The mountains around Brescia open their doors to a summer of history nature and sport.
A paradise for nature lovers
Summer is a harbinger of active holidays and wellness in stunning natural surroundings: the Valle Camonica, Valle Trompia and Valle Sabbia valleys which are a concentration of the best that Italy has to offer mountain lovers during the summer. They offer uncontaminated nature, enchanting villages, the possibility of practising every kind of Alpine sport (from trekking to mountain biking, from climbing to cycling), accommodation facilities of every type (from refined hotels to super-equipped campsites), a warm welcome, genuine products and the tasty typical cuisine. All this surrounded by exciting landscapes, nature parks and history, as seen in the enduring legacy of the First World War.
The Valle Camonica, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Known all over the world as the “Valley of the Signs” for the rock engravings declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 (the first Italian site to obtain this recognition), the Valle Camonica is synonymous with history, culture, medieval villages, but also nature and sport. Extremely rich in biodiversitỳ, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2018 and its protected areas make up more than 55% of the entire territory. If in the upper part, with the well-known resorts of Ponte di Legno and Tonale, one finds the quintessence of the most traditional and authentic Alpine holiday, the middle and lower parts reserve unexpected surprises, including thermal baths, UNESCO masterpieces, extraordinary pictorial cycles, memorable bike trails, scenic paths, vineyards, and fun experiences for families. With hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails and splendid nature parks like the Stelvio National Park and the Adamello Park, the Camonica Valley is a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities.
Ph Giacomo Podetti
Lots of new and exciting outdoor activities
The Pontedilegno-Tonale Consortium for the summer of 2025 has many significant novelties such as the Bike Park which has got an upgraded practice field. At Passo Tonale the new Jump Line and a Mini Downhill, almost 2 kilometres long are perfect for those who want to approach this electrifying sport for the first time. At the Passo Tonale Family Village, the Kids Bike Park has three tracks of easy, medium and difficult levels, while a fixed Pump track is located a short distance away. And between Ponte di Legno and Temù a new route has been added which serves as a return track to Temù.
The Water Festival is a big draw
Summer then turns the spotlight back on the Water Music Festival and the importance of water which will feature in in various points starting from Lake Valbiolo at Passo Tonale, which from 4 July to 31 August will allow visitors to experience a floating walkway almost in contact with water. A day out at Sozzine Park and the Marmot Village in Valbiolo is a must for families.
Hiking and the first Skymarathon
In the Upper Camonica Valley, Corteno – together with the nearby and inseparable Aprica - offers a perfect blend of nature, sport and adventure for those seeking a mountain to be experienced at 360°. The variety of routes is perfect both for families and experienced hikers. The famous and challenging 4 July Trail, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Skymarathon, will hosts the European Skyrunning Championships from 3 to 5 July and in summer, a number of lifts are open to take visitors up for hiking or to enjoy a meal one of the cosy refuges.
Borno for exhilarating mountain experiences
In Borno summer is a time for trekking, cycling, yoga, and concerts in wonderful natural settings. There are also four downhill trails of different levels that descend from Mount Altissimo and provide pure adrenaline. Returning this year is the exciting Alba Altissima (23 August): a unique experience that allows you to experience the birth of a new day on Mount Altissimo before a rich breakfast with local products. Until 7 September, the lifts and hut will be open every weekend in June and July, and every day in August.
A holiday full of ideas awaits in the Media and Bassa Valle Camonica overlooking Lake Iseo. Darfo Boario Terme has thermal baths immersed in a large thermal park with Wellness & Beauty Centre, an oasis of wellbeing and relaxation, two indoor pools with thermal water and an outdoor pool. In Darfo fun is guaranteed at Aquaplanet, the large water park with nine slides of various heights and pools for all ages, and there are many excursions to be enjoyed in the surrounding area. For those who prefer a slow walk, the Via Valeriana and the Cammino di Carlo Magno are two scenic, historical and cultural routes that can be travelled over several days or in sections, from the Valle Camonica to Lake Iseo on the Via Raetia, while for cycling enthusiasts the Camuno section of the Ciclovia del Fiume Oglio is a must.
