Bicycle tours by water in Ticino

At Ponte Brolla the force of the River Maggia has cleft the rock, gouging out and polishing the gneiss. Life was hard in the Maggia Valley, the Ticino’s longest valley. Solace was provided by the church, as testified by edifices of religion and foreign governors.

The Leventina has been a transit corridor since ancient times. The further south, the milder the climate. An easy ride along the waters of the Ticino, soon passing chestnut trees and vineyards. Bellinzona, called «La Turita» because of its many castles.

On the uphill stretch to Monte Ceneri a clear view of the Piano di Magadino vegetable fields and Lago Maggiore. Vedeggio, a quiet little river in a busy valley, where the airfield and nearby Lugano call the shots.

Picture-postcard beauty of the blue Lago di Lugano, for thousands a fervent holiday dream, Morcote for photos. The Mendrisiotto, the richest vineyard region of Ticino with its enogastronomic offers, is located in the most southern part of Switzerland.

It takes a climb of almost 1200m to reach Alpe di Neggia, a hidden gem in Canton Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton. The view from the summit is worth the effort!

Through Piano di Magadino, the Ticino’s vegetable garden, then amidst European camping guests on the lovely lakeside promenade to Locarno, a happy mix of the German holiday dream, Ticino business people and Swiss German Italianità.

Through fertile, richly-yielding Piano di Magadino, lively Locarno on Lago Maggiore and the gardens of Pedemonte, to the romantic Valle Maggia. The powerful river has split, dug out and polished the light-grey gneiss.