Centovalli and Maggia Valley – The Hidden Treasures of Ticino’s Mountains
In the sun-drenched region of Ticino, where the Swiss Alps meet the Italian border, two valleys tell stories of breathtaking scenery, mountain tradition, and effortless adventure.
The Centovalli — the “Valley of a Hundred Valleys” — is famous for its spectacular train route connecting Switzerland and Italy.
The Maggia Valley, by contrast, is a vast wilderness of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and authentic mountain villages.
Both can be explored easily from Lake Maggiore, making them perfect day-trip destinations for visitors or travelers staying at camping Lago Maggiore resorts.
Together, they represent the purest essence of Ticino: wild nature, warm culture, and unforgettable views.
The Centovalli – A Journey Through a Hundred Valleys
A Landscape of Gorges and Forests
The Centovalli, whose name literally means “a hundred valleys,” stretches westward from Locarno toward the Italian border at Domodossola.
Despite the name, it is not made of a hundred separate valleys but rather a maze of ravines, waterfalls, and side streams cutting through forested mountains.
The scenery alternates between dramatic gorges and sunlit terraces dotted with tiny hamlets. Stone bridges cross crystal rivers, while chestnut trees and ferns fill the hillsides.
It’s a world that feels far removed from the bustle of the lakeside towns below — peaceful, timeless, and deeply connected to nature.
The Centovalli Railway – Switzerland’s Secret Scenic Train
The Centovalli Railway (Ferrovie Vigezzina–Centovalli, Centovalli Bahn) is one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides and the best way to explore the valley.
This narrow-gauge railway connects Locarno in Switzerland with Domodossola in Italy, covering 52 kilometers in about two hours.
It crosses 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, climbing through forests, past waterfalls, and across breathtaking viaducts that seem to float in mid-air.
A Ride Through Alpine Wonder
The journey begins at Locarno, on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. The train winds slowly into the mountains, passing through charming stops such as Intragna, Verdasio, and Camedo before crossing the border into Italy.
At every turn, passengers are treated to cinematic views — deep ravines with turquoise rivers below, vineyards on steep slopes, and small stone villages perched on cliffs.
In autumn, the forests burst into gold and red; in spring, waterfalls tumble beside the tracks.
For photographers, every minute of the ride offers a new frame of Alpine perfection.
Practical Information
- Duration: ≈ 2 hours (Locarno ↔ Domodossola)
- Best season: April – October for hiking connections; year-round for scenery
- Tickets: Available from SBB or the official Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway site
- Stops worth visiting: Intragna (for its 80 m bell tower), Verdasio (for cable-car rides), Camedo (for hiking trails)
- Combined trips: Many visitors ride the train one way and return by boat across Lago Maggiore
The Centovalli Experience
The train is comfortable, family-friendly, and surprisingly affordable. Large panoramic windows let you lean back and watch the landscape unfold.
Audio guides and information leaflets describe local legends, bridges, and engineering marvels.
It’s not a high-speed journey — and that’s the point. The Centovalli Railway invites you to slow down, breathe, and admire.
At Domodossola, the Italian terminus, travelers can stroll through a lively market square or continue by regional train to Milan, Turin, or Lake Orta.
It’s a cross-border adventure in the most relaxed Swiss-Italian style imaginable.
Things to Do in the Centovalli
- Visit Intragna: Climb the tallest church tower in Ticino for panoramic views of the valley.
- Hike Verdasio → Rasa: A scenic trail linking two mountain villages via cable car and footpath.
- Explore Camedo: The last Swiss stop, surrounded by forests, ideal for peaceful nature walks.
- Combine train and boat: Ride the railway to Italy, then return by ferry across Lake Maggiore — a perfect full-day excursion.
Whether by train, bike, or foot, the Centovalli rewards curiosity with hidden waterfalls, hanging bridges, and timeless mountain charm.
The Maggia Valley – Ticino’s Wild Heart
Where Water Shapes the World
While the Centovalli is a narrow corridor of gorges, the Maggia Valley (Valle Maggia) opens wide into a grand amphitheatre of granite mountains.
The Maggia River flows from glaciers high in the Alps, carving a path of turquoise pools and waterfalls down to Lake Maggiore.
