Maggia Valley by roadster: tour from Locarno
Time for your adventure
3, 5 or 9 hours
The Maggia Valley invites you to experience the fascinating combination of mountain landscapes and Mediterranean flair with a Vanderhall Roadster. Drive through picturesque stone villages, along the crystal-clear Maggia River and discover the most traditional corners of Ticino. Whether a refreshing swim in the river or a visit to the local grotto – here every curve becomes a new discovery.
About Maggia Valley
The Maggia Valley: A jewel between tradition and natural landscapes
The Maggia Valley is characterised by crystal-clear mountain lakes, enchanted stone villages and breathtaking nature. The day begins with a trip along the Maggia River, past charming villages and grottos. Spend the afternoon with a refreshing swim in the river or a stroll through the historic streets of Cevio. The Maggia Valley is a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation – all embedded in a breathtaking landscape.
Fun on three wheels
Cruise through the Maggia Valley in style
With the Vanderhall Roadster you can experience the wild beauty of the Maggia Valley up close. The route leads through idyllic valleys, past historic villages such as Avegno and Cevio, where you can visit traditional Ticino grottos and enjoy a real Ticino lunch. The panorama is constantly changing and every bend holds a new surprise – from mountains to palm trees, from river landscapes to cultural highlights.
Activities in and around Ascona
Anyone looking for variety will find it in Ascona: the 18-hole golf course, one of the most renowned in Switzerland, offers a first-class golfing experience. Water sports fans can enjoy sailing, stand-up paddling and more on Lake Maggiore.
The Brissago Islands, just a short boat ride from Ascona, are another highlight for nature lovers. Their botanical diversity and the calm of the lake make them ideal for a day trip.
booking tool & benefits
Book now and experience the Maggia Valley in a roadster!
Your advantages at Roadster4rent.ch in Maggia Valley:
- Exclusive driving experience: Drive in a luxurious roadster through one of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland.
- Adventure and relaxation: Discover mountain villages, swim in the Maggia River or enjoy a typical Ticino lunch.
- Flexibility: Explore the valley individually and at your own pace.
- Flexible booking: Book easily and conveniently online.
Ready to explore the Maggia Valley?
Book your Vanderhall Roadster now and experience the impressive nature and ultimate driving pleasure in Ticino.
Route guide: the Maggia Valley by roadster from Minusio
The Maggia Valley, Vallemaggia in Italian, is the big, wide valley northwest of Locarno. Compared with the narrow Verzasca Valley, it feels more open: broad gravel banks in the river, granite walls, chestnut forests and old stone villages. At the far end, the Bavona Valley branches off, one of the most unspoilt side valleys in Ticino. For a Maggia Valley trip in an open-top roadster, the route is ideal: long, flowing stretches in the main valley and, to finish, a narrow, almost enchanted side valley. From Locarno to Foroglio in the Bavona Valley it’s about 40 km.
Starting point: Minusio
You start at our base on Via San Gottardo 164 in Minusio. After your personal briefing on the Vanderhall, 185 hp, automatic, two seats, you head out through Locarno towards Ponte Brolla.
Stop 1: Ponte Brolla
At Ponte Brolla, the Maggia has cut deep into the rock. The gorge with its smooth, polished rocks is your first photo stop and the gateway to the valley. Look down from above: the water here often shimmers a deep green.
Stop 2: Avegno and Maggia
You continue via Avegno into the main valley. The road widens, and the river keeps you company with its broad gravel banks. The village of Maggia, which gives the valley its name, is worth a short stop: stone houses, churches and a quiet village centre show what life in the valley looked like for a long time.
Stop 3: Cevio
Cevio is the main village in the upper part of the Maggia Valley. It’s a good place for a break before the landscape turns rougher and steeper.
Stop 4: Bignasco
At Bignasco the valley splits. Straight on leads into the Bavona Valley, and that’s exactly where you’re going. Even the view back over the village, with its two mountain streams flowing together, makes a lovely picture.
Stop 5: Bavona Valley and Foroglio waterfall
The Bavona Valley is narrow, lined with high rock walls and scattered with huge granite boulders. Between them stand small stone hamlets that barely stand out from the landscape. The highlight is Foroglio: right behind the stone houses, the Foroglio waterfall plunges over a high rock edge. After rainy days and in early summer it’s especially impressive. A short walk takes you up close. Then you head back along the same road to Minusio.
Which rental duration is right for you?
- Morning Ride (3 hours): Good for Ponte Brolla and the lower Maggia Valley up to about Maggia. Getting to Foroglio and back in 3 hours is tight.
- Valley Ride (5 hours, 1 pm to 6 pm): The best choice for the whole route into the Bavona Valley, with time for photos, the waterfall and a bite to eat.
- Day Ride (9 hours, 9 am to 6 pm): Ideal if you want to combine the Maggia Valley with the Verzasca Valley or simply drive without watching the clock.
You’ll find available dates and all prices in the booking section.
Best time of day and year
The Bavona Valley lies deep between high rock walls, so the light is often at its best around midday and in the early afternoon. That makes the afternoon Valley Ride a good fit. In spring and early summer, the river and waterfalls carry the most water, while in autumn the chestnuts and birches glow in warm colours.
Stop at a grotto
The Maggia Valley has plenty of grotti: simple Ticino eateries with stone tables in the shade of the trees, where you can enjoy regional food and a glass of wine. If you want to book the stop right away, choose Roadster & Grotto: a 4-hour drive plus a grotto voucher worth CHF 50.
Tips for your drive
- Photo stops with care: Only stop in car parks or wide passing places. The road in the Bavona Valley is narrow, so take extra care there.
- Take it easy in the villages: Drive through the hamlets at walking pace. The people who live here will thank you, and you’ll see more.
- Swim only with caution: With its pools and gravel banks, the Maggia looks inviting, but it’s cold and the current is easy to underestimate. Water levels can change quickly. Stay in shallow, calm water and follow the signs.
- Allow time to get back: Plan for the return trip so you’re back in Minusio relaxed and on time.
In the mood for granite, waterfalls and winding valley roads? Book your roadster now and experience the Maggia Valley under open skies.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Locarno to Foroglio?
From Locarno to Foroglio in the Bavona Valley it’s about 40 km. The route runs via Ponte Brolla, Avegno, Maggia, Cevio and Bignasco.
Which rental duration do you recommend for the Maggia Valley?
In 3 hours (Morning Ride) you can do the tour through the Maggia Valley and Val Bavona with a short stop at the Foroglio waterfall. If you want longer breaks or a stop at a grotto, choose the 5-hour Valley Ride. The Day Ride lets you combine the Maggia Valley with the Verzasca Valley.
When is the Foroglio waterfall at its best?
It carries the most water in spring, early summer and after rainy days. In the Bavona Valley, the light is often best around midday and in the early afternoon.
Is the road into the Bavona Valley difficult?
It’s narrower than in the main valley, but easy to manage with a calm, attentive driving style. After the briefing, you’ll quickly feel at home in the Vanderhall.
Can I swim in the river in the Maggia Valley?
In calm spots, yes, but only with caution: the Maggia is cold, the current is easy to underestimate and water levels can change quickly. Always follow the signs.