Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style

Palm trees on Lake Lugano, Locarno and the emerald water of the Verzasca valley.

Distance: 54 km (33 mi)
Driving: 0 h 45 min
Suggested days: 2
Stops: 4
Countries: Switzerland
Updated: June 14, 2026

At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 54 km (33 mi) with 4 stops, from Lugano to Sonogno. About 0 h 45 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Switzerland · More road trips from Orta San Giulio

Route description

Start in Lugano, where a lakeside promenade with palm trees runs below the old town and funiculars climb Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Take the A2 north over the Monte Ceneri and join road 13 for Locarno on Lake Maggiore.

Locarno has an arcaded Piazza Grande, home of the film festival in August, and the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso on the hillside above the town. From nearby Tenero the valley road climbs past the Verzasca dam into the Valle Verzasca.

At Lavertezzo the double-arched Ponte dei Salti crosses clear emerald water between smooth granite boulders. The water is cold and the current can be strong after rain, so swim only in calm pools. The road ends at Sonogno, a village of grey stone houses at the head of the valley.

The Verzasca road is narrow with few passing places, and parking is limited and paid, so avoid summer weekends if you can. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with fewer crowds and still warm days by the lakes.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Lugano
Switzerland
Start
2

Locarno
Switzerland
27 km
3

Valle Verzasca
NatureLavertezzo, Switzerland
Emerald water under the double-arched Ponte dei Salti. Swim only where the current is calm.
13 km
4

Sonogno
Switzerland
14 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Lugano → Locarno · 27 km · 0 h 23 minOvernight nearby, for example: Lido Mappo (3 km); CLM - Camping Lago Maggiore (4 km).
Day 2: Locarno → Sonogno · 26 km · 0 h 22 minOn the way: Valle Verzasca.Overnight nearby, for example: Gottardo (14 km); Camping Melezza (20 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style?

2-day road trip of about 54 km (33 mi) with 4 stops, from Lugano to Sonogno. About 0 h 45 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style?

We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style start and end?

It starts in Lugano and ends in Sonogno.

Which countries does Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style pass through?

Switzerland.

Where can you camp along Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style?

OpenStreetMap lists 78 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Moretto, TCS Camping Lugano and Campeggio ai Bosconi.

When is the best time for Ticino: Swiss lakes, Italian style?

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)