8 reasons why Sondrio should be on your bucket list in 2026

If you're craving an original trip this year, lively adventures combining sports and wellness in a sublime alpine landscape, pleasant strolls through squares, cobbled alleys, museums and historic buildings, and exquisite food and wine to savor with all your senses, your next destination is probably Sondrio.

The pearl of Valtellina, prodigious town of wines acknowledged by UNESCO, one of the capitals of the Alps in Italy and the main city of one of Italian northernmost provinces, Sondrio is a real treasure of precious beauty awaiting the most determined travelers always seeking new places off the beaten paths.

The town is ready to welcome you: discover what to do and what to see in Sondrio and nearby with our complete travel guide, a journey to breathe the essence of the Alps.

Sondrio certainly is still a town largely unknown to international tourism: it may seem a weakness compared to the more popular alpine destinations in Northern Italy, but this is precisely where its strength lies. The city and its whole province offer travelers intense emotions and experiences, through views and locations that cannot be found elsewhere, presenting itself to the world as a new must-see destination (beyond expectations).

In this ultimate travel guide to Sondrio you'll find 8 compelling reasons - each one better than the others! - to travel to this gem of the Alps and feel totally amazed.

While in winter Valtellina attracts visitors and enthusiasts from around the world, eager to ski in an enchanting white landscape and climb some of Italy's most beautiful peaks, during the rest of the year a multifaceted town like Sondrio magnetizes alternative tourism, focused on the well-being of outdoor physical activity and the indescribable pleasure of discovering something beautiful, delicious, authentic, actively engaging every sense.

Pack your bags and let’s visit Sondrio, the human-scale town belonging to the mountain that has thrived for centuries at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps, where the wonders of the landscape - metaphorically, a true human story carved into the rock of the mounts - find their perfect harmony with the local food and wine excellences and the historical and cultural pride that the city conveys at first glance.

Crossed by the Mallero Stream and caressed further south by the Adda River, against the unique backdrop of the Valtellina Alps that offer breathtaking views such as that of the Cassandre Boardwalk, and surrounded by extraordinary terraced vineyards that have become part of the cultural and territorial heritage, Sondrio represents the challenge of a dream that for millennia has accompanied the peoples that lived in synergy with these mountains, seeking in the alpine landscape a symbiosis beyond what a simple photograph can catch.

Here life has left indelible traces of man's love for these mountains, from prehistoric rock art to thousands of kilometers of dry stone walls that have made fertile what was originally infertile. The people of Sondrio demonstrate an attachment to the land that, today, still revives day by day in the fascinating beauty of human ingenuity in shaping a renewed landscape, perfectly balanced between the natural and the artificial.

This combination has given rise to fantastic locations such as the historic medieval district Scarpatetti and its picturesque Masegra Castle atop the hill, the historic and noble palaces that frame the splendid city squares, Piazza Garibaldi, Campello and Quadrivio, as well as unique tourist gems worth discovering in the surroundings, such as Bartesaghi Park over Adda and Mallero, the Sassella Sanctuary nestled in the vineyards, the Triangia Hill with its charming pond and the unmissable Big Bench - more precisely, no.182 - a privileged view point over Sondrio and the charming Terraced Vineyards Path.

To best explore the town and its beauty nearby you can choose to stay at a wide selection of accommodations to suit all needs, including bed and breakfasts, hotels with amenities ranging from three stars, agritourisms, campsites and retreat centers. You might also consider staying in Teglio, a charming village east of Sondrio accessible by car, train and bicycle, a great base for exploring the picturesque Valley of the Mills over Adda.

One of the most evocative ways to begin your exploration in Sondrio is following the Via dei Palazzi (Palaces Path), an urban trekking route that begins in the picturesque Piazzetta Carbonera and ascends Via Romegialli toward the bridge over the Mallero, reaching Piazza Cavour and finally crossing the threshold of Scarpatetti.

