Routes
In the Heart of the Crotti of Tanno
Difficulty: Low
Safety Level: Medium
Distance/Length: 45 km (90 km for the full loop)
Elevation Gain: 900 m
Road Surface: 70% asphalt, 30% dirt roads
Technique: Touring
Estimated Time: 3 h (6 h for the full loop)
Best Period: All year round
Recommended Starting Point: Colico
Plan every outing in detail: let the only surprise be the view.
Il Locale Risto-Crotto-Bar
Viale Pratogiano, 16b
23022 – Chiavenna (SO)
T +39 0343 34343
E info@hotelcrimea.net
W hotelcrimea.net
FB /IlLocaleChiavenna
IG @il_locale_chiavenna
Polenta-flour focaccina with Bresaola della Valtellina mousse, artichoke and almond pesto, crispy Bitto cheese wafer, and confit cardoncelli mushrooms.
The Valchiavenna Cycle Path (3rd place winner at the Italian Green Road Awards 2022) is a scenic valley-floor route starting in Colico and reaching the Swiss border. Stretching 40 km, it takes you up the valley to Chiavenna, renowned for its crotti—traditional taverns where you can enjoy local specialties.
From Colico, head toward Sondrio along a beautiful dirt path running by the lake, then veer toward the Adda River. At an overpass, leave the bike path, cross to the opposite side of the river, and turn left to enter the famous Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve. A lovely unpaved road leads you to the roundabout before the Passo Bridge. From there, continue toward Chiavenna for 600 meters, turn right, and ride for 1 km within the reserve.
Once out, continue toward Bocca d’Adda. Before the railroad crossing on the right, rejoin the cycle path that follows the lakeshore of Novate Mezzola, filled with scenic views—perfect for a snack or a rest.
Continue on the path until you reach Chiavenna. After the sports field, cross to the opposite bank of the Mera River, cross the main road, and take Via Strada di Tanno, heading straight until you reach the Crotti of Tanno. After the first right-hand hairpin turn, a bike path to the left brings you back into the town center, where Il Locale Risto-crotto-bar is a great stop for a snack featuring Bresaola della Valtellina.
From there, head toward Piazza Castello, take a small street to the left of Palazzo Balbiani, and reconnect with the cycle path leading to the Swiss border. A slight detour will take you to the Acquafraggia Waterfalls in Piuro, a well-known gem of the valley