Best places to enjoy Foliage near Milan

We can say that, finally, autumn has arrived, a season loved and appreciated by many of us. Despite the fact that the weather during the period is not the most rosy, with days getting shorter, sometimes dreary and rainy, it is also possible to appreciate the magnificent colors that autumn gives us. Prominent among the latter are orange, red, and yellow, which, needless to say, give rise to the phenomenon we now all know as foliage.

Among the fans of foliage stand out not only nature lovers, but also social victims who, thanks to the Instagrammability of the phenomenon see exponential growth, not only in followers, but also and especially in likes to their profiles.

Not far from Milan, there are several places where you can enjoy the colors of autumn, from countryside to forests, from parks to noble villas.

Below is a small list of what we think are the best places to enjoy foliage near Milan.

Forest of Bagni di Masino (SO)

We are in the province of Sondrio, in an enchanted place where nature, among centuries-old fir and beech trees, reigns supreme.

It is the ideal place to enjoy the foliage, which, here, expresses itself with all its color potential, giving intense shades of red and orange that serve as a backdrop to a fairy-tale landscape.

The ghost town of Consonno (MB)

Born in the 1960s from the mind of a visionary entrepreneur, with the idea of replicating Nevada a Las Vegas Brianza, it was abandoned almost immediately falling into disgrace.

Today it is a place somewhere between fascinating and disturbing, the human presence has given way to nature, which has overwhelmingly taken over the hamlet, giving it a post-apocalyptic look. In Consonno it is possible to walk or treat yourself to small excursions admiring the foliage, which, however, will taste a little different from that of a romantic autumn walk.

Centovalli Express, the foliage train

Departure is from Domodossola, arrival in Locarno. This little train travels more than 50km immersing itself in the beautiful colors of the Italian and Swiss forests. Standing comfortably on board you will see suspension bridges, tunnels carved into the mountain, and some of the most beautiful forests imaginable.

The round trip on the entire line lasts about 2 hours with the option of making a single intermediate stop, either on the way there or on the way back, to discover one of the towns located on the route.

Ticket cost:

•  Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and pre-holidays:

Adults: 1st class € 50 – 2nd class € 40

• Other days:

Adults: 1st class € 46 – 2nd class € 36

– Children and youth aged 6 to 16 years and under pay half; under 6 years travel free if they do not occupy a seat

Price includes seat reservation, any intermediate stop, and any surcharge for traveling aboard the scenic trains.

Alpe Veglia (VB)

We move to Piedmont to enter directly into the heart of the Ossola Valley among larch forests, which populate the mountain slopes, and fantastic hikes to be discovered one step at a time. The loop trail has a length of 10km and is suitable for everyone and allows you to reach the Groppallo chapel, from where you can admire the grandeur of Mount Leone and the Ciamciavero stream framed by its pretty little bridge. From here it is then possible to continue to the small mountain lakes “Delle Fate” and “Delle Streghe” and accompany yourself on your way back to the plain.

Torbiere del Sebino (BS)

We return to Lombardy, near Lake Iseo, located only 40 minutes from Milan. The Torbiere di Sebino reserve is an autumnal masterpiece, characterized by garish and fascinating colors, but also a nature reserve populated by swans, rabbits, and waterfowl that you can encounter along the walk.

Piacentine Hills

Not only foliage but also vines, villages, and castles. October and November are the perfect months to visit the hills located between Piacenza and Bobbio that see, among their jewels, Castell’Arquato and Vigoleno. Here, besides admiring the magnificent autumn colors, it is possible to enjoy not only the excellent local cuisine but also some of the best wines produced in the Italian wine scene.