Cycling vacation at Lake Maggiore

Ascona is located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and borders Locarno. It nestles at the mouth of the Maggia into Lake Maggiore and is an ideal starting point for various cycling tours. The mild climate allows palm and lemon trees to flourish, so that the town welcomes you with a Mediterranean ambience. The Cimetta and Caddada mountains offer a great view and are easy to climb by funicular, gondola or chairlift.

On the shores of Lake Maggiore, you cycle eastwards to the Magadino plain. The former marshland is now used to grow rice. The route continues through forests and fields against an impressive mountain backdrop. Your destination is Bellinzona, the capital of the canton of Ticino. People settled here as long as 4000 years ago. The medieval town wall and several castles are World Heritage Sites. The route back leads through typical Ticino villages.

Leave your bike behind today and sail to the Brissago Islands. Thanks to the many hours of sunshine, over 1700 fascinating plant species thrive here in an extensive botanical garden. Back on the mainland, get on your bike and ride into the breathtaking Centovalli, the valley of 100 valleys. The Melezza torrent winds its way between the many peaks to the great Maggia river.

Today you follow the River Maggia northwards. The Maggia makes its way through the Alps for more than 50 kilometers to its mouth in Lake Maggiore. In the incomparable river valley, you can always take a break in one of the typical grotti. These rustic restaurants, typical of the region, will enchant you with local delicacies served in the open air. The day's destination is the small town of Maggia.

First you cycle the short distance to Locarno. From there, the train takes you comfortably through the Alps to Melide, on Lake Lugano. Lake Lugano is in no way inferior to Lake Maggiore: Tall palm trees grow along the shore, typically Mediterranean and colorful villages gather around stone church towers and the Italian dolce vita is also cultivated here. You cycle the short distance to Lugano in a relaxed manner before taking the train back to Locarno and cycling from there to Losone.

After breakfast, your cycling vacation on Lake Maggiore ends with your individual return journey home.