Churches, castles and villages are linked along the Via del Sale with woodland paths where you can spot deer, roe deer and squirrels. This blend of cultural heritage and nature defines the route’s character. It can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
Trails through Pavia: by bike, on foot and by train
The Voghera–Varzi Greenway starts at Voghera railway station and ends in Varzi. Its sections differ considerably: from Voghera to Salice Terme, a 14-kilometre stretch runs over flat terrain; from Salice Terme to Varzi, 19 kilometres follow through hilly terrain. In total, the Greenway is paved for over 33 kilometres and follows a dedicated route with a gentle gradient. It is suitable for cyclists of different ages and experience levels. When planning a trip, the different sections can help you choose a route length and landscape that suit you.
The Lombard section of the Via Francigena offers another way to travel: it can be covered on foot, by bicycle or by train. The route passes through Palestro, Robbio, Nicorvo and Mortara. Watercourses, rivers and canals shape the landscape along the way, alongside fields, rice fields and habitats for wild animals and birds. This makes it possible to orient yourself by the towns while taking in the open countryside.
Water, woodland and rice-field landscapes
The Parco naturale lombardo della Valle del Ticino offers more than 750 kilometres of cycling and walking trails, including over 100 kilometres along canal towpaths. The park can be explored on foot, by bicycle, by canoe or on horseback. In the province of Pavia, the park includes places such as Pavia, Vigevano, Garlasco and Zerbolò. These figures convey the breadth of the trail network; the different ways of getting around offer varied perspectives on the area.
The Anello delle Streghe offers another way to experience nature: it follows the Ticino embankment to the slow-flowing Ramo delle Streghe. Typical plants found in this watercourse include water lilies, water buttercups and yellow irises, as well as amphibians and reptiles. Here, the focus is on aquatic plants and animal groups, while the Greenway offers orientation through its route sections and the Via Francigena through its different ways of travelling.
The Riserva Naturale Monte Alpe extends along the Apennine slope between the upper Val Staffora in the province of Pavia and the basin of the Tidone stream. Its highest point is the 1,254-metre summit of Monte Alpe. Hiking trails wind through woods and meadows and lead to viewpoints; they are suitable for different fitness levels. You can explore the landscape on trails that accommodate a range of abilities.
Lomellina presents a different landscape: it is known as a flat expanse of water and land, with 60,000 hectares of rice fields, embankments, small villages and large farmsteads. Rice fields and waterways give this landscape its distinctive character. The contrast with the woods and ridges of Monte Alpe can help you get your bearings as you discover the different landscapes of Pavia.
Wine route and cultural sites
The Le Valli del Vino route passes through the three historic wine-growing valleys of Versa, Scuropasso and Coppa in the Oltrepò Pavese. In Montecalvo Versiggia, it brings Pinot Nero culture together with small museums and historic wine cellars. Winegrowing and culture come together here: the route explores the valleys while also drawing attention to the local wine tradition and its cultural sites.
In the rural landscape of the Pavia plain, the Certosa di Pavia brings art, architecture and tranquillity together to create a special visitor experience. In Pavia, the Musei Civici, with its archaeology and Early Middle Ages section, is among the recognised museums. Check the latest access and visitor information before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Montecalvo Versiggia, Rosasco, Vigevano, Salice Terme, Certosa Di Pavia, Cava Manara, Pavia, Vidigulfo, Rivoltella, Settimo, Castelletto Di Branduzzo, Santa Cristina, Sant'alessio Con Vialone, Rivanazzano, San Genesio Ed Uniti, Badia Pavese, Rovescala, Ruino, Cervesina, San Paolo, Villanova De' Beretti, Gropello Cairoli, San Martino Siccomario, Brallo Di Pregola, Bereguardo, Gambolò, Varzi, Mortara, Semiana, Valverde, Garlasco, Stradella, Casorate Primo, Santa Maria Della Versa, Donelasco, Borgo Priolo, Siziano, Miradolo Terme, Torre D'isola, Casei Gerola, Montebello Della Battaglia, Castello D'agogna, Robbio, Arena Po, Santa Margherita, Casteggio, Cornale, Calvignano, Romagnese, Voghera, San Zenone Al Po, Spessa, Moriano, Montescano, Rocca De' Giorgi, Montalto Pavese, Montù Beccaria, Zerbolò, Sannazzaro De' Burgondi, Canneto, Dorno, Sala, Mede, Carbonara al Ticino, Godiasco, Val di Nizza, San Damiano Al Colle, Broni, Borgarello, Ceranova, San Giorgio di Lomellina, Ponte Nizza, Fortunago, Villanterio, Scaldasole, Tromello, Pieve Porto Morone, Zenevredo, Torre Beretti, Breme, Sartirana Lomellina, Carmine, Santa Giuletta, Marcignago, Cigognola, Cilavegna, Ferrera Erbognone, Ottobiano, Codevilla, Golferenzo, Bressana, Montesegale, Palestro, Casa Bianca, Zinasco Vecchio, Menconico.
For the regional travel overview: Lombardy.
