Val Mara and Sighignola

Valmara is a small secondary valley that winds between the Ticino municipalities of Melano, Rovio, Arogno, and Maroggia. Located on the southern slope of Monte Generoso, it is a rarely visited area, dominated by chestnut groves, old dry stone walls, streams, and paths that testify to a long rural history.

In the past, this valley was crossed by transhumant shepherds, and represented one of the connecting routes between the lowlands of the lake and the mountain pastures of the Intelvi Valley.

From a cycling perspective, Valmara is best known for its "muro," a short but brutal stretch with gradients of up to 20%, connecting Arogno to Lanzo d'Intelvi in Italy. A must-see for those wishing to conquer the Sighignola climb. After passing through Arogno and crossing the border, you enter the Intelvi Valley, entering Italian territory. Here begins the second part of the challenge: the climb to Mount Sighignola, 1,320 meters above sea level, known as the "Balcony of Italy" for the breathtaking views it offers from its panoramic terrace. The summit offers extraordinary views of Lake Lugano, Monte Rosa, the Lepontine Alps, and, on clear days, the Po Valley all the way to Milan, where you can even make out the Madonnina statue on the cathedral.