The Valtellina is an Alpine valley in northern Lombardy, bordering Switzerland, known for Nebbiolo wine, skiing and a long river cycle path. Homes are strung along the valley rather than gathered in one village, so a car is essential.
The Valtellina runs through northern Lombardy to the Swiss border, with Sondrio as its main town and Aprica, Morbegno, Tirano, Bormio and Livigno among the others. Around Morbegno vines grow on dry-stone terraces, and the wines come mainly from Nebbiolo, called Chiavennasca here, including the Amarone-style Sforzato DOCG. The Sentiero Valtellina, a 114 km path for walkers and cyclists, follows the Adda river up the valley from Colico through Morbegno to Sondrio. Our homes are spread along the valley, so a stay here is a base for the whole valley rather than a village holiday. Most have a garden, a few have a fireplace, and none has a pool or sauna. Check where each one sits relative to the town you want.
The valley's main town at about 360 m, with Masegra Castle above it housing a museum.
End of the Bernina Red Train line to St Moritz, a UNESCO-recognised railway.
One of the main summer and winter sports centres in the Alps, with thermal baths and a gateway to Stelvio National Park.
An old trading town on the Via Priula, with a Baroque collegiate church and vines on dry-stone terraces above.
An Orange Flag town known for bresaola aged in cool mountain caves called crotti.
Fly to Milan, then drive: Milan to Sondrio is about 80 miles and 1 hour 55 minutes by road. Trenord trains from Milano Centrale to Sondrio take about 2 hours 10 minutes and run hourly. Sondrio has no airport, and homes lie well beyond the station, so you will still want a car.
Bormio is one of the Alps' main winter sports centres as well as a summer resort, so the valley has two seasons. In Sondrio, January nights average below freezing and July is the warmest month. The cycle path along the Adda is best ridden once the valley floor is clear of snow.
Yes. The valley is known for its skiing, and Bormio, one of the main winter sports centres in the Alps, also has thermal baths. Homes are spread along the valley, so check how far each one is from the slopes you want.
Yes. The Sentiero Valtellina is a 114 km walking and cycling path that follows the Adda river, starting at Colico on Lake Como and running through Morbegno to Sondrio on its first stage.
Wine made mainly from Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca. Sassella and Grumello are produced around Sondrio, and Sforzato is an Amarone-style DOCG made in the valley.
By Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Sondrio, about 2 hours 10 minutes, with trains running hourly. Homes are spread along the valley, so you may still need a taxi or a hire car from the station.
Bresaola, Bitto and Casera cheeses, pizzoccheri buckwheat pasta and Braulio herbal liqueur are the local names. Chiavenna is known for bresaola aged in cool mountain caves called crotti.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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