What to do in Oltrepò in spring

The Oltrepò Pavese is magical in every season, including spring! Here are ViviOltrepò’s suggestions for outdoor activities as we enter the warm season.

What to do in Oltrepò in spring

Walks and hikes

The hilly paths offer an inspiring and regenerating experience with their breathtaking views and vivid colours. There are plenty of historical and nature trails in which to venture.

• the Rio Rivarolo Path, not far from the village of Romagnese, which leads to the waterfalls of the stream of the same name.
• theancient Via del Sale (Salt Road), a historical and fascinating itinerary. A route travelled by millions of merchants in the Middle Ages, who transported salt from Liguria to the Po Valley and up to Oltrepò Pavese, arriving in Varzi.
• the Via dei Malaspina that links Pavia to Bobbio, passing through Varzi.
• the Sentiero delle Fontane and the Sentiero degli Oratori in Val di Nizza.
• the Via Postumia, an ancient Roman route between several municipalities of the Oltrepò Pavese such as Verzate, Mairano, Casteggio, Torrazza Coste, Codevilla.
• the Sentiero degli Abati (Abbots’ Path): a historical itinerary through the hills of Oltrepò to reach the Abbey of Bobbio where pilgrims went to venerate the remains of Saint Colombano.

Open-air visits

• 🌲the renowned Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden in Romagnese is a major tourist attraction in Oltrepò Pavese. It takes visitors to an altitude of 950 metres, on the slopes of Monte Pietra di Corvo, to discover a rich alpine and marsh vegetation and other plant and flower species.
• 🐛 the Butterfly Trail in Colli Verdi, through a park much loved by these graceful and colourful insects 🦋.
• Let’s not forget the incredible Big Benches positioned at several strategic vantage points in the Oltrepò hills.

Relaxation in nature

There are several green areas, perfect for a quiet day in search of contact with nature, perhaps taking advantage of a picnic. 🧺

• 🏔️la Monte Alpe Regional Nature Reserve, Menconico.
• ⛰️la Nature Reserve and SCI (Site of Community Importance) Le Torraie – Monte Lesima, at Brallo di Pregola.
• 🦆In the lower Oltrepò lies the ‘Stagni di Lungavilla‘ Nature Reserve.
  This marshland park is home to various species of water birds.

Cycling

🚴‍♂️Le scenic roads are fantastic for cyclists. Following the curves of the Pavese Hills can be demanding and challenging, but always evocative.

🩷 Even the Giro d’Italia, in fact, includes several stages in Oltrepò Pavese.
In 2021, for example, the bikes of the Maglia Rosa paraded and paraded through Roncole – Montescano – Castana – Ca’ De Barbieri – Scorzoletta – Cigognola – Canneto Pavese – Stradella – Broni.

🚵‍♀️Abbiamo, in addition, the Greenway route linking Voghera to Varzi , which largely follows the course of the Torrent Staffora.

Horse Riding

🐎There are those who love the wheels of a bike and those who prefer to move around on horseback: in Oltrepò Pavese it is also possible to take horseback rides, for example to Salice Terme and Zavattarello, by contacting a number of structures.
Here are some suggestions: Riding in Oltrepo Pavese – ViviOltrepò

Wine tastings

🍇A visit to one of the many local wine cellars is a must. The Oltrepò Pavese is an area of wine excellence, where you can taste wines such as Pinot Noir, Bonarda, Buttafuoco Storico and many others.
Some wineries organise visits with an educational slant for connoisseurs and those who want to learn more about the subject, while others organise tastings or events in the vineyard, such as dinners or picnics.

The Villages

How not to mention the many medieval villages perched on hillsides to visit and the castles still intact or those of which only ruins remain to be admired.

🍽️Naturalmente in each village you will find numerous restaurants, osterias, agriturismi and bars offering a rich selection of traditional local dishes and other modern favourites, as well as local wines.
Many of these locations are surrounded by meadows, vineyards and woods, offering splendid views of the hills and mountains as you ascend.

Incredible how the Oltrepò Pavese always manages to amaze!