Valtellina

Valtellina is an Alpine valley in Lombardy, within the province of Sondrio, running along the Adda river and lined with terraced vineyards. The region is known for its red wines made from the nebbiolo grape, locally called chiavennasca, particularly Valtellina Superiore and Sforzato, as well as for bresaola, the area's signature air-dried beef, and pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta typical of local cuisine. The valley provides access to several mountain resorts, including Bormio, Livigno and Santa Caterina Valfurva, popular for winter skiing and summer walking, as well as the Stelvio Pass, a well-known cycling route regularly featured in the Giro d'Italia. Bormio is also noted for its thermal springs, used since Roman times. The town of Tirano is another point of interest, serving as the Italian terminus of the scenic Bernina Express railway connecting Italy and Switzerland, and home to the Madonna di Tirano sanctuary. Part of the area lies within the Stelvio National Park, offering unspoilt high-mountain scenery.