Holiday apartment in San Nazzaro Val Cavargna: mountain trails, Zanghërlin and traditions

San Nazzaro Val Cavargna combines mountain trails with local customs. The route to Cima Verta, the Via del Ferro, the traditional dairy product Zanghërlin and distinctive customs offer several concrete points of reference for planning your stay.

Mountain trails between forest and summit

The San Nazzaro–Cima Verta route begins in San Nazzaro and is classified as an EE route for experienced hikers. It climbs through a pine forest to Località Tecchio at an altitude of 1,300 metres; you can park your car nearby. The route then reaches Cima Verta at 2,094 metres. Cima Verta is also known as Motto della Tappa. You can plan breaks along the way from Località Tecchio to Cima Verta.

The Via del Ferro provides another point of reference. This themed hiking trail is 25 kilometres long, divided into four sections, and runs from San Pietro Sovera near Carlazzo in Italy to Carena in Switzerland. The Via del Ferro passes through San Nazzaro, one of the villages in Val Cavargna located along the route. One section follows a paved mule track to San Nazzaro Val Cavargna and then continues along the asphalt road to Monti Revolè and Monti Tia. The different types of paths and separate sections make it advisable to decide in advance which part you would like to include in your holiday days.

Zanghërlin and the taste of the area

The traditional product from San Nazzaro recognised as a DE.CO. product is Zanghërlin. It is a special dairy product made from cow's milk; other names for it are Zincarlin and Sancarlin. Zanghërlin consists essentially of ricotta, also known regionally as Mascarpa, together with salt and pepper. It is shaped into a mound, sprinkled with more pepper and left to mature in a cool but not overly humid room.

History, customs and special places

The culture of the area can also be discovered through specific sites and traditions. The rectory parish church of Saints Nazzaro and Celso was elevated to parish status in 1582. Below San Nazzaro Val Cavargna lies the Forni Vecchi complex, which may date back to the 15th century. The Linea O.A.F.N. is located at the foot of Pizzo di Gino. One patronal tradition of San Nazzaro Val Cavargna is to burn a ball during Sunday Mass.

For several years, a group of friends from San Nazzaro has organised a dance evening with typical menus in summer in Tegnivo, a mountain hamlet of San Nazzaro.

Other destinations in the region

For your regional orientation: Cima Di Porlezza, Grandate, Caglio, Mezzegra, Brunate, Cernobbio, Olgiate Comasco, Musso

For the broader travel overview: Como.