Via Calanca

At times typically alpine, at times almost Mediterranean: an unexpectedly diverse landscape awaits visitors to the Calanca Valley. While hiking through chestnut forests and hamlets, one can learn about the settlement history of the region, which has managed to preserve its originality.

The long mountain hike through the Calancatal begins at the Grono, Paese bus stop. The mountain hiking trail climbs from the village onto wooded slopes, steadily gaining elevation over the first few kilometres. It leads via Castaneda to Santa Maria in Calanca, where more open terrain briefly appears between the houses.

From there, stretches of woodland alternate with meadows and small settlements. Almost halfway along, the trail runs directly beside the Laghetto di Buseno; a little later, it passes through Buseno. Continuing up the valley with constant ascents and descents, it passes the Cappella di San Giovanni on the way to Arvigo, then leads via Selma towards Cauco. The long day adds up to around 22 kilometres, 1,250 metres of ascent and just over eight hours of walking.

Beyond Cauco, the forest once again becomes the defining companion. The Cappella della Madonna Addolorata stands directly beside the trail, before Santa Domenica and Augio herald the final stages to Rossa. Only at the very end does the route reach its highest point, at around 1,070 metres. Shortly afterwards, it ends in the village; the Rossa, Villaggio bus stop is close to the destination.