The Sabbia and Trompia valleys near Brescia offer regenerating summer nature itineraries and events.
Valle Sabbia: active holidays in the mountains and on Lake Idro
Brescia’s Camonica, Sabbia and Trompia valleys are a concentrate of everything Italy has to offer mountain lovers, for holidays packed with relaxation, sport and fun in the regenerating green of nature. The Valle Sabbia, lying between the Brescian Pre-Alps and Lake Idro, is a nature-lover's paradise for active holidays. There are numerous hiking and biking trails, suitable for different levels of experience, starting with the new section of the cycle path on Lake Idro to the splendid Cariadeghe Plateau. The Parco delle Fucine di Casto, with Tibetan bridges climbing walls, equipped routes, zip lines, numerous trekking and mountain bike routes for young and old, is a must for climbing and via ferrata enthusiasts, but also for families.
Charming villages and outdoors activities
The valley is dotted with villages that keep local traditions alive, like Bagolino, recently selected as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” and Belprato, which has murals on its houses. Together with Livemmo, this picturesque village has a programme of summer events aimed at discovering the area and its typical products, particularly those linked to the world of the malghe Alpine huts. Lake Idro, with which Valle Sabbia forms a single holiday area, is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, or simply relaxing on the beach. Visitors should not miss a visit to Rocca d'Anfo, the largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy, which overlooks Lake Idro.
Maniva: nature, history and adventure
Breathtaking views, nature trails and a unique mix of sport, relaxation and culture: Mount Maniva in the heart of the Brescian Pre-Alps is the ideal destination for families, sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers. There are numerous paths and mule tracks to be followed on foot or by mountain bike that are suitable for all levels of fitness. The Alpine passes that wind their way from Maniva are ideal terrain for cyclists and motorcyclists. The town also preserves an important historical heritage, and on guided or independent routes it is possible to visit trenches and bunkers from the First World War which tell an intense page of local and national history. A great novelty for summer 2025 is the new area equipped for children.
The Trompia Valley for mining adventures, biking and events
A few kilometres north of Brescia, the Trompia Valley is an area historically linked to mining and iron working. It is of great natural beauty, with the imposing Mount Maniva, the cool waters of the River Mella and a splendid and lush pre-alpine landscape. Visitors can adventure in safety in historic mines right into the heart of the mountain where beautifully decorated millenary places of worship can be found. The area between the Valle Trompia and Valle Sabbia as far as Brescia is a paradise of splendid mountain landscapes for bikers, with a hundred or so routes including cycle paths, road and mountain bike routes, and ring tours. With guided tours of the museums of the “La Via del Ferro” museum system, dips in mountain streams and picnics on lush farmland, summer in the Trompia Valley is packed with outdoor events and activities
Gastronomic workshops, concerts and a bike festival
Among the main events organized in various locations is the Gastronomic Workshop - until 3 August - with itinerant experiences to discover local products, their history and their use in traditional and contemporary recipes, and each one is hosted in a different farm combined with the restaurant. From 11 to 13 July the Bao Music Festival will feature concerts, DJ sets, sound performances and sound walks, combining electronic music, contemporary folk and sound experimentation. From 23 to 31 August the Valle Trompia Bike Festival will take over the entire valley with sporting and cultural events, ending on the last weekend of August at the Maniva Pass.
