Perching on the Italian slopes of the mighty Matterhorn - or Monte Cervino as the locals call it - is the little town of Cervinia. This is where Italy meets Switzerland, very easily visited during the day thanks to the lift network linking Cervinia to Zermatt. From its high glaciers - where you can ski, even in summer - down to its main street lined with bars and restaurants, Cervinia has been on the map for hiking, climbing, biking (and skiing) for over a century. And for good reason…
Alpine Crossing and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The brand new Cervinia-Zermatt Alpine Crossing - the highest cross country gondola in Europe, links Testa Grigia in Italy to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt. This is big news for the area and a long time coming as the idea for the Alpine Crossing was conceived 80 years ago! At the top, there’s a 360° viewing platform, a ‘glacier palace’, fine dining, ski slopes, plus hiking and biking trails. With wheelchair access, it’s accessible for everyone.
No better place for a family trip
It being Italy, and Italians loving children as they do, Cervinia is perfetto for a family holiday. On top of the outdoor space and activities - easy walking routes, fun biking trails, rafting and the kids’ snow park (even in summer!) - there are also fairy-tale castles to explore. And let’s not forget this is the land of pizza, pasta and gelato - every childs’ favourite food.
The ‘blue lake’ - or Lago Blu, should we say
Half an hour’s walk from Cervinia is Lago Blu with its deep turquoise colour. Walk around the small lake to catch it from the right angle and see the Matterhorn mirrored in its clear waters. Not far away are the Layet Lakes, three pozze (or ‘puddles’) of spring water, all different hues of blue-green, that overlook the valley.
Through the Aosta Valley: Cammino Balteo
Here’s one for the hard-core hikers: hiking the Cammino Balteo (or perhaps just a section or two…). This is a circular itinerary of around 220 miles which can be split into 23 stages (4-6 hours each) through the entire Aosta Valley, with its lakes, nature reserves, waterfalls, pastures, vineyards, ancient fortresses and castles. Most of the walking is gentle, and not too high-altitude, so dipping in and out of the full circuit and official route is a good option, even with kids in tow.
Why book a summer holiday in Cervinia with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Cervinia's best activities at your own pace.
Plus, from 2024 we've included two optional guided walks every week in Cervinia. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Cervinia include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.