5. Santa Catarina Valfurva

Just east of the winter ski-resort of Bormio and contained within the stunning Ortles-Cevedale mountain group, Santa Caterina is something of a Mecca for summertime trekking, cycling, rafting and rock climbing. The trails sprout off in every direction, passing through some of the best mountain scenery Europe has to offer. Among the 12,000ft+ giants met in route are Monte Cevedale, Gran Zebru/Konigspitze, Zufallspitze and Ortles itself. The area is also home to various remnants from ‘The White War’ – the high-altitude confrontations between the Austro-Hungarians and the Italians during WWI. Perched high on the mountainsides trekkers can find the ruins of barracks, trenches, lookouts and, not far from the Casati mountain hut, a huge cannon.

Pros

• Multiple options to explore, from day treks to cycles to multi-day mountaineering adventures
• Rifugio V Alpini in Valfurva has – no joke – a friendly fox who meets and greets visitors (and occasionally swipes their sandwiches!)
• The hot springs and spas in nearby Bormio are a great way to decompress post-trek or cycle
• Stunning views of Gran Zebru, Ortles and the Forni glacier
• Plenty of guides available for more demanding treks

Cons

• The journey from Milan is fairly long (4 hours)
• Doable in winter months, but extremely cold.

Congestion: Moderate

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: July through September.

Total Distance and Duration: Varies from day hikes to a 13-peak challenge for the more adventurous!

Trail Uses: Hiking, running, mountain biking.

Dogs Allowed? Yes.

Recommended Gear: Day pack, hiking boots, hat, water purification tablets, sleeping bag liner for huts, ice axe (Piolet style) for early in the season, crampons if venturing onto the glaciers.

Elevation at Trailhead: 1,158m/3,800ft

Max. Elevation: 3,000m/9,800ft (Passo Zebru)

Costs: $40-60 per night bed and breakfast.

Directions: From Milan, follow the directions for Lecco. From Lecco, take the SS36 in the direction of Sondrio/Bormio before joining the SS38 at Colico. Continue on the SS38 until you reach Bormio, then follow the signs for Santa Catarina Valfurva.