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Summer pools in Milan and surroundings Per leggere l’articolo in italiano, clicca qui
The weekend is approaching, you do not want to drive for hours and you just want to take a break? Perfect, you must know that Milan’s surroundings are full of ideas, sparks and things do to (obviously with the necessary calm that the weekends require)!
In fact, Milan is Flawless not only for its offers, but also for its strategic position: in about one hour you can reach mountains, sea, lakes and vineyard hills. Whether it is a hit-and-run day trip or you want to spend a night out, here there are five itineraries not to lose.
VARENNA
Photo credit: Christine Wagner
In case you love the lake landscapes, in the Lecco region there is a small pearl that you must see, at least once. Its name is Varenna – the lake is the Como one – and this fishing village, nestled on a promontory and once renowned for its black marble, today is famous thanks to its colourful buildings and for its Riva Grande promenade, also called “Via dell’Amore” (in the springtime with the wisterias in flower, it deserves an A+!). A promenade engraved in the living rock, which coasts the lake and connects the pier to the village centre.
MONFERRATO
If you are not a mountains person and you prefer the countryside, but, most important, wine, then the Monferrato is the ideal solution. We are in Piedmont, between the Asti and Alessandria provinces. The Monferrato gentle hills benefit of an international fame, mainly thanks to their precious wines, produced in more accessible prices than the ones of their “cousins” in the Langhe. The Locanda degli Ultimi in Vignale Monferrato, is an excellent point from which starting to discover the territory, it will welcome you with friendliness and smiles, good wine and great food. Go there and plunge in the swimming pool for me too… Here the last ones, will always be the first!
OLTREPÒ PAVESE
Photo Credit: Luigi Rosa
If you are a #wineaddicted, the Monferrato is not the only easily reachable destination, the Oltrepò Pavese is probably one of the most loved by us Milanese since years. There are so many activities that you can run the risk of get confused and lost by the so many things to do and see. Find here some suggested addresses: look for Fausto Andi and his biodynamic farm in Montù Beccaria, if you want to better understand the AgriCultura concept. He is a real genius and he will be able to enchant you with his wines: which are straightforward, deep and frank. Or, reach Santa Maria della Versa and search for the Vigne Olcru vineyard, if what you want is to spend a true luxury and polished weekend, both in the ambiance and in the taste. The wines are really interesting and to fight the hungover, in case you would relax a bit too much, there is an awesome swimming pool in the vineyards… the view is worth the travel! Last suggestion? Trattoria Quaglini, not to miss even if just for a hit-and-run.
CLUSONE
From the Milano Agrate tool both to the Bergamo one, you just need 20 minutes by car. Leave the motorway and follow the directions for the Val Seriana and then for Clusone. Here – in more or less one hour – you will find yourselves at 1000mt of elevation, between grasslands and many paths. A culinary, romantic, chic, but at the same time pleasure-loving break is at the Mas-cì restaurant, in the piazza Paradiso in Clusone. To digest, drive till the Passo della Presolana. From here, follow the path leading to the Salto degli Sposi: a natural terrace from which you will enjoy a marvellous view over the surrounding vide valleys… for a vertigo feeling! As an alternative, you will find enormous fields where let your dog run, game for children or bob tracks and archery to pass the afternoon. Do you want to spend a night out? The Hotel Milano in Bratto is super nice and provided with a beautiful Spa, where you can relax at the end of the day.
BORMIO
To cap it all, if you are in the mood for thermal baths, do not miss the ones in Bormio, in the alta Valtellina. Ok, they are a little further than the other destinations, but they definitely are worth the effort. Here you will be able to choose between the famous and ancient Bagni Vecchi, hot springs set in the Medieval caves, or the Bagni nuovi, in the Art Nouveau style, run by the QC Terme (which also runs the Porta Romana thermal baths in Milan). In Bormio is made the Braulio, a typical herbal liquor, which is much needed at the end of the delectable meals they prepare up here. During the winter time loved destination by skiers and snowboarders, Bormio offers the right mix of sport, relax and wellness, which is able to satisfy every company or family member. From the sports lover, to the child, to the beauty addicted to the food lovers. Enjoy!
