Canals, Mysteries, and Authentic Cuisine from Bernate to Tornavento
If you are looking for a relaxing day trip just 20 minutes away from Sweetheart Apartment, this “on the road” itinerary along the Ticino Valley is the perfect choice.
Get your walking shoes and camera ready: we will follow the course of historic canals in a step-by-step journey, very easy to manage by car, featuring stress-free parking and zero risk of getting lost.
🛑 STAGE 1 (Morning): The Medieval Canal and the Celtic Mystery
The day begins in Bernate Ticino, reachable in about 20 minutes by car from our apartment.
🚗 Practical Parking Note: In Bernate, you will find large, free parking spaces right near the canal (close to the monumental bridge) or in the town center. No parking stress at all!
Once you leave the car, start your walk along the Alzaia del Naviglio Grande (the canal towpath). Walking right by the water here offers pure peace.
- The Canonica di San Giorgio: A majestic 12th-century church complex that mirrors itself directly in the water. The beautiful, well-kept green lawn next to the Canonica is the perfect spot to lay out a blanket and enjoy a light pic-nic (sandwiches or a cold packed lunch) while taking in the view. Please note: as this is a protected historical area, campfires and barbecues are strictly forbidden.
- The Lanca and the Celtic Mystery: From the Canonica, step into the protected woods along the Lanca (an old branch of the river, perfect for birdwatching). Following the dirt paths, you will discover the Celtic Calendar, a fascinating reconstruction hidden among the trees, as well as the new bicolor Giant Bench (#324). (Walking distance: about 5 km / 3 miles – Time: 1h 30min)
🛑 STAGE 2 (Lunch): A Tasty Stop in Turbigo or Nosate
After your morning walk, hop back in the car and head north. On your way to the afternoon destination, we highly recommend stopping for lunch in Turbigo or the picturesque village of Nosate. These towns hide authentic local trattorias that stay true to traditional Lombard cuisine (a strategic choice to avoid tourist traps along the main canal):
- Osteria La Briciola (Nosate): A true guarantee for local food. During the colder months, they serve spectacular traditional stews like cassoeula and tripe. In the summer, the outdoor garden is great for enjoying excellent steaks and fried fish.
- Ristorante Balot’s (Turbigo): A cozy, home-style restaurant in the town center. This is the place to go if you love traditional first courses: their Risotto alla Milanese with Ossobuco is a local legend.
🛑 STAGE 3 (Afternoon): Canals, Moorland, and the Tornavento Viewpoint
After lunch, a quick 10-minute drive will take you to Tornavento (Lonate Pozzolo), a delightful hamlet that offers one of the most spectacular views in the region.
🚗 Practical Parking Note: You can easily leave your car in the large, free parking lot at the Centro Parco Ex Dogana Austro-Ungarica (the former Austrian-Hungarian Customs House), which is the perfect starting point for your afternoon exploration.
- The Canal Walk & Via del Gaggio: Starting from the Ex Dogana, wide and flat pedestrian paths run alongside impressive water engineering works: the Canale Industriale and the Canale Villoresi. From there, you can also explore Via del Gaggio, a dirt path through the moorland that acts as an open-air historical museum with World War II relics.
- The Village and Sant’Eugenio Church: Walking towards the center of the hamlet, you will reach the beautiful Piazza Parravicino. Here stands the charming Church of Sant’Eugenio Martire, an intimate and historic church dating back to the 16th century, right next to the 18th-century Villa Parravicino (a very famous venue for romantic weddings).
- The Grand Finale on the “Balcony of Ticino”: Wrap up your day by stopping in the square for a coffee or a gelato. The square is a natural terrace overlooking the Ticino valley: on clear days, the breathtaking view of the Alps and Mount Rosa will leave you speechless.
📌 Host’s Note: Maximum Freedom (and Autonomy!)
We know that every traveler has their own pace, so feel free to customize this day trip:
- All-in-one or half day? You can combine all stages for a full day out, or choose to do only the morning itinerary (Bernate) or only the afternoon one (Tornavento). They are completely independent.
- No risk of getting lost: All the points of interest, parking lots, and restaurants mentioned in this guide are perfectly mapped and easy to find on Google Maps. Just type in the names provided to start the navigation and explore in total autonomy!
Useful Info:
- Transportation: Car (essential to move between the morning and afternoon spots).
- Clothing: Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for the unpaved paths in the woods.
- Host’s Tip: This is the perfect Sunday trip. Just remember to book the trattoria in advance to secure your table!