Val d'Intelvi is one of the most famous mountain resorts near Milan, which is located, in fact, only 70 kilometers away from the Lombard capital.
Encompassed between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, it is composed of two branches: the first section that runs from Lanzo d'Intelvi down to Osteno on Lake Lugano, and the second that intersects with the first at the village of San Fedele d'Intelvi then descending to Argegno.
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How to get to the Intelvi Valley?
The recommended route to reach Val d'Intelvi is to skirt the western shore of Lake Como (among the most beautiful lakes in Lombardy) until you reach Argegno. From here, you will then have to continue in the direction of Lanzo d'Intelvi or follow the signs to Lake Lugano.
Beware of the routes suggested directly by the navigator, as, in order to reach some points of interest in the valley, it may make you pass through the Swiss highway customs and, therefore, you will be obliged to pay the vignette, i.e., the Swiss highway sticker with annual validity.
Walks in the Intelvi Valley: What to See in the Valley?
Let's delve right into Val d'Intelvi by going to find out what are the walks and places to discover in this beautiful valley.
The Balcony of Italy
Balcony of Italy
The Balcony of Italy is one of the most famous spots in this area and is located right on the border between Italy and Switzerland. It is located at an altitude of 1,300 meters on the top of Mount Sighignola and is part of "Places of the Heart" designated by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).
This incredible balcony overlooks Lake Lugano and is divided into two terraces on which are placed: the Italian flag on one side and the Swiss flag on the other.
In addition to Lake Lugano, during clear days, you can also admire several peaks that make up the mountain range of the Alps, such as Monte Rosa or the Matterhorn.
You can reach the Balcony of Italy very easily by taking the road from Lanzo that leads directly to Sighignola. Here you can find a convenient parking lot where you can leave your car, which is only 100 meters from the balcony.
If, on the other hand, you want to make a short trek, you can leave your car in the parking lot located in front of the restaurant La Baita and then continue on foot along the appropriate path following the signs to the Balcony of Italy.
The trail lasts about 20 minutes with a slight climb that is, however, easily walked even by children.
The Trail of Expressions
Sculpture along the Trail of Expressions
Another point of interest in the Intelvi Valley is the Trail of Expressions, created in 2014 through a collaboration between ERSAF, the municipality of Schignano and the artists of the M.A.S.C.H.E.R.A. Association.
Along the trail are numerous carved wood sculptures that fit perfectly within the natural landscape.
The trail has an elevation gain of about 380 meters and a walking time of 4 hours, but it is also suitable for families with children (if they are already used to walking).
To reach the Expression Trail, just follow the signs to the hamlet of Posa in Schignano and, then, walk for about 20 minutes to Alpe Nava, where you can also see numerous pastures with various animals.
Grazing in the Intelvi Valley
Continuing on, you arrive at Alpe Comana, where there is a lake and an agritourism offering local products. From here, you can climb to Mount Comana for a panoramic view of Lake Como.
The Trail of Expressions continues along the ridge of Mount Comana to Roccolo del Messo, where you can see old cottages used in the past for bird trapping.
Alternatively, you can continue to the Conca di Schignano or the slopes of Sasso Gordona, where the trenches of the Cadorna Line dating back to World War I are located.
The Argegno-Pigra Cable Car
Argegno-Pigra Cable Car
The Argegno-Pigra cable car is often the access point used by hikers to reach the Intelvi Valley.
This particular facility, however, has a unique feature: it is one of the steepest cable cars in Italy and is, therefore, an adrenaline-pumping experience certainly not suitable for those suffering from vertigo.
It was inaugurated in 1971 to connect the two villages and covers a drop of as much as 650 meters in just 4 minutes. It is equipped with 2 cabins each with 12 seats that travel with a gradient varying between 71% and 95%.
The cable car operates every day of the week and the ticket price is 4.70 euros for the round trip.
The Village of Pigra
Village of Pigra from above
There are several hiking trails in Pigra that lead to various destinations such as Mount Galbiga, Tellero, Colonno Alps, and the Belvedere of Pigra. Two trails are particularly recommended: "Pigra to Discover" and trail number 4 to the Belvedere.
The Belvedere can be reached in about a 20-minute walk and offers panoramic views of Lake Como.
The "Pigra to discover" trail, on the other hand, starts from the cable car arrival point and runs through the small village, allowing you to discover its various places of historical and cultural interest.
Along the way are the Panée de l'Alp, an old washhouse dating back to 1886, and the Cason, which houses the Pigra Workers' Society, founded in 1877 with Giuseppe Garibaldi as an honorary member.
The route also passes theOratory of San Rocco, Piazza Fontana (the historic center), Piazza Roma and Piazza Curt da Marc ending with the Church of Santa Margherita and the cemetery.
The Giant Bench
Giant Bench in the Intelvi Valley
The Intelvi Valley is home to a giant bench, part of the Big Bench Community Project, located in Centro Valle d'Intelvi, Bolla locality, near the alpine pasture at the foot of Pizzo della Croce.
