Panoramas, foliage and nature: Autumn experiences in the Alps
Shades of foliage and more between Valchiavenna and Valtellina
A natural spectacle that colours the Alpine landscapes with the warm, romantic shades of the golden yellow of the larches and the bright red of the maples, the orange of the vineyards and the bronze of the beech forests. In Valchiavenna and Valtellina, autumn is also synonymous with foliage, but also with experiences among the rows of vines and cellars and typical events such as the Pizzocchero d'oro in Teglio (every weekend in October and November), the Mostra del Bitto in Morbegno (18-19 October) or the Sagra della Mela e dell'Uva in Villa di Tirano (10-12 October). Climbing from the northern tip of Lake Como towards Switzerland, there are two destinations to consider: the Acquafraggia waterfalls in Piuro and the 2,886-step ascent to the ancient abandoned village of Savogno. A summer paradise, Val di Mello is even more magical at this time of year and a stop at the 'Bidet della Contessa' to be reflected in its crystal-clear waters is a must. Less frequented and wilder, on the other hand, is the Piana di Predarossa in Val Masino, the gateway to the ascents of Monte Disgrazia, while going up the Valmalenco the most suggestive excursion (with a difference in altitude of almost 600m) leads to Lake Lagazzuolo, which in autumn reflects the colours of the surrounding nature. For walkers and cyclists, the Valtellina offers several itineraries and one of these is the Via dei Terrazzamenti, a cycle and pedestrian route of around 70 km that connects Morbegno to Tirano, traversing the largest terraced mountain wine-growing area in Italy. Finally, at the Aprica Pass, two experiences are on the agenda: a walk to the Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve on paths immersed in conifer and birch forests and, on the opposite side, a hike through the foliage of the Val Caronella, on the slopes of the Orobie mountains.
