Val di Mello at a glance
Val di Mello is a side valley to the east, at the head of the Val Masino in the province of Sondrio. It is a nature reserve with a strictly protected zone, a managed protection zone and a landscape protection zone. It is a protected natural area and not a bathing or camping facility.
You can enter on foot freely. For cars the rules are tight, and the old shuttle bus no longer runs. The facts below are the ones to know before you leave.
How to get in
Four ways, from free to paid.
On foot
Access on foot is free and is not covered by the daily limit for cars.
By car with the pass
A maximum of 40 vehicles a day may drive in. Buy the €12 tourist pass at the machine at the San Martino car park, in front of the info point, and place it visibly in the vehicle.
By car, with a disability badge
Vehicles with a disability badge may drive free to the unpaved valley car park. Display the badge.
Paid parking
The local paid car parks cost €10 per day, according to the local FAQ. The Bregolana car park is an alternative, about 30 minutes on foot from the start of the reserve. Do not add the pass and the parking fee into one fixed total. They are different things.
The shuttle bus in the valley has not run since 2019. Older guides that describe it are out of date.
Day trips in Valtellina
Tours and excursions around Valtellina, with live prices and availability.
Hiking and walking in the reserve
The valley is a place to walk beside the stream and under the granite walls of the Val Masino. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and plan the day around daylight.
Treat the reserve as a protected landscape. Do not assume that swimming, camping, bivouacking or bouldering is allowed in every part of it. Zones differ. Ask at the info point and follow the signs.
Bouldering and Melloblocco
The granite of Val Masino and Val di Mello draws climbers and boulderers. Melloblocco is an international bouldering gathering held in the two valleys. The organizers describe it as a meeting and not as a competition. The 2026 edition ran from 6 to 9 May.
Rules for climbing and bouldering are not the same in all zones of the reserve. Check with the info point before you set out with pads and ropes.
Before you set out
Four habits that save a wasted trip.
Decide on the car first
With only 40 vehicles a day, the pass can be a limit on busy days. Have a second plan, such as the Bregolana car park and the walk of about 30 minutes to the start of the reserve.
Keep the pass visible
The tourist pass and a disability badge must both be displayed in the vehicle.
Carry what you need
Bring water, food and sturdy shoes. Plan to be back before dark.
Leave no trace
Take your litter home. A protected valley stays clear only if visitors treat it that way.
The Val Masino is the main valley, and Val di Mello is the side valley at its head. Its granite peaks and its stream are the reason most visitors come.
Plan your visit
Other places to combine with the valley.
Val di Mello: frequently asked questions
Can I drive into Val di Mello?
Yes, but only up to 40 vehicles a day. Buy the €12 tourist pass from the machine at the San Martino car park in front of the info point, and display it in the vehicle.
Is there still a shuttle bus?
No. The local FAQ says the shuttle has not run since 2019.
How much is parking?
The local paid car parks cost €10 per day. This is separate from the €12 tourist pass for the car access, so do not add them into one assumed total.
Is it free to walk in?
Yes. Access on foot is free.
What is Melloblocco?
An international bouldering gathering in Val Masino and Val di Mello. The 2026 edition ran from 6 to 9 May, and the organizers call it a meeting, not a competition.