The Maggia Valley – a wonderful natural oasis north of Locarno. The turquoise blue Maggia with its rock formations, bathing areas and waterfalls offers you refreshment and photogenic locations. While hiking or biking, you will be amazed by the landscape and the rich cultural heritage.
This is the Maggia Valley
The Maggia Valley (Italian: Vallemaggia) is located in the south of Switzerland in the
Ticino canton. With the beautiful river landscape of the Maggia and its pristine nature, it is the largest valley in the canton and a popular destination for leisure and hiking.
Discover the Maggia Valley
Many say the Maggia Valley is magical. See for yourself: Regular public buses run from
Locarno. This is also where the varied bike route
Percorso Valle Maggia begins. The star of the valley is the Maggia River, winding through the rocks for over 60 kilometers before flowing into
Lago Maggiore. You’ll be enchanted by the chestnut forests, the vibrant cultural heritage — and the picturesque side valleys: explore
Bosco Gurin in the Rovana Valley or admire the
Church of Mogno in Val Lavizzara, built from local granite and marble.
The Maggia River
Emerald-green water, smooth rocks, swimming lakes, and waterfalls: the Maggia is incredibly beautiful and refreshingly cool in summer. Good fitness and a bit of courage are needed for cliff diving in the spectacular rock formations near Ponte Brolla. Canyoning is popular, for example in the impressive
Giumaglio Gorge.
Hiking in the Maggia Valley
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, hiking in the Maggia Valley is wonderful. Near Lodano, you’ll pass through the unique
UNESCO beech forests. In the charming town of Cevio, follow the Stone Path (Sentiero di pietra) to historic grotti, where cheese, meat, and wine were once stored. Or hike along old mule tracks to San Carlo in the
Bavona Valley. From there, a cable car takes you up to the glacier world of Robièi.
Around the Maggia Valley
Enjoy an espresso on the Piazza Grande in
Locarno or a gelato on the lakeside promenade of
Ascona. Experience Mediterranean vibes at the
lidos on
Lago Maggiore. Or explore two more of Locarno’s valleys: the
Verzasca Valley with the
Ponte dei Salti bridge and the Verzasca dam — or the wild
Centovalli on a
train ride to Domodossola.
Experience the Maggia Valley for less
From your first night in Ticino, you receive the
Ticino Ticket. It grants you free travel on all public transport throughout the canton and discounts with regional tourism partners.
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