Ticino

The Ticino, Italy’s second largest river in volume of water terms, winds its way through the valley and comprises Europe’s largest river nature park: Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino. It consists of a sequence of nature areas of great importance, and historic sites ranging from prehistory right through to World War Two. You’ll be amazed by the multiplicity of historic sites in an area which is the main crossroads between the Lombardy and Piedmont regions and includes stilt house sites, great hydraulic works, glacial erratics and a few special treats such as the place the first geographical map of Italy was drawn up. The nature area is part of the Riserva della Biosfera Ticino Val Grande Verbano MAB whose footpaths cross oak, hornbeam and pine forests with a great many animals in them, attracted by this ideal habitat and plenty of food and water. The area’s kilometres of cycle track are a chance to visit it in an accessible and straightforward way on nature itineraries suitable for all.