Orino walks

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.

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.

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

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.

An ideal walk on a hot day, mostly through woodland, with some lovely views of the surrounding countryside. This route starts and ends in Muggio (easily accessible by post bus). Refreshments are available at Rifugio Prabello (Italy).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.