Varzi

A medieval village in the upper Staffora valley of the Oltrepò Pavese, with arcaded streets, old towers and the remains of the Malaspina castle. It's best known for Salame di Varzi, a DOP-protected salami cured in the cool valley air, which you can buy from the producers in the village and try in the local trattorias.

Varzi is surrounded by hills good for walking and cycling, and the old railway line has been turned into a cycle path (the Greenway Voghera–Varzi). The vineyards and wineries of the lower Oltrepò, around Broni, Canneto Pavese and Casteggio, are a short drive away.