At the very top of Lake Como, right on the edge of Switzerland, Chiavenna is a small town with a big personality. It’s famous for its crotti, stone cellars where locals serve up meats, cheeses, and plenty of wine, the perfect stop before or after exploring nearby Lombardy wine tours. Stroll cobbled streets, cool off by waterfalls, and tuck into hearty alpine food that will keep you smiling all afternoon. Come for a quick day trip from Milan or stay longer and enjoy a mix of history, food, and mountain views that never disappoint.
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Visit Chiavenna and the best things to do
Visit the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo
The Collegiata di San Lorenzo is Chiavenna’s showstopper, with a bell tower that dominates the skyline and frescoes that grab your attention the moment you walk in. Don’t skip the Museo del Tesoro next door, it hides gems like the ornate baptismal font and the famous Pace di Chiavenna reliquary, giving your visit a mix of art, history, and wow-factor all in one stop.
Wander in the old streets
Chiavenna’s old town is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the vibe. With its stone-paved streets, medieval arches, and cozy squares full of cafés, it’s made for wandering. Walk along Via Dolzino, stop for a spritz, and catch the views over the Mera River as it winds through the valley, simple, local, and exactly what makes Chiavenna worth the trip.
Enjoy local specialties
If you’re hungry in Chiavenna, head to Crotto Ubiali. Tucked inside a traditional stone grotto, it’s all about hearty plates and local wine. Think pizzoccheri, cured bresaola, and pairings that show off the best of Valtellina. It’s one of those spots where you sit down for a meal and end up staying longer than planned, because the food and the wine just keep coming.
Appreciate the pace of life in Valchiavenna
Valchiavenna is one of those valleys that has it all: mountain views, winding old streets, and plates of food you’ll keep dreaming about. Once a key Alpine crossroads, today it’s better known for crotti, hearty local dishes, and wines that pair perfectly with a slow afternoon.
Visit Chiavenna and the best things to do around
Discover the scents of the Bregaglia Valley
Just a short ride from Chiavenna, less than 20 minutes, the Val Bregaglia takes you straight into mountain life with a twist of Italian-Swiss culture. Stop in Piuro to see the roaring Acquafraggia waterfalls, wander into frescoed villas like Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, or simply grab a table by the Mera River for a long lunch.
Walk to the Alpine crossroads of the Splügen Pass
About half an hour from Chiavenna, the Splügen Pass is your ticket to the high Alps and straight into Switzerland. The drive (or hike) up takes you past Campodolcino and into jaw-dropping mountain views that feel endless. And the reward? Cozy mountain spots serving steaming plates of pizzoccheri, local cheeses, and hearty meats. It’s alpine comfort food with a view that makes the whole trip worth it.
Visit the artistic treasures of Sondrio
Just over an hour from Chiavenna, Sondrio mixes mountain vibes with good wine. Tucked in the Valtellina valley and framed by the Alps, it’s perfect for a lazy wander through the old town, a peek at Masegra Castle, and a glass (or two) of local reds like Valtellina Superiore. Think of it as a tasty pit stop on your way deeper into northern Italy.
Discover the magic of Lake Como
Paragraph: When you plan to visit Lake Como Italy, get ready for a mix of charm, elegance, and pure relaxation. This isn’t just about the glittering waters and mountain views, it’s about hopping on ferries between colorful villages, sipping a spritz on a sunlit terrace, and wandering cobbled lanes in Bellagio or Varenna. From lazy afternoons along the promenade to dinners with lake views, Lake Como is one of those places that knows exactly how to spoil you.
Good to Know before visiting Chiavenna, Italy
Is Chiavenna worth visiting?
Yes, Chiavenna is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travelers seeking an authentic, picturesque Alpine town with rich history, charming medieval architecture, and delicious cuisine. Nestled in the mountains of northern Lombardy near the Swiss border, Chiavenna offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites.
What is Chiavenna known for?
Chiavenna is known for its scenic alpine location, historic old town with cobbled streets, and traditional stone architecture. It’s also famous for the “Crotti” – natural grotto cellars unique to the area where locals age cheese and meats, now turned into atmospheric restaurants. Additionally, the town is well known for producing excellent cured meats, cheeses, and its signature pasta dish “pizzoccheri della Valchiavenna.”
What are the best hotels to stay in Chiavenna?
Chiavenna offers a range of charming accommodations, from boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Some top choices include:
- B&B Ploncher – A cozy and highly rated guesthouse in the historical center with comfortable rooms and personalized service.
- Hotel San Lorenzo – A modern and elegant 3-star hotel with beautiful views and easy access to the old town.
- Albergo Piuro – Located slightly outside Chiavenna in Prosto di Piuro, this hotel is known for its hospitality and close proximity to Acquafraggia waterfalls.
What are the best restaurants in Chiavenna?
Chiavenna offers excellent dining options showcasing traditional Valtellina cuisine. Some recommended spots include:
- Crotto Ombra – A classic “crotto” experience with local meats, cheeses, and regional wines in a rustic cave-like setting.Ristorante del Ponte – A fine dining restaurant with attentive service and innovative twists on local recipes.Trattoria Piuro – Known for its pizzoccheri and other regional specialties at reasonable prices.
What is the best month to visit northern Italy?
The best months to visit northern Italy, including Chiavenna, are May, June, September, and early October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm without being too hot, and popular spots are less crowded than in peak summer. These periods also offer ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration in the Alpine regions.
How do I get to Chiavenna?
Chiavenna is accessible by train and car. By train, you can travel from Milan via Colico, and then transfer to a regional train to Chiavenna. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. If you’re driving, Chiavenna is about 130 km north of Milan, making it an excellent day trip or weekend getaway destination from the city.
What are the top things to do in Chiavenna?
Top activities include strolling through the historic town center, visiting Palazzo Vertemate-Franchi (a Renaissance villa), hiking to the nearby Acquafraggia waterfalls, exploring the natural grottoes (Crotti), and taking scenic walks along the Mera River. Nature lovers will enjoy nearby trails and mountain routes, while history buffs will love the old churches and traditional architecture throughout the city.
Is Chiavenna a good base for exploring the Alps?
Yes, Chiavenna is an excellent base for Alpine exploration. Located near the Swiss border, it’s surrounded by the Lepontine and Bergamasque Alps and offers access to spectacular valleys such as Val Bregaglia and Valle Spluga. From Chiavenna, you can cross into Switzerland, hike to alpine lakes, or drive up to Splügen Pass for breathtaking mountain views.
How many days should I spend in Chiavenna?
A stay of 2 to 3 days allows you to explore the historical center, enjoy local cuisine, hike to the waterfalls, and take a relaxing stroll through nature. If you’re using Chiavenna as a base for alpine day trips or visiting nearby towns like Madesimo, Bormio, or even Saint Moritz in Switzerland, consider extending your stay to 4 or 5 days.
