Castelveccana walks

A quick and easy walk to admire the Cascade de la Froda: a huge waterfall!

This short walk, full of legends, brings you to an incredible waterfall. It's best to do this walk in spring or after a lot of rainfall so you can enjoy the impressive drop. This is a holy place for some local people. It used to be a place for druids to process some sacrifices. The legend says a ghost lives here.

A very beautiful hike in the forest, but the path is very steep from the starting point to the finish. Follow the path marked 302. The route starts at the car park of the cemetery and the Chiesa San Lorenzo and crosses the village to the church in the centre. Turn left as you pass the Locanda di Matt bar. From there, go straight up towards the mountain. Continue to follow the path marked 302 Forte di Orino. The path is initially paved with round stones, then turns into a forest path for a distance of 1 km. It then becomes steeper and narrower. There are no flat sections until you reach the top, but once you get there, you will be rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree view. To the north, you can see the Alps with the main massif of Monte Rosa. In the foreground are the lakes of Varese and Maggiore. There are two panoramic tables where you can sit and enjoy the view.This route is ideal in spring and summer when the leaves on the trees provide shade.Return to the starting point via the same route. The descent takes less time.

Short walk to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese. The trail is mostly shaded, but beware of horseflies in the forest during summer. Bring water. Relatively easy trail, the hardest part being the climb, but the trail is passable. Ideal for a family walk in the shade

During this second stage, you will climb the majestic Monte Tamaro. From the summit, heading west to north, you will discover the Monte Rosa massif in the distance, as well as both ends of Lake Maggiore. To the south, Lake Lugano comes into view. At Capanna Tamaro, you can admire the magnificent ridge stretching from Monte Tamaro to Menèra, topped by a huge antenna.

Hike starting from Aldesago, near the Airbnb apartments, towards and around Monte Bré with several breathtaking views of Lugano and its lakes. Short hike with a nice elevation gain.

A magnificent route through the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian province of Lombardy. Over the course of eight days, you will discover three lakes and three different atmospheres. You will climb several peaks overlooking these lakes. The ridges you will walk along often form the geographical border between Switzerland and Italy.

This first stage begins on the left bank of Lake Maggiore, shortly after the Ticino River flows into the lake. From Vira to Alpe di Neggia, gradually gaining altitude, you will discover the towns of Locarno and Ascona, separated by the Maggia River delta. In the distance, you will see the imposing dam on the Verzasca River, made famous by the James Bond film "Goldeneye". At Alpe di Neggia, far from the hustle and bustle of the lake, you will appreciate this very relaxing place.

After a well-earned climb, the Croix d'Egro offers a magnificent view of the entire lake. Most of the route is through forest, with passages through hamlets with azaleas, etc. The return trip to the viewpoint is relatively steep but well worth it!

Sights: The Verzasca dam, the village of Corripo and the Ponte dei Salti. From the centre of Locarno, head for the church in Brione sul Minusio. Follow the road towards Mergoscia for 50 metres and, at a small square on the left, take the steps leading to a small chapel. Follow the signs for Viona and Monti di Lego. This small peak offers a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore. Descend towards the village of Mergoscia, where you will see Lago di Vogorno and the Verzasca Dam, made famous by the James Bond film "Golden Eye". Continue towards Corripo, where a viewpoint overlooks the Verzasca and the village of Vogorno. The trail then runs alongside the Verzasca to Lavertezzo, a popular destination thanks to its famous old Roman bridge (Ponte dei Salti).Markings: White-Red-White.

This third stage offers several more viewpoints over the lakes. On this route, you move away from Lake Maggiore and closer to Lake Lugano. At Davrosio, you will recognise Monte Tamaro and Menéra with its antenna. At the Motto della Croce viewpoint, looking south, Lake Lugano is clearly recognisable by the peak that towers above it: Monte San Salvator. A glance to the west allows you to catch a last glimpse of Lake Maggiore.

This stage is entirely in Italy but very close to Switzerland, particularly at Erbonne. You will walk along the Sentiero delle Trincee, a historic trench trail dating back to the First World War. This will also be your last opportunity to look out over Lake Lugano.

Locarno, the lowest point on the route (200 metres). From Capanna de la Cimetta, follow the path towards Alpe de Cardada and then Cardada. Take the path behind the Ristorante Colmanicchio and follow the signs for San Bernardo. Continue towards Orselina. The long path through the woods passes the 15th-century Renaissance-style convent of Madonna del Sasso, then wide steps run alongside the funicular railway and descend to the old town of Locarno. This lively town in Ticino, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, hosts the International Film Festival in the first half of August. This short stage offers the opportunity to visit the town and enjoy Lake Maggiore (swimming, boat trips, etc.).Markings: White-Red-White.

La Cimetta: a superb viewpoint over Lake Maggiore. From the old village of Gordevio, go to the church of Gordevio and follow the signs for Pii. In Pii, the chalets of Piano and Pianosto are signposted. From Piano, directions to Cimetta and Avegno are indicated. The imposing relay transmitter antenna is already visible well before Alpe de Vegnasca. Near Capanna de la Cimetta, a platform with an orientation table offers a magnificent panorama.Markings: White-Red-White.

During this fourth stage, Lake Lugano will only be visible from a distance. From Monte Gazzirola to Bocchetta di San Bernardo, you will follow the ridge and border between Ticino, Switzerland, and Italy. At lunchtime, you will probably be in San Lucio, a great place to take a break. You can choose between the Italian refuge and the Swiss hut. You will also have a cultural moment with the San Lucio Chapel, a former 15th-century Romanesque oratory.

