Escape from the city – practical tips for escaping the heat not far from Milan

Although a few days later than in previous years, summer has officially arrived in the city and, with it, the heat that so terrifies the Milanese.

Spending the summer in Milan’s concrete jungle is not everyone’s business, between the hectic schedules that characterize the city and boiling temperatures.

Here, then, is where the weekend becomes a time to escape to locations, within walking distance of Milan, that can give patrons a bit of relaxation, but above all, refreshment.

Here are a few tips and some addresses to experience a few weekends in the cool:

Pozze di Erve: Natural Pools and Unforgettable Waterfalls

About 1.45h from Milan and is, thanks in part to its distance, one of the most popular destinations for the Milanese during the weekend so much so that, precisely during the very crowded weekends, it has limited access.

About 300 parking spaces are available that, if not taken in time, run out fast.

Once reached the town of Erve it is then possible to get to the water mirrors through a not particularly challenging walk.

Once these are reached, all that remains is to enjoy the coolness of the water, the gentle sound of the waterfalls and, why not, a nice picnic lunch.

Lake Iseo and Bogn Beach: welcome to the Caribbean.

We are on Lake Iseo, about 1.30h from Milan, specifically on Bogn di Zorzino, a wonderful inlet of the lake itself.

The road to reach this enchanting place is not only easy but also rewarding for the view as it allows one to reach the beach by passing through the village of Riva di Solto, which, via the wooden footbridge that runs alongside the lake, offers strategic and wonderful vantage points. 

Val di Mello: nature reserve and unspoiled nature

Let’s increase the distance from Milan a bit, by about 2 hours, however, to reach a location of absolute beauty.

Not only pure nature surround this enchanting place, but also a river with crystal-clear waters that, in places, create real natural pools.

A place to be well in the beautiful, but beware, again, of the restricted entrances.

Access is allowed to a maximum of 40 vehicles per day and it is therefore advisable to reach the reserve on foot from San Martino (about 20 min. walk).

Val Trebbia

Having now become famous thanks to photos and articles of all kinds on social media and newspapers, the Trebbia is beyond famous for its turquoise-colored waters that are a real sight for the eyes.

Among the most popular beaches is, without a doubt, La Berlina.

Unfortunately, even in this case, the usual argument regarding parking applies. It is essential to arrive on time or, in case you prefer to sleep a few more hours, simply park on the state highway and then walk to the beach. La Berlina is not the only one on the river, but it is possible to find many others, just as nice, such as the little KM88 Church or Case Marchesi. 

Bonacina pools: lesser-known natural pools.

An oasis nestled in the woods upstream from the Bonacina district that, thanks to the Caldone stream naturally forms fairly deep pools of very clear, but also very cold water.

An enchanting place known mostly by the people of Lecco and, for this reason, less traveled by Milanese citizens. 

Lago delle Fate

We are in Mucugnana (VB) a good couple of hours from Milan to discover one of the wonders of this small town at the foot of the Alps. It is an artificial, emerald-colored reservoir that, however, as such, is not swimmable. Certainly, the chance to “dip” one’s feet or cool off is legitimate, especially if one has first ventured out on one of the wonderful hiking trails that skirt the stream. 

The path of the pools, a treasure of Lake Como

About an hour from Milan, we find a magnificent itinerary that, from Valmadrera, allows you to visit the gorge of the Inferno stream through numerous passages and rock crossings that require a little more experience than the aforementioned routes. Here, however, you will be lulled by just the sound of wind, birds, and flowing water. A priceless reward after a bit of exercise.