Bavona

River · Cavergno

1

@afar

"A Valley Lost in Time Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the steep and rocky Bavona Valley in the canton of Ticino is famous for its dramatic alpine scenery as well as for the fact that there is no electricity grid there. The power in the valley is from solar sources as well as from small water turbines and generators. The landscape is also known for the awesome Foroglio Waterfall that rushes down an 80-meter high rock into the Val Calnegia. Along with hiking and biking, travelers can also walk the "Taking the Cows Up the Mountain" trail that recreates a local tradition through the villages of Cavergno and Bignasco, then along the valley floor to the Terra di Foroglio, and then up through the Calneggia Valley to cow pastures at heights of over two thousand meters. We had the good fortune of exploring Val Bavona with Veronica Lafranchi of Ticino Tourism. Veronica showed us her family’s home, built in 1579 and still in the family. Talking with Veronica we learned of the valley locals' close knit ties: Veronica and her family personally knew the fellow who delivered the bread to the village daily. Walking through the Valley's villages with her was a walk back in time—but actually not backwards since the valley (whose inhabitants still sometimes rely on candles for light) seems frozen in a time before the clutter and noise of modern life drowned out the sound of cowbells and the soft golden light of tallow. Ready to embark on your own Swiss adventure? Check out the itineraries that have been created by the members of AFAR’s Travel Advisory Council and other specialists at AFAR Journeys ."

Switzerland's Italian Side

Cevio, Switzerland Get directions

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Hotel Walter Au Lac

Hotel · Lugano

Unassuming rooms & suites in a relaxed hotel offering lake views & a terrace with a hot tub. Overlooking Lake Lugano, this understated hotel is 5 km from Monte San Salvatore, and a 7-minute walk from the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and art exhibits at the LAC museum. Offering lake views, the low-key rooms and suites provide Wi-Fi access, satellite TV and minibars, as well as safes, en suite bathrooms, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some have balconies, sitting areas and/or sofabeds. There's a terrace with a hot tub and sunloungers. Breakfast is available.

0 Postcards

Ristorante Arté

Restaurant · Lugano

Nestled by Lake Lugano, this Michelin-starred gem dazzles with modern Mediterranean dishes, stunning views, and top-notch service from a passionate team.

1 Postcard

Hotel Garni Golf

Bed & breakfast · Ascona

Unpretentious hotel offering basic rooms & a TV lounge, plus free breakfast & Wi-Fi. A minute's walk to Piazza Giuseppe Motta on the shores of Lake Maggiore, this modest hotel is also 3 km from both Visconteo Castle and the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage site. Straightforward rooms have wood furnishings, TVs, minifridges and free Wi-Fi. The 2 upgraded rooms add a balcony or a patio. Family rooms are available. Freebies include a breakfast buffet served in a cozy dining room or on a terrace, and entry to the Lido Ascona beach. Other amenities include a TV lounge and a sauna (surcharge).

0 Postcards

Grotto San Rocco

Restaurant · Pugerna

Nestled by the water, Grotto San Rocco serves up delightful local dishes in a cozy spot with friendly service and breathtaking views—perfect for a laid-back lunch.

1 Postcard

THE VIEW Lugano, an SLH Hotel

Hotel · Paradiso

This stylish hillside hotel offers modern suites with stunning lake views, high-tech amenities, and a complimentary fleet of electric Smart cars for local adventures.

3 Postcards

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura

Cultural center · Lugano

Nestled by the lake, this stunning contemporary art museum dazzles with fantastic exhibitions, breathtaking views, and a relaxed vibe that feels worlds away from the city.

0 Postcards

Villa Principe Leopoldo

Hotel · Lugano

Nestled in beautiful gardens with stunning Lake Lugano views, this luxurious hotel boasts spacious suites, fine dining, a tranquil spa, and exceptional service.

4 Postcards

Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Hotel · Paradiso

Unpretentious hotel featuring a gym, 2 bars & a restaurant, as well as an outdoor pool & free Wi-Fi. This unassuming hotel is a 6-minute walk from Lugano-Paradiso train station, a 13-minute walk from the LAC museum and 2 km from the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence. Understated rooms and suites offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as en suite bathrooms, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some have sitting areas, sofabeds and/or Nespresso machines. Amenities consist of a trendy restaurant, 2 bars and meeting space, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool and a gym. Breakfast and parking are available. Pets are welcome (fee).

0 Postcards

ibis Locarno

Hotel · Locarno

Casual rooms in a modern hotel offering a Mediterranean restaurant & a 24-hour bar, plus a sauna. A 3-minute walk from the Locarno NLM ferry terminal, this modern hotel is a 6-minute walk from Piazza Grande and a 7-minute walk from the long-standing Visconteo Castle. Featuring custom-designed bedding, the low-key rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Airy 1- and 2-bedroom suites add separate living areas and kitchenettes; some have private saunas and/or terraces with hot tubs. Amenities include a relaxed Mediterranean restaurant (lunch only) and a 24-hour bar. There's also a sauna. Breakfast and parking are available for a fee.

0 Postcards

Ristorante Asia

Asian fusion restaurant · Ascona

Ristorante Asia offers a serene lakeside setting to explore vibrant Asian flavors, from traditional sushi to lively teppanyaki, all crafted with care.

1 Postcard