This neighborhood is the oldest and most rural heart of Sondrio, a medieval historic centre where everything seems unchanged over time. Here you'll find steep cobbled alleys, stairways that follow the contours of the hill, ancient stone houses masterfully built on characteristic wooden balconies, now harbinger of history and stories.

Walking in the shadow of Masegra Castle, prepare to venture into an enchanted maze that invites you to lose yourself while discovering hidden corners and small squares, with all the poetry of a hamlet from times gone by.

Among the main attractions is the Chapel of Madonna dell'Uva (Grapes Virgin Mary) at Schenardi Stairs, a landmark for devotees and art lovers which houses a beautiful 1600’s wooden sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms and clutching a bunch of grapes - a symbol that, as we will discover later, is an integral part of the town's identity.

Moving on with your exploration along Via dei Palazzi beyond Scarpatetti it's time to discover with amazement and attention the ancient crossroads where noble Sondrio has left clear traces of its refinement: here we are in Piazza Quadrivio, the picturesque heart of the town amidst romantic historic buildings.

Palazzo Sertoli is the undisputed main spot of the square, a beauty that must be experienced far beyond its exterior facade. The true magic of this historic residence will enchant your senses once you immerse yourself in the baroque splendor of its interior, a reminder of past eras and stories to revive by stepping into the famous and stunning Ballroom.

A few steps away stands MVSA, the Valtellina Museum of History and Art, housed in the prestigious Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari, a corner of the city that invites tourists to slow down. Here your journey to Sondrio explores an even deeper dimension, delving - almost literally - into the Alps rock to reveal the region's millenary secrets through ancient art and archaeology. But the MVSA's charm certainly doesn't end there: strolling through its halls you can find out the town's history, admiring captivating paintings and a collection of period clothing and objects that capture the essence of life at the foot of the Alps in centuries past.

If you still wish to visit the splendid historic residences in the centre of Sondrio, continuing following Via Zara will take you to the Pio Rajna Civic Library, an elegant cultural heritage site to enjoy among book collections and luxurious reading rooms in the refined setting of Villa Quadrio, on Via IV Novembre.

Just like every city, even Sondrio has its own urban living space, a place for meetings, events, experiences and socializing: this is Piazza Garibaldi, a lively and elegant hub against the evocative backdrop of the Valtellina Alps, surrounded by refined neoclassical buildings built between 1800’s and 1900’s and imbued with a vibrant atmosphere where history embraces conviviality.

The square is the town's main hub for artistic and cultural events throughout the year, making every occasion special and engaging. Between November and early January here you'll find exciting Christmas markets, while from June to August the Sondrio Estate festival brightens the starlit nights with live music, dance performances and entertainment. Autumn meanwhile is the season dedicated to the best of local productions, with food and wine events featuring wines and cheeses in particular.

Let yourself be guided by the proud and determined gaze of the statue of the Italian Hero of Two Worlds, an invitation to sit at the elegant cafés in the centre for a glamorous aperitif and admire majestic and photogenic historic buildings such as Teatro Sociale, Casa Lambertenghi, Gran Hotel della Posta and the buildings of Banca d’Italia and Banca Popolare di Sondrio.

Piazza Garibaldi is the ideal crossroads for immersing yourself in the town's magic, the arrival and departure point for an unforgettable stroll to discover the prodigious Capital of the Alps and Wine in Valtellina.

Strolling along Corso Italia, the traveler immersed within the charm of Sondrio can immediately reach another of the town's great landmarks: the solemn Piazza Campello, an unmissable monumental stage where for centuries - a characteristic feature of many locations in Italy - civil and religious power gazed into each other's eyes with respect and a certain aesthetic synergy.

This square is dominated by the spiritual majesty of the Collegiate Church of Sondrio, which culminates at the top of its imposing bell tower - the famous Ligariana Tower, the tallest one in Valtellina with its over 50 meters height, a true postcard icon of the city - and rivals the elegant rigor of Palazzo Pretorio, now the town hall and guardian of ancient stories of politics and the local development.