Inaugurated on August 8, 2021, it is bench number 166 and is colored in petrol green and fuchsia red, representing the municipality's coat of arms. It offers a panoramic view of the Intelvi Valley, with Switzerland behind and Lake Como in the background.
Near the bench is a convenient parking lot, making it easily accessible to all.
Being part of the official Big Bench circuit, you can get a stamp on the initiative's passport, which you can purchase for 6 euros at as many as 9 local businesses: the Punto Bar, Bar Sport, La Bolla Restaurant, L'osteria dell'Alpe, Bar Pizzeria Bellavista, Valleverde Restaurant, Capanna Bruno Restaurant, Baita di Orimento and Il Baretto.
Where to collect chestnuts in the Intelvi Valley?
The most famous chestnut grove in the Intelvi Valley is the one located in Lanzo d'Intelvi, which is also accessible to families with children.
To reach it, one must go to Via Sighignola in Lanzo d'Intelvi and, at the picnic area, take the Guida Monti road. Once you reach the Agrintelvi Nursery (after about 300 meters), you will go directly into the chestnut grove.
Where to go mushrooming in the Intelvi Valley?
In the highest part of the Intelvi Valley you can find many varieties of mushrooms that you can collect and use for the preparation of different dishes. Porcini are the type most easily found within these areas.
What to See in the Surroundings of the Intelvi Valley?
In addition to the various activities and sights mentioned above, the surroundings of the Intelvi Valley also offer numerous opportunities to spend more than one day exploring these areas.
Erbonne
Village of Erbonne
Erbonne is a small hamlet located at 950 meters with a long history behind it dating back as far as the 6th millennium BC.
In fact, some flint tools from the Mesolithic period and fragments of Bronze Age pottery have been discovered here.
Moreover, its location near the Swiss border has made Erbonne an important point in our recent history as well. This is highlighted by the Small Smuggling Museum, which commemorates the Guardia di Finanza barracks, active in 24-hour anti-smuggling service from 1947 until its closure in 1977.
Hermitage of San Zeno
Hermitage of San Zeno
The Hermitageof San Zeno, located on top of the mountain of the same name, was built in 1215 by the Comacini masters as a sign of gratitude for surviving a storm during their return journey to Verona.
It is possible to reach the hermitage on foot with a walk of about 1 hour starting from Pian delle Alpi near San Fedele.
Once you reach the top, you will be able to admire not only the structure but also a beautiful view of the Intelvi Valley and the mountains surrounding it.
Ethnographic and Farming Civilization Museum
In Casasco d'Intelvi, the Ethnographic and Peasant Civilization Museum, opened in 1995, aims to preserve and disseminate the cultural heritage related to peasant civilization, mountain life and craft practices.
Located near Paneè Square, the museum displays in a few rooms a variety of objects and furnishings that illustrate the traditions of agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy farming, handicrafts, and ancient domestic peasant life.
Valley of the Mills
Valley of the Mills
The Valley of the Mills, located along the Telo River, is an ideal area for nature walks and has a long history related to the use of hydropower.
In particular, the latter is celebrated every year during the month of August with the Mill Festival, an occasion during which some of the structures are open to the public to be visited.
Since the 1700s, the valley has, in addition, been home to several mills, five of which are still preserved and now converted into private homes.
Where to Eat in the Intelvi Valley?
The Intelvi Valley, in addition to the many activities and places to explore, also offers several options to satisfy the appetite. For example, Locanda Sant'Anna, where you can also stay, has a restaurant open for both lunch and dinner, which offers typical Valtellina dishes combined with a wide selection of wines.
For those seeking a more refined experience, Villa Belvedere Como Lake Resort' s lakeside restaurant offers elegant and refined cuisine, with lake fish specialties set in a romantic atmosphere.
In Blessagno, there is Taverna Due Castagni, with a rustic setting and traditional Valtellina dishes.
There is alsoAgriturismo Le Radici, located in an alpine pasture at 1,100 meters, which serves typical mountain dishes with seasonal products. This facility, however, is accessible only by off-road vehicle or shuttle, and it, too, offers overnight accommodations.
Finally, near the giant bench, theOsteria dell'Alpe in San Fedele and La Bolla Restaurant in Castiglione d'Intelvi are highly recommended, both of which have a mountain hut atmosphere and offer traditional local specialties such as polenta with game and mushrooms.
Map of Places Not to Miss in the Intelvi Valley.
To help you better plan your trip to the Intelvi Valley, we have prepared a map that brings together all the places we have mentioned within this article.
Conclusion
Valle d'Intelvi is a valley located a short distance from Milan that offers multiple activities suitable for everyone, including families with children and sporty people looking for more challenging trails. It is a perfect destination to spend a day or weekend immersed in nature while discovering the various places of interest and enjoying delicious local dishes at the many restaurants and inns in the area.
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