Living nature, villages and flavors of Oltrepò: discover the Voghera–Varzi Greenway

There is a different way to discover the Oltrepò Pavese. A slower, more authentic way, capable of restoring the true value of time and landscape. This is what the Voghera–Varzi Greenway offers—one of the most fascinating experiences for those seeking nature, culture, and outdoor activities just a short distance from Milan.

At the foothills of the Lombard Apennines, where the plains begin to rise into hills covered with vineyards and woods, this cycling and walking path follows the route of a historic disused railway. Today, it has been transformed into a safe, accessible, and immersive trail. It is not just a physical journey, but also a sensory one, filled with scents, silence, and views that reveal the most authentic soul of the territory.

The Greenway stretches for approximately 33 kilometers along the Staffora Valley, crossing a landscape that gradually evolves, guiding visitors from the plains to the first Apennine hills.

The first section, from Voghera to Salice Terme, is gentle and linear. The ride is easy, perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxing walk. Cultivated fields, orderly rows of crops, and rural views accompany the route, with almost imperceptible elevation changes.

Beyond the spa area, the landscape begins to shift. The second section, from Salice Terme to Varzi, introduces a more hilly dimension, with gentle climbs and increasingly wide panoramas. Along the way, you pass through villages such as Godiasco, Ponte Nizza, and Bagnaria, where time seems to slow down amid traditional architecture and authentic atmospheres.

The Oltrepò Pavese has long been a land of passage and cultural exchange. Part of the so-called “Four Provinces” area, it reflects Lombard, Piedmontese, Ligurian, and Emilian influences, visible in its culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Travelling along the Greenway means coming into contact with this complex and fascinating identity. It is not just a cycle path, but a thread that connects landscapes, stories, and flavors.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Greenway is the variety of scenery. In the plains, fields of wheat, barley, and corn dominate, while as you move toward the hills, vineyards take center stage—cultivated here for over two thousand years.

Along the route, you encounter ancient mulberry trees, reminders of a rural past shaped by manual work and agricultural traditions. The proximity of the Staffora stream creates a true ecological corridor, where it is not uncommon to spot roe deer, foxes, or badgers. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the sky and fields offer sightings of pheasants, kestrels, and other native species.

It is a quiet yet vibrant nature, to be discovered with care and respect.

The Greenway is not only about nature. Along the route, or just a short detour away, you will find historical landmarks of great charm.

The village of Varzi, dominated by the Malaspina Castle, is one of the most evocative stops along the entire itinerary. Its medieval alleys, arcades, and timeless atmosphere tell centuries of history and trade along ancient routes connecting the Po Valley to the sea.

In Rivanazzano Terme, you can admire a rare pentagonal tower, while in Retorbido stands the elegant Palazzo Durazzo Pallavicini. Voghera, the ancient Roman Iria, marks the beginning of this journey, symbolically linking past and present.

One of the Greenway’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The paved, dedicated route makes it ideal for cyclists of all levels, runners, families with children, and anyone who simply wants to walk immersed in nature.

You can choose to complete the entire route as a full excursion or explore it in sections, perhaps stopping in villages along the way for a gastronomic break or a cultural visit.

It is the perfect destination for a Sunday trip, as well as for an active weekend focused on slow tourism.

The Oltrepò Pavese is also a land of exceptional products. Along the Greenway, visitors can discover and taste some of the region’s most iconic specialties.

From the renowned Salame di Varzi PDO to the DOC and DOCG wines of Oltrepò, every stop can become a true food and wine experience. Wineries, agriturismi, and small local producers offer the perfect opportunity to connect directly with the traditions and flavors of this land.

Reaching the Greenway is simple and convenient. Voghera is well connected by both train and car, making the starting point easily accessible from Milan in less than an hour.

From here, you can choose your own pace, direction, and way of experiencing the route. By bike, on foot, or running, the Greenway adapts to every need, always offering something new.

The Voghera–Varzi Greenway is not just a cycling and walking path. It is an invitation to slow down, to observe, and to be surprised by a territory that still has so much to tell.

Between nature, history, and flavors, this itinerary represents one of the most complete and engaging experiences in the Oltrepò Pavese—a journey that begins with a step, or a pedal stroke, and continues far beyond the path itself.