We recommend you to take a break even for just a moment to admire the architectural harmony that reigns here, a puzzle of sensations to feel in the shadow of the town’s great belfry: it is precisely here that Sondrio's most authentic historical identity reveals itself in all its magnificent and austere beauty.

Among the most iconic wonders of the Valtellina landscape it's impossible not to mention the Sondrio terraced vineyards, a masterpiece of rural engineering unlike any other in the world and an absolute symbol of the “heroic viticulture” of Nebbiolo delle Alpi grapes (or Chiavennasca) that has distinguished the region, born from centuries of toil to reclaim fertile and precious land from the bare rock of the mountains.

This feat was made possible by the hand-building of approximately 2500 kilometers of dry stone walls, one of the most colossal works in the world in terms of size and importance for this territory. It's no coincidence that the terraced vineyards of Sondrio were officially recognized and awarded by UNESCO in 2018 as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity and entered into the Register of Rural Landscapes of Historic Interest in 2020.

A true landscape gem that blends natural and artificial, a perfect marriage between the agricultural needs of the people of Valtellina and the beauty of these lands at the foot of the Alps.

The best way to immerse yourself in this breathtaking scenery? Naturally, the Terraced Vineyards Path: it is a panoramic route long approximately 70 kilometers connecting Morbegno with Tirano, consisting of paths designed for both on-foot hiking and cycling which winds through the prestigious vineyards of Sassella, harmoniously fitting in the landscape of the province of Sondrio.

Exploring the terraced vineyards of Sondrio and its surroundings also means immersing yourself in the delicious and satisfying food and wine of Valtellina, a triumph of authentic flavors that celebrate and showcase the best of mountains behind every glass and dish.

Food and wine in Sondrio are a serious matter, deeply felt as a distinctive key to the local identity. Born from that “heroic viticulture” - here the production of grapes and wines means economy, culture, identity - and fruit of the passion of generations of producers, Valtellina DOCG wines today perfectly embody their role as ambassadors for the town and its province. Iconic products grown only in these lands, such as the elegant Valtellina Superiore DOCG or the velvety Sforzato Valtellina DOCG, obtained by naturally drying process of the grapes.

But great wines also deserve great food. In Sondrio, the undisputed kings of the table are Pizzoccheri, a special type of tagliolini made primarily with buckwheat - which gives the pasta its characteristic brown color - creamed according to the most traditional recipe with butter, cabbage, potatoes and the ever-present Valtellina Casera DOP cheese, Sondrio's most iconic dairy product distinguished by its sweet and delicate flavor.

The discovery of the town's typical flavors continues with Sciatt, crispy fritters filled with a melted Casera cheese piece, perhaps accompanied by a few slices of famous Bresaola della Valtellina, the symbol of the local cured meats. And to truly feel just like at home, the dish you absolutely must try is Polenta Taragna: the perfect blend of cornmeal and buckwheat, rich in flavorful mountain cheeses, a delicacy found in alpine taverns where every bite conveys warmth and hospitality.

For those who love sports, outdoor exercise and exploring endless views where the gaze wanders over vineyards, river valleys and hilltop hills, Sondrio is a destination offering countless opportunities to combine physical motion with the pleasure of travel, the authentic taste of quality food and wine and the excitement of discovery.

The most iconic event to experience all of this in Sondrio is the unmissable Valtellina Wine Trail: the most adrenaline-filled annual challenge in the Alps, featuring thousands of runners from all over Italy and abroad ready to run along exceptional itineraries among terraced vineyards, historic cellars and the narrow streets and squares of Adda Valley's most beautiful hamlets, combining competition - always friendly - with total conviviality.

The Valtellina Wine Trail is held annually in Sondrio and nearby during the first week of November and features several routes (13 km, 21 km and 42 km, as well as the Mini Wine Trail for children and teenagers with variable distances up to 2.8 km), designed to make the running experience inclusive and fun for athletes of all ages and fitness levels. The event is made even more exciting by the magical chromatic display of the foliage, which bathes the vineyards and mountain groves in the intense colors of autumn.

