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Val Bavona – Everything You Need To Know
Val Bavona is a valley of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.
It’s known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and traditional stone houses.
Val Bavona remains one of the most untouched and least populated areas in the region.
In this blog, I will tell you everything about Val Bavona and its unique experience that will leave you enchanted.
Table of Contents
Val Bavona is located at the end of the Maggia Valley, Ticino. Start your visit to Bavona Valley by parking near the peaceful Bavona River.
There you can walk across an old stone bridge that gives you a perfect view of the crystal-clear waters below. It’s a great spot to take it all in and maybe snap a few photos.
Fontana
Right next to the river, you’ll find the village of Fontana. This place is super quiet and pretty much the definition of calm.
What’s really cool about Fontana is the way some of the houses are built right under huge rock overhangs. I had never seen these types of houses.
It’s not something you see every day, and it gives the village quite a unique charm.
Fontana is the kind of spot where you can just chill and enjoy the quiet, listen to the river, take in the sides of these unusual homes, and relax.
It’s a great introduction to the laidback vibe and natural beauty you’ll find throughout the Bavona Valley.
Sabbione
Sabbione is right next to Foroglio. It is a small and maybe less-known village. You will see some of the houses under the rock in Sabbione also.
Some of them look like stables for goats. The village is surreal, and you will feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
The most interesting thing is actually, there is a house that is built underneath the boulder.
It looks like a kind of Hobbit house from the Lord of the Rings. I recommend you to visit Sabbione only for this house.
Foroglio
Foroglio is the most popular village in Val Bavona. It is famous for its stunning waterfall, Cascata di Foroglio.
The sound and sight of the cascading water against the backdrops of lush greenery and rock cliffs create a great experience.
It’s easily accessible from the village. You should also explore the village, which is characterized by its well-preserved stone houses.
These houses reflect the traditional architectural style of the region. Foroglio’s charming alleys and rustic buildings take you back in time.
This is the alley you see on Instagram. Everyone walks down here. You have the waterfall and church.
It is a must-visit village in the valley.
Sonlerto
As you round the final bend of the road, the village reveals itself before your eyes, like a mesmerizing painting coming to life.
The traditional Ticinese-Swiss architecture stands proudly, complementing the lush greenery that surrounds it.
You will feel in the air a fragrance of pine trees and a gentle breeze rustles through the leaves. You can stroll into the heart of the village, and each step you take seems like a journey back in time.
I was amazed by the artistry that went into every detail of these historic dwellings. Time slips away unnoticed as you get lost in the enchantment of this village.
The Bavona Valley is more than just Foroglio, Sabbione, and Sonlerto. It also has super cool villages like San Carlo, Ritorto, Roseto, Faedo, and Mondada.
No one ever actually ever goes there.
Best Time To Visit Val Bavona?
The best time to visit is during the summer because, in winter, the sun does not really shine in Val Bavona. It is a summer activity.
You have greenery from May to September or October when you will have the falling leaves and the autumn foliage, which is especially nice in Foroglio.
My preference is to pick a rainy day if you like rain because, on a rainy day, the villages give you different goosebumps.
How To Reach Bavona Valley?
You will have to travel about half an hour from Lucarno and Ascona to come to Val Bavona by car. You can come by post bus as well, but it’s one of those post buses that run two or three times a day.
My recommendation is if you have a chance to rent a car to come here, do it. You can actually visit so many villages all together on the same day.
How Much Time Should You Spend In Val Bavona?
It depends on how much you want to see. If you want to visit only Foroglio, the waterfall, and Sabbione, then your trip from Lucarno all the way down here will take about 3 to 4 hours.
But if you want to visit more villages like Ritorto, Fontana, Roseto or Sonlerto as well, then maybe 5 to 6 hours.
It is a nice half-day trip. If you haven’t visited Val Bavona, start planning your trip today and discover the hidden gem of Ticino.