SAN MARCO PASS AND TALEGGIO VALLEY: ITINERARY BY MOTORCYCLE

San Marco Pass is one of the most famous and acclaimed motorbike tours, a real "must" to do at least once in a motorcyclist's life. Traveling on two wheels this Lombard pass between Brembana Valley and Valtellina, means savoring one of the oldest and most touristic routes in Italy, dating back to the Republic of Venice. It is no coincidence that its name refers to its patron saint and was wanted by the Serenissima to speed up exchanges with the "Swiss Grisons".

Despite its long history, the San Marco Pass has kept its landscapes and nature almost intact, its excellent homemade gastronomy and its inevitable curves. Finally, the western branch of Brembana Valley - Taleggio Valley - is perfect for getting off the motorbike, hiking, trekking and not missing the Orrido of the Taleggio Valley, a gorge about 3 km long carved by the Enna torrent in its final stretch.

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SAN MARCO PASS BY MOTORCYCLE: THE ROUTE

The San Marco Pass has an altitude of 1,992 meters above sea level, about 750 less than the Stelvio Pass. Its summit can be reached from two completely different starting points: the one towards Sondrio from Morbegno (about 25 km, easier and more pleasant, without high differences in height) and the one from San Pellegrino Terme (about 18 km, more challenging and difficult on the final), overlooking the side of Olmo al Brembo. Both have an altitude difference of about 1300-1500 meters from the start. We at Roadsitalia will start from the small San Pellegrino Terme, an Art Nouveau wedding favor surrounded by the Orobie Prealps and located in the heart of Brembana Valley. A well-known spa and tourist resort already in the mid-1900s, it is still known throughout the world for its mineral water. San Pellegrino Terme can be reached by taking the SS40 in the direction of Brembana Valley, and is just over 20 km from Bergamo.

Continuing from its main street, take the State Road 470 and - at San Giovanni Bianco - it is possible to detour to the SS25 to see the Orridi and dense vegetation of the Taleggio Valley. Continuing on the SS470 instead (continuation of SP1), you pass through Olmo al Brembo and arrive in Mezzoldo, where a short stop is recommended.

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Mappa GPX - Clicca per scaricare

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This first part of the itinerary represents a classic hilly and mountain stretch, with slight slopes and immersed in the surrounding vegetation of the Orobie Regional Park. Once past Mezzoldo, the route becomes more and more complex, but marvelous from a naturalistic point of view. From here on follow the SP8 for about 12 km, where the last stretch begins towards the fateful San Marco Pass.

The curves are sharp and tight, so we suggest going at a controlled speed and not being distracted by the panorama. Shortly before arriving at altitude, it is necessary to tackle the well-known “big bend of the San Marco Pass”, a stretch with a high slope. From here, once you have crossed the San Marco, continue on the SP8 to Valtellina, where you can reach Morbegno. The road is challenging in the first sections, however it has a reduced slope and remains easier than that of the outward journey. With regular traffic you cover the distance (about 25 km) in about forty minutes, with a spectacular view of the Bitto Valley and the white peaks of Valtellina dominated by the Rhaetian Alps.

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USEFUL ADVICE AND CURIOSITIES ABOUT THE SAN MARCO PASS

Due to the climatic conditions, San Marco Pass is usually only open in the summer months, from the end of May to September. This route requires calm and good driving skills, especially with humidity and in some sections, where debris is often found. Like all alpine passes and roads, the weather can change quickly: it is therefore advisable to dress and constantly watch the weather so as not to get stuck halfway or on the peak of the San Marco Pass. Same thing for the hours of natural light, where insufficient street lighting (combined with bad weather ..) can make the return challenging. And you? Have you ever undertaken or traveled the San Marco Pass by motorbike? Tell us in the comments and send us your souvenir photos!