For those who prefer the passion of cycling, the arrival of autumn in Sondrio also brings a new edition of the Gravellina, Valtellina's most iconic cycling-tourism race exploring rural roads and trails through vineyards and dry stone walls - of course, strictly riding on gravel bikes. Gravellina is a regular event in mid-September and offers multiple itineraries (Sondrio-Tirano RT 75 km, Sondrio-Ardenno RT 55 km, Sondrio-Adda Valley RT 40 km) suitable for both amateur cyclists and more experienced athletes.

In Sondrio sporting excitement isn't limited to land only. Adda is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, seeking adrenaline-filled adventures following the river's rapids for unforgettable rafting and kayaking sessions.

Sondrio is not only an urban gem to explore slowly, savor at the table with the delicacies of Valtellina and experience through the rewarding exertion of sport, but also an incredible crossroads leading to breathtaking scenery. An unparalleled experience just like the one offered by the Cassandre Boardwalk, a walk 100 meters above Mallero with a dizzying and wild view of the gorge below, a bridge and meeting point between the districts of Mossini and Ponchiera in the northern part of the town.

But if you're looking for an even more intense and pure thrill, west of Sondrio towards Morbegno you will reach the sensational Ponte nel Cielo (Sky Bridge) in Val Tartano: prepare to literally walk over 200 meters into the void, at almost 150 meters above sea level, venturing onto one of the highest tibetan bridges in Europe.

And if you've already visited Masegra Castle in town, you could also visit the nearby Montagna in Valtellina (east of Sondrio) to discover the picturesque Grumello Castle (a FAI heritage site) and the ruins of Mancapane Castle on the Davaglione Stream.

Whether you're an adrenaline hunter, a photography enthusiast eager to capture extraordinary postcards or simply a lover of contemplation and slow travel, Sondrio and its surroundings are a constant invitation to defy gravity and feel amazed by primordial sensations.

Visiting Sondrio isn't just about immersing yourself in the vibrant historical and cultural atmosphere of a town brimming with beauty. Sondrio is also considered the true and authentic Capital of Valtellina, the perfect starting point for discovering the scenic wonders (and more) of this land, where nature and human have shaped an unparalleled landscape together.

A trip to Valtellina is therefore a journey to discover the taste of emotions, those felt even more strongly when exploring vineyards and hills on foot or by bike, or perhaps savoring the best of local food and wine, which represents itself a little heritage worth preserving in the universe of Italian cuisine.

Reaching the heart of Valtellina is a magical experience even before the journey truly begins, a total immersion in the stunning landscapes of the Alps and the great lake region of Northern Italy.

If you prefer stress-free travel and your starting point is Milan, then the train is the perfect choice: from Milano Centrale, you can easily jump onto a direct train to Sondrio every day, enjoying poetic views of the scenic shores of Lake Como - particularly the cities of Lecco and Mandello del Lario - before arriving in the Capital of the Alps. For those who prefer traveling in freedom, car remains the most convenient option: the reference point for your journey will be the road SS36 Lago di Como, accessible from multiple locations in Lombardy and Piedmont and a quick access route that winds through the mountains.

Once got to the town, Sondrio presents itself to tourists as the perfect destination on a human scale, easy to visit on foot through elegant piazzas, luxurious period buildings and historic alleys. To explore the Sondrio area, beyond the classic Terraced Vineyards Path, you can also follow the Valtellina Path, featuring a flat bike route that traverses the entire Adda Valley, ideal for family outings given its low level of difficulty.

Thanks also to the well-structured rail network and the efficient local STPS bus service, all villages of the Sondrio province are within easy reach.

Villages like Chiesa in Valmalenco, beautiful to visit and experience as a traveler, but also and above all a crossroads for fascinating adventure hikes. In the greenery of the Alps in Valmalenco (north of Sondrio), we recommend the hiking route to Lake Palù: this alpine lake, nestled like a blue sapphire among coniferous forests and imposing peaks, is a must-see for mountain lovers seeking moments of relaxation at high altitude (almost 2000 meters above sea level).