This fifth stage will take you to the shores of Lake Lugano in Italy, to the small village of San Mamete. You can even swim in the lake at the Albergo Stella del Italia. This route offers several panoramic viewpoints, particularly from the "Denti della Vecchia" massif, where the lake plays hide and seek with the teeth. In Castello, from the Oratory of San Martino, you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

After a bus transfer to the other side of Lake Lugano, you will gradually enter the Val d'Intelvi, which is very popular with Italians. In Lanzo d'Intelvi, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the city of Lugano and Monte Salvator.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Como, the final destination of this tour. A pleasant, almost flat path will take you from the Binate refuge to the magnificent viewpoint of Monte Bisbino. The descent offers several panoramic views of Lake Como.

Descent to Val Maggia. The Maggia flows into Lake Maggiore between Ascona and Locarno. From Capanna Alzasca, follow the direction of Cevio. At Corte di Fondo, take the path on the right that descends to Cascata del Soladino and then Val Maggia. The trail continues on the right bank of the Maggia and passes through Lodano and Moghegno opposite the village of Maggia. On leaving Moghegno, cross the Maggia and continue on the left bank through Ronchini and finally Gordevio.Markings: White-Red-White.

Magnificent clear green pools in the Verzasca. At Lavertezzo, follow the path on the right bank of the Verzasca and cross the Ponte di Salti. The path climbs gently along the crystal-clear waters of the Verzasca to Ganne. Cross the Ganne bridge and follow the river on its bank to Alnasca, Gerra and finally Frasco. Just opposite the church in Frasco, you will find information about the Val d'Efra facilities. The trail, which starts with steps, is always well marked. The climb is gradual, with numerous waterfalls and green pools along the way. At Alpe dell'Efra, there are two possible routes, one leading directly to the Capanna, the other making a short detour via Lago d'Efra, which is well worth the detour. Please note that the Capanna d'Efra is unmanned: there is no catering (bring your evening meal with you).Markings: White-Red-White].

At the edge of the village, follow the path towards Cerentino. Descend to the village of Cerentino, then follow the road to Cevio for about 2.7 km. As a guide, about 2 km along, in a 180° bend, a sign indicates a path to Niva, and about 700 m further on, on the right, at a bus stop, the path to Capanna Alzasca begins. The path is shaded (chestnut, oak, hazel and other deciduous trees), but the climb is quite steep up to Alpe Orsalii. The climb to Bocchetta di Cansgei is more pleasant and well marked. The bochetta offers a magnificent view of Lago Alzasca. Descend to the sheepfold (Cortic di Cima) and follow the signs for Capanna Alzasaca. From the capanna, Lago Alzasca is about 20 minutes away. Lago Alzasca is considered the most beautiful natural lake in Ticino.Markings: White-Red-White.

More than 2,000 metres of descent are on the agenda for the day. The trail to Passo Gagnone starts just behind the Capanna d'Efra. This is the only climb of the day. From the pass, the long descent begins, first into Val Gagnone and then to Bedra. The trail then enters the woods and overlooks the torrent. A few houses along the way in Marzoch, Gallina and Monastei allow you to check your position on the map. The path continues along the torrent to Bacino Val d'Ambra. Continue downhill to reach the village of Personico. Then follow the signs for Pollegio/Biasca to the bridge that crosses the Ticino river. Continue along the path to an underpass beneath the motorway to finally enter the village of Pollegio.Markings: GR® White-Red-White. Via Alpina Red R87.

This fourth stage is marked by the crossing of two passes, the Passo Muretto and the Bocchetta di Scarpia. You will also cross several mountain pastures such as Alpe de Salecchio, Alpe de Pojola and Alpe de Sangiatto. In the evening, upon arrival in Crampiolo, you will have the opportunity to visit Lago Devero.

Return to Switzerland, in Ticino via the Guriner Furka. From Salecchio, take the same path as the day before to Alpi di Vova and follow the signs for Antillone and Fondovalle. Shortly after Altillone, the path joins the road, which you follow for 500 metres to the village of Fondovalle. A good path through the woods climbs towards the Guriner Furka via Alpe Stavello. Finally, a pass appears, the Passo della Foglia, but this is not the Guriner Furka. It takes another quarter of an hour to reach it via the path that branches off to the left. From Guriner Furka, you can see the chalets of Grossalp and the village of Bosco/Gurin. The descent is easy and pleasant. Bosco/Gurin is a Walser village, and German is commonly spoken there, even though it is located inTicino Markings: White-Red-White.

This fifth stage crosses the Devero and Veglia Natural Parks. During the day, you will cross two more passes, the Scatta d'Orogna and the Passo di Valtendra. After the second pass, the landscape becomes more harmonious. A pretty little stream and a long passage through the woods accompany the descent to Alpe de Veglia. Alpe de Veglia is a group of small hamlets located close to each other at the bottom of a very steep valley. Major peaks such as Monte Leone (3,553 m) and Bortelhorn (3,194 m) surround these peaceful hamlets.

At Crampiolo, the path to Bochetta della Valle is signposted and initially follows the left bank of Lago Dévéro. The path then continues towards the Alpi della Valle and Naga mountain pastures. Further up, a sign indicates the direction of Bocchetta della Valle. Walk along the Busin Superiore lakes and descend to the Busin Inferiore lake dam. The trail resumes below the dam (red markings) and the descent is quite steep to Alpe di Vova. From there, a balcony path leads to Salecchio Superiore via Casa Francoli. Crampiolo and Salecchio Superiore: two magnificent Walser-style villages.Markings: White-Red-White.