The Oltrepò Pavese, with its enchanting hilly landscapes and rich traditions, is the ideal place to organise an unforgettable picnic. Here is a guide to the best locations for enjoying a day in the open air in this fascinating corner of Lombardy.
Whether you are looking for a barbecue area, a playground for children, or a starting point for naturalistic explorations, this area has everything you need for a day of relaxation and nature. Here is a guide to the best picnic areas in the Oltrepò Pavese.
San Ponzo Caves
Located about three kilometres from the town, the barbecue area in front of the San Ponzo Caves is perfect for a day immersed in nature. With two barbecues, tables and benches, it is ideal for an outdoor lunch. After your picnic, you can visit the fascinating caves and discover the hermitic history of San Ponzo, as well as the legends surrounding the rocks. The nearby village offers further attractions, such as a church with frescoes and a 12th-century baptismal font.
Voghera-Varzi Greenway
Godiasco‘s newly inaugurated parking area is located a few metres from the historic centre and between the two bridges over the Staffora torrent. This area offers two bicycle grills, recycling bins and two tables with wooden benches, bordered by a fence that creates a welcoming atmosphere protected from traffic. Ideal for cyclists and pedestrians, this area allows a pleasant lunch break during an excursion along the Voghera-Varzi cycle path.
Parco delle Rimembranze in Codevilla
The Rimembranze Park in Codevilla has recently been enhanced thanks to the intervention of the GAL Oltrepò Pavese. This green space in the heart of the village offers numerous games for children, such as swings and slides, and a barbecue area equipped for outdoor lunches and dinners. Perfect for families, the park makes it possible to spend a relaxing day without straying too far from the city.
Menconico in the Monte Alpe Regional Nature Reserve
The Menconico picnic area, located in the Monte Alpe Regional Nature Reserve, is ideal for those seeking direct contact with nature. Equipped with tables, chairs, canopies and a barbecue area, it offers everything necessary for a complete outdoor experience. Surrounded by paths leading to the mountain, it is the perfect starting point for exploratory walks to discover the local flora and fauna. It lacks sanitary facilities, so plan accordingly.
Castello di Verde in Colli Verdi
Immersed in a park of over three hundred hectares, the Castello di Verde in the municipality of Colli Verdi offers a picnic area with barbecue facilities where you can dine in the shadow of the mighty medieval tower. The surrounding nature trails are ideal for observing local wildlife, including roe deer, squirrels and wild boar. Don‘t miss the opportunity to visit the butterfly garden and enjoy the tranquillity offered by this corner of history and nature.
Sentiero dei Castagni Secolari in Brallo di Pregola
The picnic area along the Sentiero dei Castagni Secolari in Brallo di Pregola is perfect for an immersion in the beauty of the centuries-old woods. Tables, benches and barbecues are available to visitors, who can thus enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the place. Ideal for excursions, the area offers the opportunity to discover the local biodiversity and admire the hilly landscape of the Oltrepò Pavese.
Romagnese and its Equipped Areas
The municipality of Romagnese offers several picnic areas along the Waterfall Trail and in other strategic areas such as Panigà and the woods along the Sesia river. These areas have benches, wooden tables and barbecues, and are perfect for enjoying the local natural beauty. Some pitches are equipped with E-Bike charging stations, promoting sustainable mobility. The spacious camper van area in the Brada area also makes Romagnese an ideal place for extended stays.
The Oltrepò Pavese awaits you with its picnic areas, ready to offer you a day of relaxation and contact with nature. All that remains is to prepare your basket and set out to discover these corners of paradise.
