realise how biking is the perfect means to enjoy the marvellous landscape of the region to the fullest, and in total relaxation. From historical art cities to UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the glistening lakes to the imposing mountains, you will be filled with genuine emotions every step of your journey through the region.

You may choose between easy, family-friendly trails, on smooth roads with minor altitude gains, easily accessible by car or train (just like the ones along the main rivers or across the parks), intermediate trails for MTB enthusiasts and adventure-lovers, and harder trails with breath-taking descents, if you’re up for the challenge.

And speaking of challenges, don’t forget that Lombardy will be once again an important venue of the Giro d’Italia 2021, with Stradella, stage 18 finish, Abbiategrasso stage 19 start, Valle Spluga-Alpe Motta stage 20 finish and stage 21 with Senago and Milan.

All you have to do is saddle up and enjoy the show! #inLombardia

Twelve art capitals and countless villages, mansions, castles, museums, archaeological parks, theatres and villas reflect the rich history of the region, along with a lively cultural scene and a busy events calendar. Moreover, Lombardy is the Italian region with the highest number of UNESCO sites, 10 out of 55 nationwide: from the rock drawings in Valcamonica, to Leonardo’s Last Supper (inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex), from the Triassic fossils of Monte San Giorgio to the iconic red train of the Rhaetian Railway across the Bernina landscapes.

Religious tourism, as part of the discovery of a rich cultural heritage, offers 19 spiritual routes connecting sanctuaries, reliquaries, iconic places and historical memories, from the Via Francigena to the Strada delle Abbazie, from the Cammino di San Colombano to the Via Regina on Lake Como.

A wide range of cultural attractions is the distinctive feature of a territory with a glorious and historical – still looking to the future.

From Lake Garda to Lake Como, through Lake Maggiore and Iseo, Lombardy is the region of lakes – water mirrors reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

With countless stories to tell, the lakes of Lombardy offer extraordinary experiences to suit all tastes. Wander along the shores or head further inland, off the beaten track, and be amazed by beautiful villas, blooming gardens and picturesque villages, sports, culinary delights and, above all, stunning landscapes.

Are you an outdoor sports enthusiast? Are you in search of an eco-friendly holiday? Everywhere you look, the charming natural landscapes of Lombardy are bound to leave you amazed. Snow-capped mountains, natural parks, rivers and green havens are all you need for your nature holidays.

Move a little farther away from large towns and you will find yourself surrounded by lush nature. The parks of Lombardy are a great way to explore an incredibly rich biodiversity heritage. From hiking in the fresh mountain air, to rock-climbing and bouldering on the amazing peaks of the Alps, to rafting, kayaking and canyoning down the rivers and streams of our region, all adventure enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.

With over 3,000 kilometres of cycle routes (for amateur and experienced cyclists alike), from Lake Iseo to Val Seriana, from the Garda hills to Mantua, Lombardy is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts.

The mountains of Lombardy around Bormio and Livigno are world-renowned for their iconic climbs. The countless hairpins of the Stelvio Pass, the impressive landscapes of the Gavia Pass, and the forbidding gradients of the Mortirolo Pass, are some of the most popular and coveted ascents in the world. Not to mention the unforgettable Ghisallo, a sacred place for cyclists, and the seat of the Museum of Cycling.

Snow-covered slopes, dreamlike landscapes and good food are the recipe for happiness.

Lombardy is home to some of the most famous ski areas such as Livigno, Bormio, Ponte di Legno and Santa Caterina Valfurva, and is one of the major destinations not only for ski enthusiasts, but also for all winter sports lovers – Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboard, biathlon and freeride.

The mountains of Lombardy often host major sporting competitions, including the Alpine Ski World Cup, and will be the future venue of the 2026 Winter Olympics, an extraordinary achievement and an excellent opportunity for regional and national tourism.

Exploring the local flavours is the best and most intense way to get to know a territory.

Visualize beautiful Alpine valleys, glistening lakes and boundless plains. That’s Lombardy – a unique and varied territory, a cradle of flavour. Recipes that tell a thousand tales, starred chefs reinventing the classics while looking beyond tradition, restaurants and wineries that hold true jewels of local food and wine tradition.

A journey through this wonderful territory is a journey through flavours – a unique experience along twelve itineraries (‘Strade del Vino e dei Sapori’).

Discover all the incredible travel experiences awaiting you in Lombardy: in-lombardia.it

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