Traversed by the emerald green waters of the Verzasca River, the Valle Verzasca is a 25-kilometre-long valley in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It’s an idyllic setting for hiking, mountain biking and swimming in the summer months, with deep pools that have seen the valley nicknamed the “Maldives of Switzerland”.
One of Valle Verzasca’s most majestic natural attractions is the Froda Waterfall, which cascades 70 metres down a rugged cliff face. Also not to miss is the photogenic Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched medieval bridge that spans the Verzasca River near the village of Lavertezzo.
Want to get your adrenaline pumping? You can recreate a scene from the James Bond film “GoldenEye” while bungee jumping from the Contra Dam. For something more serene, soak up the charm of Sonogno while exploring its cobblestone streets and traditional restaurants.
Getting there
The Valle Verzasca is around 20 minutes’ drive from Locarno and just under two hours’ drive from Milan Malpensa Airport. Trains connect to the Gordola and Tenero railway stations at the southern end of the valley, from where you can set out to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around.