We’ve been planning this outing for quite a while, and the time has finally come. Lake Maggiore unfurls before us in the early morning light. The sun’s rays reflect off its waters, creating an interplay of light. The sparkle catches our eye, presenting us with an almost mesmerising image. The chosen route for today runs alongside the lake, but from above, giving us a sweeping view of the entire region. Clipped into the pedals, we set off along this road that will take us in new directions.
Our journey takes us back in time as we pass through the historic center of Ronco sopra Ascona, also known as the balcony over Lake Maggiore. The cobbled streets and old, yet silent walls tell of life gone by in this place. We pass by the church of San Martino and see the panorama unfold in all its splendour from the adjacent terrace. We sit on a bench in the shade of a proud and majestic horse chestnut tree, almost as if it had been planted there to watch over the lake. From here, we can see the Bolle di Magadino, the mouth of the River Maggia, the beautiful lakeside promenade of Ascona, today’s final destination, and Cardada with Cimetta a little further up. But there’s no time to lose! We take the road from Ronco sopra Ascona to Brissago, which enters a sweet chestnut wood. The path is a tapestry of dark tree trunks, vibrant green shrubs, and bursts of colorful flowers. After a few kilometres, the Brissago Islands appear unmistakably in front of us. They emerge from Lake Maggiore with their period villa on Isola Grande, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the botanical gardens. In the background is the Gambarogno riviera with its villages on the water. Beside us, on the rocks, a green lizard watches us curiously as it enjoys the morning sun, ready to flee at our next movement.
