Aprica
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Latest page update: 8 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The mountain town of Aprica is situated within the Province of Sondrio and has a population of around 1,500 residents. It stands at an elevation of 1,181 metres above sea level.
Places of interest nearby include Tirano, Edolo, Sondrio, Ponte di Legno, Bormio and Livigno while the recommended accommodation is the Hotel Arisch. |
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Aprica Overview
Aprica, located in the Lombardy region, is a charming mountain resort town set in the heart of the Rhaetian Alps. Known for its ski resorts and stunning natural surroundings, Aprica offers visitors a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. The town’s scenic location, surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, makes it an ideal destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Aprica is famous for its ski slopes, which attract visitors during the winter months for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the warmer months, the surrounding mountains offer a range of hiking and mountain biking trails, providing stunning views of the Alps and the Valtellina Valley. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a quaint church with historical significance. Aprica’s combination of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and alpine charm makes it a perfect base for exploring the Rhaetian Alps throughout the year.
Aprica is famous for its ski slopes, which attract visitors during the winter months for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the warmer months, the surrounding mountains offer a range of hiking and mountain biking trails, providing stunning views of the Alps and the Valtellina Valley. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a quaint church with historical significance. Aprica’s combination of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and alpine charm makes it a perfect base for exploring the Rhaetian Alps throughout the year.
Top Things to Do in Aprica
- Aprica Ski Area: Aprica is a well-established alpine resort offering over 50 kilometres of ski slopes suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. The ski area connects four main sectors—Baradello, Palabione, Magnolta, and Campetti—and includes ski schools, rental facilities, and snow parks. It remains a popular winter destination for families and groups.
- Piazza Palabione and Town Centre: The town’s centre is built around Piazza Palabione, where visitors find cafés, restaurants, and shops selling mountain gear and local products. The atmosphere is relaxed and functional year-round, with ski lifts and hiking trails accessible directly from the town.
- Church of San Pietro: This small historic church lies just outside the modern centre and dates back to the 16th century. It features a simple alpine design with a bell tower, wooden ceiling, and local devotional artworks, reflecting the village’s origins before it became a resort.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking in Summer: In warmer months, Aprica transforms into a base for outdoor activities, with trails leading into the Val Belviso, Valle di Campovecchio, and up towards alpine pastures. Routes range from easy walks to high-altitude climbs, while mountain biking paths and chairlift access expand summer options.
- Day Trip to Tirano: Located just 20 minutes away, Tirano offers the Bernina Express, a scenic railway into the Swiss Alps. The town also features the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, traditional restaurants, and wine tasting from the Valtellina region, making it an ideal cultural and scenic extension to a stay in Aprica.
Comune di Aprica
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Province: Sondrio
Region: Lombardy Population: 1,467 (in 2024 - source) Size: 20 km² Elevation: 1,181 metres Nearest train station: Tresenda Aprica Teglio (13 km) Best airport: Milan Bergamo Airport (111 km) Close by: Tirano, Edolo, Sondrio, Ponte di Legno, Bormio, Livigno |
Where to Stay in Aprica - My Recommended Accommodation
- Hotel Cristallo Club Located close to the ski slopes and just a short walk from the town centre, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a wellness centre with sauna and steam room, and a restaurant serving regional dishes. Guests appreciate the ski-in/ski-out convenience, helpful staff, and mountain views. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Arisch Situated in the heart of Aprica, this four-star hotel features elegant Alpine-style rooms with wooden furnishings, a lounge bar, and a terrace. Visitors enjoy the central location, warm atmosphere, and proximity to ski lifts, restaurants, and shops. €€€ (high-end)
- Meublè Ambrosini This stylish B&B is located next to the Palabione ski lift and offers modern, well-equipped rooms with balconies. Guests value the generous breakfast, private parking, and direct access to the slopes and hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Derby Positioned near the town centre and close to several ski lifts, this family-run hotel offers traditional décor, a friendly welcome, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Visitors enjoy the relaxed environment, good food, and excellent location for outdoor activities year-round. €€ (mid-range)
- Residence Biancaneve Located a short walk from the town’s main square, this self-catering residence offers studios and apartments with kitchenettes and mountain views. Guests appreciate the flexibility for longer stays, spacious interiors, and access to nearby shops and ski facilities. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Aprica - My Recommended Restaurants