The valley extends for more than 50 kilometers, branching into the wild Val Bavona and Val Lavizzara. Each side valley hides rustic stone houses, mountain pastures, and countless cascades that glisten in the sun.
Villages and Culture
Starting from Locarno, the road follows the river through a chain of small towns — Avegno, Gordevio, Cevio, and finally Bignasco.
These villages preserve a traditional way of life, with narrow cobbled lanes and slate roofs. In Cevio, the Museo di Valmaggia tells the story of local traditions, from shepherding to chestnut harvesting.
You can stop at one of the many grotto restaurants along the route — cool stone cellars shaded by vines — to taste polenta, local cheese, or Ticino Merlot.
The pace of life here is slow, welcoming, and utterly authentic.
Waterfalls and Hiking Trails
The Maggia Valley is a paradise for hikers.
The most famous trail leads to Foroglio, where an 80-metre waterfall thunders over a granite wall into a pristine pool.
The tiny hamlet nearby, built entirely from stone, is often featured in Swiss tourism campaigns — and when you see it, you’ll understand why.
Other trails climb to Cascata di Salmorino, cross suspension bridges, or follow the river past smooth rocks perfect for picnics.
In summer, families gather near Ponte Brolla or Someo to swim in the natural basins of the Maggia River — crystal clear but refreshingly cold.
Comparing Centovalli and Maggia Valley
| Feature | Centovalli | Maggia Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Narrow, green, cross-border valley | Broad, wild, glacial valley |
| Main Attraction | Centovalli Railway scenic train | Foroglio Waterfall & alpine hikes |
| Length | 52 km (by train Locarno → Domodossola) | 50 km (Locarno → Bignasco + side valleys) |
| Highlights | Stone villages, bridges, panoramic viaducts | Waterfalls, swimming pools, wild nature |
| Best for | Slow travel, photography, cultural day trips | Hiking, adventure, summer swimming |
| Mood | Romantic, nostalgic, cross-border charm | Energetic, natural, untouched beauty |
The Centovalli seduces travelers with movement — a continuous flow of scenery through the train window.
The Maggia Valley invites you to stop, walk, and listen to the sound of water and wind.
Both are unforgettable, each in its own rhythm.
Camping Lago Maggiore – The Perfect Base for Both
One of the great advantages of Lake Maggiore is its central position.
From Locarno or Cannobio, you can explore both valleys easily — one by train, the other by car or bike — returning each evening to the comfort of your camping Lago Maggiore site.
Imagine waking up by the water, enjoying breakfast with mountain views, and deciding:
Will today be a relaxed Centovalli Railway journey through forests and bridges, or a hike beneath waterfalls in the Maggia Valley?
Both adventures begin less than an hour away.
Why Campers Love It
- Central location for all Ticino day trips
- Direct lake access and private beaches
- On-site restaurants serving local cuisine
- EV charging, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly comfort
- Perfect for combining culture, hiking, and relaxation
For example, Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort offers modern mobile homes, lakefront pitches, and easy transport links to Locarno — an ideal base for exploring Ticino’s valleys.
Planning Your Visit
- Best Season: April – October; May & June for waterfalls, September & October for golden foliage.
- Transport Passes: The “Centovalli Express” or Ticino Ticket cover train and bus routes.
- Clothing: Layers – mornings cool, afternoons warm.
- Safety: Check river conditions before swimming; wear good footwear for hikes.
- Photography Tip: Take the Centovalli Railway in the morning for best light facing the valley.
Conclusion – Two Valleys, Two Journeys, One Ticino
The Centovalli and the Maggia Valley embody the essence of Ticino’s natural beauty.
The train through the Centovalli is a journey through time — an elegant ride across stone bridges and forested ravines.
The Maggia Valley is nature in motion — waterfalls, granite peaks, and rivers that sculpt the land with patient power.
From your camping Lago Maggiore base, you can experience both in one unforgettable trip: glide through the air on the Centovalli Railway, then dive into the fresh pools of the Maggia River.
It’s the ultimate combination of Swiss precision and Italian passion, tranquil travel and wild adventure — the heart of Ticino in two parallel valleys, waiting to be explored.
