3 days in Val di Cembra
The welcoming atmosphere
Beautiful in any season, Val di Cembra is one of those hidden corners of Trentino that is ready to win over anyone who chooses it as a destination. Maybe it is because of its wild nature, or its spectacular terraced vineyards, supported by over 700 kilometres of dry stone walls, or its authenticity... but the fact is that visiting here can become a continuous experience of discovery, even at the table.
What do you say to spending a few days here? Here are a few suggestions for an itinerary of nature and food.
Where in Trentino can we discover the Val di Cembra?
3 must-see places in Val di Cembra
- Lago Santo
- Grumes, hidden gem awarded Cittaslow status for its sustainable approach to tourism
- Earth Pyramides of Segonzano
Highlight
- Wild nature and scenic terraced vineyards
Day 1
Arriving from Lavis, an initial stop at the skywalk on the San Giorgio Dam on the Avisio River is a must. You can reach it from the Franch Farmstead (Maso Franch) or the Giardino dei Ciucioi in Lavis. And then onwards, curve after curve, towards the beating heart of the valley's vineyards. In Verla di Giovo, it is worth making a stop at Villa Corniole, a family business that will lead you on a journey through the region's iconic wines, from Müller Thurgau to Trento DOC, to taste in their wine cellar carved out of the porphyry, or on the terrace with a view over the surrounding vineyards.
In another hamlet of Giovo, Palù, the birthplace of great cycling champions such as Francesco Moser or Gilberto Simoni, you can pair wine tasting with a traditional culinary experience in an intimate, elegant atmosphere where wood and stone elements coexist in harmony. The Simoni Winery is ready to open the doors of their agritourism to prepare you some of the most iconic dishes in the region, from dumplings to strangolapreti (spinach and bread dumplings). But if you come here you absolutely have to try the legendary tortel di patate (potato fritters), paired with the finest cheeses and cold meats, or perhaps a tartare di carne salada (salted meat tartare). Try it with a glass of Schiava wine.
You can dedicate the afternoon to a cycle ride through the vineyards of Cembra and their surroundings: better with an e-bike, however, as here the hills can get pretty steep.
And for dinner you can discover a real saloon: near Lago Santo, Happy Ranch is waiting for you, where the typical cuisine also pays homage to American meat specialities, such as BBQ ribs and delicious hamburgers. If you like western style, you will feel right at home.
Day 2
To start the day with plenty of energy, you can make a stop at Zanotelli Butcher's Shop, and not only if you like a savoury breakfast. In fact, thanks to the passion of one of the owners' daughters, plenty of space here is dedicated to artisan pastries, to enjoy in the café bistro.
And then you can dive into the wildest part of the valley, where the orderly rows of vines give way to woods that frame the mountain villages. A must-see gem is the Trail of the Ancient Trades in Grumes (Sentiero dei Vecchi Mestieri), where you will be catapulted back in time among old mills, a sawmill and a blacksmith's forge.
With a slower rhythm, the community is vital, so much so that Grumes, has joined the Cittàslow network thanks to its sustainable tourism projects. Here you can find a hostel, have a tasty aperitivo with a view over the valley at Green Grill Info & Sapori, and go for dinner at Il Grillo, the Community Restaurant in Grauno, where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with top-quality raw materials while supporting a noble social project at the same time.
Day 3
The left side of the valley also offers unforgettable views and experiences. Leave your car in Piazzo di Segonzano to go and discover the ancient ruins of the castle painted by Dürer when he traversed this valley. Adventure along the course of the Avisio River until you reach the majestic cliffs, a climbing gym for many climbers, or treat yourself to a stop at the ancient estate of Barone a Prato, for a visit to the winery and a tasting session. And if weather allows, you can also book a picnic basket to enjoy among the vineyards. Also near here are the spectacular Earth Pyramides of Segonzano (Piramidi di Terra), for a trip into the history and geology of the place. From spring to autumn you can also make a food stop at the Chiosco alle Piramidi, which offers typical cuisine and barbecue dishes.
And even pizza can become a gourmet experience in Val di Cembra, at places like Pizzeria Dürer in Sevignano. Classic dough, with long leavening times, top-quality ingredients and a certain creative flair that will win you over. If you have a little time, take a walk around the village and try to count the owls you meet: here, they hold the "Simposio del Beghel", a festival at which many artists create installations dedicated to this friendly bird of prey, which has given the place's inhabitants their nickname.
In short, there really are endless possibilities for exploring the valley, maybe by embarking on some walks along the new Cammino delle Terre Sospese, with its 90 kilometres of trails in total. Or by feeling the thrill of crossing one of the two new spectacular Tibetan bridges, which connect the sides of the valley: the one in the area of the Molini di Sover, or the one between Gresta di Segonzano and Crozi di Grumes, which, at 110 metres, is one of the highest in Europe.