Where the Lugano and Locarno regions meet, Monte Tamaro commands a spectacular 360-degree panorama that feels like seeing all of Ticino at once. Lake Ceresio and Lake Maggiore glisten below, framed by the valleys, mountains, and rolling hills of Bellinzona and Malcantone. A cable car from Rivera whisks you to Alpe Foppa at 1530 m, where world-class architecture, adrenaline-fuelled activities, and mountain dining converge. From there, an exhilarating 90-minute walk through alpine meadows leads to the summit at 1962 m. Whether you come for the views, the thrills, or the culture, Monte Tamaro delivers on all fronts -- and is a wonderful destination for families, too.
The visit
"Monte Tamaro, a mountain of emotions" is more than a slogan -- it is a promise the mountain keeps. The range of experiences here is extraordinary: from the spectacular high-altitude Tamaro-Lema ridge walk to hearty Ticinese gastronomy, from cutting-edge adventure sports to contemplative moments before masterful art and architecture.
The church of Mario Botta
At Alpe Foppa, the renowned Ticino architect Mario Botta created one of his most striking works: the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Built entirely from local porphyry rock, it perches at the edge of a cliff that plunges toward an extraordinary panoramic view. A long stone gangway leads visitors inside, its ceiling adorned with powerful frescoes by Enzo Cucchi that fill the passage with colour and movement. The chapel's interior continues this dialogue between sacred art and alpine grandeur. Surrounding the church, several sculptures by contemporary artists stand in quiet conversation with the mountain landscape.
Adventure and sport
The adrenaline begins the moment you step off the cable car. At the intermediate station, an adventure park offers an acrobatic course suspended among century-old beech trees -- a thrilling test of balance and nerve high above the forest floor. At Alpe Foppa, an 800-metre sledge slide sends you hurtling downhill at speeds up to 50 km/h, the wind rushing past as the mountain scenery blurs by. For an even bigger rush, the 440-metre Tyrolean traverse launches you on a soaring flight across the valley. Children will find plenty of entertainment at the play areas near the intermediate station and the Alpe Foppa restaurant, where families can refuel with hearty Ticinese traditional cuisine.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will discover a network of well-marked trails in varying difficulty and length, perfect for exploring the terrain on two wheels. A free e-bike charging station is available at Alpe Foppa, with service columns both there and at the cable car departure station in Rivera. The mountain's generous thermals and open ridges also make it an ideal launch point for paragliding.
Relax at Splash & Spa
After a day of mountain adventures, unwind at the modern Splash & Spa complex, located right beside the cable car departure station in Rivera -- the perfect way to soothe tired muscles and extend the day's pleasures.
