The Val Mara region, which takes its name from the Valmara Stream that has driven the wheels of various mills and factories for centuries, begins on the shores of Lake Lugano and rises gently towards Arogno and Rovio before becoming narrow narrowing down between the Monte Generoso and Monte Sighignola massifs.
The Val Mara
The Val Mara region is an area rich in contrasts that allows one to admire the calm waters of Lake Ceresio overlooked by Bissone, Melano and Maroggia. The region appreciates the ruggedness of the mountains and peaks of Sighignola and Monte Generoso, embracing the villages of Arogno and Rovio. It takes its name from the Val Mara stream that moved the wheels of various mills and factories for centuries and rises gently from the lake before becoming narrow between the Monte Generoso and Monte Sighignola massifs. All the villages can be reached by car or on foot following demarcated hiking trails. In 2022, three of the five villages in this area merged (Melano, Maroggia and Rovio) and became the Val Mara municipality, while Bissone and Arogno remained independent. Arogno and Rovio are of particular interest to lovers of Monte Generoso, as these two villages lie between the slopes of Monte Sighignola and Monte Generoso. The two villages are particularly well-preserved, and it is from here that paths, mostly rough and suitable for experienced hikers, connect this area to the Bellavista or directly to the summit of Monte Generoso.
From Val Mara to the summit of the Generoso
The "Variante" or "Sentiero Gianola", which starts in Rovio, is the alpine route that is attracting the most interest from experienced hikers. Following the white/blue signposts from Rovio, you reach the Perostabio area, from where the trail becomes more demanding and daring and climbs a height difference of 1200 metres to the summit. The scenery is spectacular and along the ascent one encounters a series of striking stratified towers, which only emerge along this western side of the mountain and make the experience even more exciting. In order to tackle this route, which is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo, it is necessary to find out about the weather forecast before setting off, and also to have a sure footing and appropriate alpine equipment, as dangerous passages and climbing sections can be expected.