In the green heart of southern Switzerland, where the Alps descend toward the palm-lined shores of Lake Maggiore, two valleys tell two very different stories.
The Maggia Valley and the Verzasca Valley (known as Verzascatal in German) share the same sunshine, the same Italian-speaking culture, and the same crystalline rivers — yet they couldn’t feel more different.
One is vast, dramatic, and wild; the other, narrow, intimate, and serene.
Exploring both from a camping Lago Maggiore base is like discovering two sides of Ticino’s soul.
The Maggia Valley – Wild Energy and Endless Horizons
Where the Mountains Open Up
The Maggia Valley (Vallemaggia) begins just northwest of Locarno and stretches deep into the Alps, following the path of the Maggia River for more than 50 kilometres.
Unlike the Verzasca’s narrow gorge, Maggia feels open and expansive — a landscape of granite cliffs, pine forests, waterfalls, and meadows bursting with wildflowers in spring.
As you enter the valley, small villages such as Avegno, Gordevio, and Moghegno appear like pearls along the river. Stone bridges and slate-roofed houses hint at centuries of history, while the air smells of moss and mountain water.
The higher you go, the wilder it becomes. Roads narrow, the forest thickens, and the sound of rushing water fills every curve of the valley.
Waterfalls and the Power of Nature
Nowhere else in Ticino is water as dramatic as in the Maggia Valley.
At Foroglio, one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland, an 80-metre waterfall plunges from the cliffs into a granite amphitheatre. The surrounding hamlet, built entirely of stone, looks untouched by time.
Farther up in the Val Bavona, a side valley carved by glaciers, enormous boulders and hanging waterfalls create a landscape that feels prehistoric. Villages like Bignasco and Sonlerto are dwarfed by sheer rock walls — and yet life persists, quietly and beautifully.
These scenes are paradise for photographers and hikers alike. Trails lead through chestnut forests, across alpine pastures, and up to panoramic ridges where ibex graze and eagles soar.
Local Life and Culture
Despite its wildness, the Maggia Valley is not empty.
Small family farms still produce cheese, honey, and chestnut flour. In Cevio, the Valmaggia Museum showcases the traditions of mountain life, from shepherding to stone carving.
The local grotto restaurants — rustic stone cellars shaded by vines — serve the flavors of Ticino: creamy polenta, grilled sausage, local wine, and homemade desserts.
It’s simple, hearty food that tastes like the landscape itself.
Natural Pools and Summer Freedom
In summer, the Maggia River becomes a magnet for swimmers and sun-seekers.
Near Ponte Brolla and Someo, smooth granite rocks form natural terraces beside turquoise pools. Families picnic on the banks; teenagers dive from the boulders into cool water.
But the Maggia is powerful — after heavy rain, its current turns fierce. Always check safety signs before entering.
When conditions are calm, there are few places in Switzerland as perfect for a summer swim.
The Verzasca Valley – The Quiet Soul of Ticino
An Emerald Ribbon through the Mountains
To the east, just across the ridges, lies the Verzasca Valley, smaller in scale but no less enchanting.
Starting near Tenero at Lake Maggiore, it winds 25 kilometres north through Lavertezzo, Brione, and finally Sonogno — a village so picturesque it seems painted by hand.
The Verzasca River is its heart and magic.
Its color — a deep, shifting emerald — is almost unreal. It flows over polished stone, creating tranquil pools and gentle cascades that sparkle in the sun.
Where the Maggia roars, the Verzasca whispers.
The Famous Bridge of Lavertezzo
The most iconic spot is the Ponte dei Salti, the 17th-century double-arched bridge in Lavertezzo.
It’s one of the most photographed places in Switzerland — and for good reason. Swimmers dive into the crystal pools below while tourists relax on the sun-warmed rocks, surrounded by the scent of pine and wild thyme.
The bridge’s name literally means “Bridge of Jumps,” a perfect symbol for the joy and freedom of this place.
The Verzasca Dam and the James Bond Bungee Jump
At the mouth of the valley rises the Verzasca Dam, a 220-metre concrete giant curving across the gorge.
