***Valle Maggia is worth 2-3 days at least. It’s a special place with a lot to discover. Do hike to see more of the valley. Do bring your bikes – it’s pretty flat along the main road up to Cevio.

Activities:

• Hike the ***Val Bavona, one of the most lovely hikes I’ve ever done. Rock houses, major waterfalls, lush and covered with moss and ferns. Stage 1 was a good day’s work. ***La Froda was the best dining option on the hike, with friendly service and great food (if you like polenta).
• Hiking, biking or driving up past Fusio. The road (a crazy, narrow, steep, winding one) goes quite far, past the dam and with stunning scenery. In June, it was a wildflower explosion. **Fusio itself was quite attractive and looked like the best place to stay if you want a more remote option. 
• ***Cascata Mulino near Maggia is a bit hidden, a waterfall and a lovely swimming hole.
• The ***Church of San Giovanni Battista, in Mogno, is a rather famous art experience (designed by Mario Botta of SFMOMA fame). It’s tiny and exquisite, built of the local stone. 

Food & Lodging:

• ***Casa Martinelli in Maggia: was modern and perfect, for a hotel experience. Owned by the ‘sparkling cider’ family, who originated in this valley. Alternatively there are hundreds of home stays, if you do your research.
• ***Locanda Poncini in Maggia was the only appealing dining option – get a table outside. Food was very good and the family that runs it are quite friendly.
• We considered **Hotel Villa d’Epoca for lodging and I’m glad we went somewhere else (right next to the road). We did have dinner, which was pretty good. Very local experience in a very blue collar way.
• **Albergo Posta di Albert Gens in Bignasco is right by the roadside and was far better than expected. Great Vitello Tonnato.
• Grotto Pozzasc in Peccia was clearly a major hotspot – hidden down by the river, packed with people. Reserve in advance.