When summer arrives, the dilemma is always the same: where to go on holiday?
.
There are those who love the sea and those who prefer the mountains, those who want to relax in a nice spa and those who prefer trekking in the most unspoilt nature, those who prefer peace and quiet and those who are constantly in search of events and liveliness, and finally there are those who prefer culture and those who prefer sport.
.
Of course, with these premises it seems impossible to find a place that can please everyone...or does it? The solution to all this exists, and once you discover it, you will no longer have any doubts about where to spend your well-deserved holiday. You will spend an incredible summer at Crans-Montana.
.
.
Not everyone sounds familiar with this place, but you will certainly have guessed that it is located not far from the Italian border. Crans-Montana is located in the canton of Valais, in Switzerland, surrounded by scenery you might not expect.
.
This municipality, located 1500 metres above sea level, is considered one of the best places in Europe to spend your summer holiday, because variety is the watchword here!
The main attraction is, of course, the breathtaking panorama of the immense expanses of green that surround this town.
If, however, you are wondering what you can do in Crans-Montana in summer, well know that you really will be spoilt for choice.
.
Let's start by saying that its setting allows you to immerse yourself in long walks or bike tours, since the Valais Alpine Bike, the most famous route in the Valais canton, starts at Crans-Montana and is a must for cycling enthusiasts.
.
For the less experienced, there is also the possibility of hiring e-bikes and riding along the dedicated trails to discover nature.
To continue one's walk, there is nothing better than the bisse, the famous irrigation canals in the area.
These are the famous irrigation canals.
In the old days, these were used to bring water to the fields, but today they are one of the most appreciated historical attractions of Crans-Montana, as they offer a magnificent view of the landscape, can be walked on without too much effort and are located near several mountain huts, restaurants and public transport stops.
.
If you still haven't had your fill of the view, you can take the cable car to the Plaine-Morte Glacier (at an altitude of around 3000 metres), from where you can admire the surrounding valleys and some of the most famous and enchanting Alpine peaks, such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
.
Although, as mentioned, hiking and walking are the order of the day given the countless trails in the area, for many the summer remains synonymous with beach and sea. Well, summer in Crans-Montana manages to make up for this lack as well, with the crystal-clear waters of its five swimming lakes: Etang Long, Lac d'Icogne, Lac de Chermignon, EtangGrenon and Lac de la Moubra.
.
On the shores of the former, in particular, you will forget that you are in the mountains thanks to the presence of a real sandy beach, the Beach Club, which is also surrounded by bars and restaurants.
In addition, there is also the possibility of taking up sports such as skating, wakeboarding and water-skiing, or of practising other more popular ones in the Alaïa Chalet, Switzerland's first centre dedicated toindoor and outdoor action sports. Climbing higher up, the more adventurous will also love to try paragliding and climbing.
.
After the sports session, you can also feed your mind by continuing to spend our summer at Crans-Montana with the various cultural proposals. The Fondation Opale, for example, is an unmissable stop that fully represents the idea of the variety promoted at Crans-Montana, since the star attraction at this art centre is Australian Aboriginal art.
.
Also worthy of tourists' attention are the Vaas Castle, a historic building in the area, and the various art galleries, including Art Crans-Montana, Tornabuoni Art, Atelier Xavi Solà and Affinity Art Gallery.
Complementing the artistic experience of your summer in Crans-Montana are the Vision Art Festival and the AmStramGram with events, concerts, exhibitions and festivals attended by artists and restaurateurs from all over the world, and with workshops and shows dedicated to children. The latter will also have the opportunity to have fun at Ycoor, where the home of Bibi, the area's mascot, is located.
This garden is full of activities designed for children, such as miniature golf, electric cars, sack races, bocce courts and a play area, and they will always be accompanied by the very friendly marmot Bibi and the rest of the staff.
If you think that's all there is to it, you're wrong, because summer in Crans-Montana really does cater for everyone, opening the doors of its many luxury shops scattered along the Rue de Prado, as well as cinemas, casinos and various bars, Bar Amadeus and Monk'is Bar above all, where you can spend beautiful evenings, even late into the night, with music and local dishes.
In short, if you are looking for the perfect place for your summer holidays, Crans-Montana really is the ideal place. Clean air, eye-watering panoramas, mountains, lakes, pastures, forests, colours, art and events of all kinds come together to create one of the most beautiful municipalities on the continent. There really is something for everyone, the only unwelcome guest is boredom!
.