In 1995, it achieved cinematic immortality when James Bond leapt from its edge in the opening scene of GoldenEye.
Today, that same James Bond bungee jump is one of the most thrilling adventures in Europe.
Visitors can book the 007 Jump and relive the moment — a seven-second freefall into the abyss, surrounded by mountains and the echo of rushing water.
Even if you’re not brave enough to jump, the dam is worth visiting for the view alone.
Stone Villages and Timeless Tranquility
Beyond the adrenaline, the Verzasca Valley offers peace.
Villages like Corippo (Switzerland’s smallest municipality) and Sonogno seem untouched by modern life.
Stone houses, cobbled lanes, flower boxes, and alpine silence — it’s a living postcard.
The Sentierone Verzasca trail follows the river for the entire length of the valley, connecting these villages through chestnut forests and old bridges. It’s one of Ticino’s most beautiful walks — accessible, quiet, and endlessly photogenic.
Maggia vs. Verzasca – Two Valleys, Two Personalities
| Feature | Maggia Valley | Verzasca Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~50 km | ~25 km |
| Character | Open, wild, dramatic | Narrow, serene, intimate |
| Landscape | Granite cliffs, waterfalls, meadows | Emerald river, smooth rocks, stone villages |
| Highlights | Foroglio Waterfall, Val Bavona, alpine hiking | Ponte dei Salti, Verzasca Dam, 007 Bungee Jump |
| Atmosphere | Adventurous, untamed, powerful | Peaceful, romantic, meditative |
| Best for | Hiking, photography, exploring nature | Swimming, relaxation, short scenic walks |
The Maggia Valley feels like raw Switzerland — wide, high, and full of energy.
The Verzasca Valley feels like its poetic twin — calm, sculpted, and graceful.
Together, they form the essence of Ticino: mountain grandeur and Mediterranean light intertwined.
Camping Lago Maggiore – The Perfect Base Between the Valleys
The beauty of staying around Lake Maggiore is that both valleys are just a short drive away.
From Locarno, Ascona, or Cannobio, you can reach either valley within 30–40 minutes.
That makes camping Lago Maggiore the ideal base for exploring both.
Imagine this perfect day:
Wake up in your lakeside mobile home, enjoy breakfast beneath palm trees, and choose your direction — west to the waterfalls of Maggia, or east to the emerald pools of Verzasca.
After a day of hiking or swimming, return for a barbecue on the beach as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Why Campers Love This Region
- Central access to both valleys
- Direct lakefront locations with swimming and SUP options
- Restaurants serving local food
- EV charging and modern facilities
- Friendly, family-run atmosphere
One standout option is Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort, offering private lake access, panoramic views, and quick routes to both valleys — the best of both worlds.
Travel Tips
- Best season: May – October for hiking and swimming; autumn for golden colors.
- Getting around: Car or e-bike gives maximum freedom; PostBus lines connect Locarno with both valleys.
- Weather: Alpine mornings can be cool; afternoons warm and sunny.
- Safety: Always check river flow before swimming; water levels can rise suddenly.
- Don’t miss: The Sunday market in Cannobio for local food to take on your hikes!
Which Valley Should You Choose?
If you crave energy and grandeur, choose the Maggia Valley — waterfalls, long trails, and vast horizons.
If you seek peace and beauty, choose the Verzasca Valley — emerald waters, stone bridges, and timeless calm.
But honestly, the best choice is not to choose at all.
Both valleys can be visited in a single trip, revealing two different moods of Ticino: the wild and the gentle, the powerful and the serene.
Conclusion – Two Valleys, One Heart
The Maggia and Verzasca valleys are the twin lungs of Ticino — breathing life, water, and wonder into the region.
They show that nature here is not a postcard, but a living story — written in stone, water, and sunlight.
From your camping Lago Maggiore base, you can stand beneath a roaring waterfall in the morning and swim in a silent emerald pool by afternoon.
Few places in the world offer such contrast within so little distance.
Whether you fall in love with the Maggia’s untamed energy or the Verzasca’s peaceful grace, one thing is certain: once you’ve seen both, you’ll understand why Ticino is often called Switzerland’s most beautiful secret.