- Ristorante Pizzeria Stambech: Located near the centre of Aprica, Stambech offers a varied menu that includes classic Italian starters, pasta dishes, grilled meats, and wood-fired pizzas. The informal setting and generous portions make it a popular choice for families and groups. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Baita Le Lische: Situated in the mountains above Aprica, this rustic chalet-style restaurant is known for its local Valtellina specialities such as pizzoccheri, sciatt, and polenta with stewed meats. It’s a welcoming place to enjoy traditional food in a cosy alpine setting, especially in winter. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Larice Bianco: Found within a hotel just outside the town centre, Larice Bianco serves carefully prepared regional and Italian dishes. The menu features local cheeses, fresh pasta, and seasonal options, with an emphasis on presentation and quality. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Ristorante Pizzeria Baffo: Also in Aprica, Baffo combines a full restaurant menu with a pizzeria, offering a wide selection of traditional dishes and classic pizzas. It’s a casual and friendly place, with quick service and a warm atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Caveja: This small eatery in the centre of Aprica is best known for its piadine, wraps, and light bites, making it a good option for a quick lunch or an informal evening meal. The simple menu focuses on quality ingredients and good value. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Places close to Aprica
- Teglio (approx. 15 km southeast of Aprica): A charming town located in the Valtellina Valley, Teglio is known for its beautiful historical architecture, such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the Palazzo Besta, an impressive noble residence. Teglio is also famous for its local cuisine, particularly pizzoccheri, a traditional Valtellina dish made with buckwheat pasta.
- Sondrio (approx. 40 km southeast of Aprica): The provincial capital of Valtellina, Sondrio is a lively town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Visitors can explore the Piazza Garibaldi, the town's main square, and the Piazza della Vittoria, with its historic buildings. Sondrio also offers beautiful views of the surrounding Alps and is a gateway for hiking and wine tours in the region.
- Bormio (approx. 40 km east of Aprica): A popular ski resort town, Bormio is also known for its natural hot springs. Visitors can enjoy the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi, historic thermal baths with stunning mountain views. Bormio also offers a charming historic centre, with medieval architecture and the Bormio Cathedral, and is a great starting point for exploring the Stelvio National Park.
- Morbegno (approx. 25 km southeast of Aprica): Situated in the heart of Valtellina, Morbegno is a quaint town famous for its traditional food and wine. The town is known for the Sagra del Bitto, a festival celebrating the famous Bitto cheese. Morbegno's charming streets and nearby vineyards make it a delightful destination for food lovers and those seeking a peaceful atmosphere.
- Livigno (approx. 50 km north of Aprica): A popular ski resort town in the Alps, Livigno is known for its tax-free shopping and vibrant après-ski scene. The town offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as a lively pedestrian area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
How to get to Aprica
By Rail: Aprica does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Tirano, located approximately 15 kilometres to the east. Tirano is the terminus of the regional Trenord railway line from Milan via Lecco and Sondrio. The journey from Milan to Tirano takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Tirano, Aprica can be reached by bus or taxi, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Bus services run regularly throughout the year, with increased frequency during the ski season.
By Road: Aprica is situated in the Valtellina area of northern Lombardy, near the border with Switzerland. It is approximately 150 kilometres north-east of Milan and 45 kilometres north-east of Sondrio. The drive from Milan takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes via the SS36 and SS39 roads. From Sondrio, the journey takes just under 1 hour. There is ample public parking in and around the town, including near the ski lifts and accommodation areas.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Aprica is situated in the Valtellina area of northern Lombardy, near the border with Switzerland. It is approximately 150 kilometres north-east of Milan and 45 kilometres north-east of Sondrio. The drive from Milan takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes via the SS36 and SS39 roads. From Sondrio, the journey takes just under 1 hour. There is ample public parking in and around the town, including near the ski lifts and accommodation areas.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Located about 130 kilometres south-west of Aprica, the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Public transport options include a bus or taxi to Bergamo station, a train to Tirano via Lecco and Sondrio, and then a bus or taxi to Aprica.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 160 kilometres south-west of Aprica, the drive takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. Travellers can take a train from Milan Centrale to Tirano and continue to Aprica by road.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Approximately 180 kilometres south-west of Aprica, the journey by car takes about 3 hours. The Malpensa Express connects to Milan Centrale, from where trains run to Tirano, followed by a short onward journey by bus or taxi.
