Before you go
Your trip to Tirano.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Tirano – Lombardy Destination Milão and Lago de Como about 160 km from Milão
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Bergamo (Aeroporto di Milano Bergamo) (BGY) Orio al Serio · 150 km
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Estação de Tirano, trens italianos (Stazione di Tirano) 1 km
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Estação de Tirano da Ferrovia Rética (Bernina Express) 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Confirm before buying. By train, you can reach Tirano from Milão in about 2h30, via the Valtellina and along the shore of Lake Como, with direct regional trains to the Italian station. On the Swiss side, the Bernina Express and the regional trains of the Ferrovia Rética arrive from St. Moritz and Chur at the neighboring station. In season, the Bernina Express Bus connects Tirano to Lugano. By car, via the SS38. The nearest airport is Bergamo, about 150 km away.
How many days
Half a day is enough for the basilica, the train passing through the square, and the old town. With a full day you can visit the Palazzo Salis and the rock engraving park of Grosio. Many people stay overnight in Tirano to catch the Bernina Express early, heading to St. Moritz.
When to go
From May to October the days are long, the Bernina Express Bus runs and the vineyards are green. September and October are the grape harvest season. In winter the train continues to run, with snow on the Swiss section, and Tirano is quiet.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not necessary in town: the basilica, the center and the two stations are a few minutes' walk away. For the Grosio park there are regional trains and buses in the valley, but a car helps to combine the park with the vineyards and the villages of the Valtellina.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Tirano
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Morning
Basilica of Madonna di Tirano
Walk from the station to the basilica, in the western part of town, and see the carved wooden organ and the chapel of the apparition. Stay in the square to watch the Bernina Express pass between the houses.
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Afternoon
Old town and Palazzo Salis
Have pizzoccheri for lunch, the buckwheat pasta of the Valtellina, then head to the old town with the Bormina and Poschiavina gates. Visit the Palazzo Salis, with its frescoed rooms and Italian garden.
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Late afternoon
Adda riverbank
Walk along the river Adda and through the streets of the center, with terraced vineyards on the slopes in view.
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Evening
Dinner with Valtellina wine
Restaurants in the center serve Valtellina dishes such as pizzoccheri and sciatt, fried cheese fritters, paired with the valley's nebbiolo red wines.
2 days in Tirano
Day 1
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Morning
Basilica and train passage
Basilica of Madonna di Tirano and the passage of the Bernina Express through the square.
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Afternoon
Palazzo Salis and old town
Visit the Palazzo Salis and walk among the gates and palaces of the center.
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Late afternoon
Adda riverbank
Walk along the riverside.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Valtellina cuisine.
Day 2
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Morning
Grosio rock engravings
Take a regional train or drive to Grosio, about 15 km away, and climb to the rock engravings park, featuring the Rupe Magna and the ruins of the two castles.
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Afternoon
Bernina Express
Back in Tirano, take the Bernina Express toward St. Moritz, or do only the section to Poschiavo or Alp Grüm and return.
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Late afternoon
Return to the valley
If you don't continue to Switzerland, return to Tirano in the late afternoon.
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Evening
Dinner in Tirano
Old town restaurants.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bernina Express end in Tirano?
Yes. Tirano is the final stop on the Italian side of the Bernina Express, which comes from St. Moritz and Chur via the Bernina pass. The Ferrovia Rética station is next to the Italian station.
How to go from Milão to Tirano?
By regional train, in about 2h30, along the shore of Lake Como and through the Valtellina.
Does the train really pass through the middle of the town?
Yes. Before reaching the station, the Bernina Express crosses the basilica square and continues along the street, between the houses.
Do you need a passport to go from Tirano to Switzerland?
Italy and Switzerland are part of the Schengen area and there is no fixed passport control at the border, but carry your passport as there may be checks. Check the rules before you go.
Is it worth staying overnight in Tirano?
It's worthwhile for those who will take the Bernina Express early. The town is small and quiet, and can be seen in half a day.
