The Northern Taste

Milan is one of the best located places in Europe. You’re two hours away from the beautiful sea on both sides of Italy. You’re also two hours away from the alps for day ski trips. And how can I forget about lake Como and lake garda? See what I mean, it’s perfect. But did you know there is a hidden cute town that is very underrated. It’s call Chiavenna and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the region on lombardy.

It is convinient from Milan. You will start off by taking the train at Milano central station to Chiavenna. Throughout your ride you will see cute towns and it runs along Lake Como. In just over two hours you’ll reach the picturesque town of Chiavenna, which is on the Swiss border going towards Sant Moritz.

This stupendous village, surrounded by high mountains and crossed by a river that divides the historic center in two,it offers a lot of attractions for foodies, nature lovers and those who are looking to getaway from their fast paced life. This town is famous for its “crotti” which means cave in Italian. Plus their typical restaurants specializing in white pizzoccheri , a gnocchi filled with butter and cheese, and some smoked bresaola.

Here are some activities and attractions for all tastes:

WINE TASTING AT HERMAU

One of the most beautiful alpine wine cellars in Italy, the vines rise almost vertically along a winding road. Maurizio Herman, the owner, has decided to combine several vineyards of the “old” locals to produce natural wines, currently with three bottles: spumante, orange and red. During the tasting (to be booked), he will tell his story and that of his wines, accompanied by local cold cuts and cheeses with an incredible view of the valley. If you are on foot you can take a 45 min walk through the woods or call a taxi.

BREAKFAST AT MASTAI

Two pastry shops: a new one at the station exit and the other at the entrance to the town. The premises are modern and well cared for, the staff polite and well-trained but above all the quality of the products is of a high standard. You can think of stopping immediately after the journey to have a breakfast with sweet or savory and stuffed croissants, or for an aperitif before lunch with a glass of wine. During the summer both rooms offer a pleasant outdoor space.

LUNCH AT “CROTTI”

Butter, cheese and more butter. These typical restaurants, scattered in some areas of the city and whose name derives from the cave (crotto in the local dialect) in which the cheeses and bresaola are aged and preserved, are famous for serving abundant portions of the dishes of the valley. Polenta, gnocchi with butter and cheese, meat cooked on the stone and stewed ribs. It’s hard to recommend a restaurant as they are all very good and filling! We always recommend booking when you go on the weekend because it’s easy not to find seats.

BONUS TIPS

Near Chiavenna there is the Acquafraggia waterfall, also appreciated by Leonardo Da Vinci who described it during one of his travels. From the waterfall you can also walk for less than two hours up 2886 steps along the ancient road that leads to the village of Savogno! Savogno is an ancient medieval alpine village perfectly preserved and with a beautiful view over the valley, if you are looking for an easy and well-signposted trek, this is the one for you!

Before leaving Chiavenna you can stop and buy the local specialty in one of the two famous butchers, panatti or del curto: smoked bresaola! the leanest parts of the beef are preserved through smoking and seasoning and then eaten sliced. something unique and that you will not find anywhere else in Italy.