A path just a few minutes away, a cable car ride of around 15 minutes and a hike with a climb of around 1,950 metres reveal three very different sides of San Carlo. Also here are the cultural traces of Prèsa, the Basòdino Glacier and the Laghetti di Antabia. If you are looking for accommodation for your trip to San Carlo, you can start with your own interests: alpine scenery, historic buildings or specific hiking destinations.
Take the Cable Car into the Alpine Landscape
The San Carlo–Robiei cable car covers a distance of 4 kilometres in around 15 minutes. It is open to the public during the summer months and provides access to the alpine landscape at the foot of the Basòdino Glacier, with alpine lakes and hiking trails. As operating conditions and timetables may change, check the current operating times before your trip.
The Basòdino Glacier is the largest in Ticino by area. It covers approximately 2 square kilometres and lies at an elevation of between 2,500 and 3,120 metres. The area is approximate, as glacier dimensions change.
Prèsa and Its Architectural History
A path leads from San Carlo to the abandoned settlement of Prèsa in just a few minutes. Two tower houses, a 16th-century chapel, a splüi and an old distillery still stand there. As trail conditions can vary, check the path conditions before your visit.
Outside the old settlement is a restored lime kiln that can be visited. A short path leads west from the old village to the kiln. Check local access conditions before your visit.
Casa Begnudini also offers a tangible glimpse into the area’s architectural history: the original building—a square structure with a symmetrical floor plan—is believed to date from around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Hiking and Cycling Options
The hike to the Laghetti di Antabia starts in San Carlo; the trailhead is before the last bridge on the main road. The route leads to two alpine lakes at elevations of 2,126 and 2,189 metres.
Near San Carlo, the Cevio–San Carlo cycling route can be extended by a climb of just under 1.5 kilometres to the Robiei cable car station. A hiking traverse, on the other hand, leads from Foroglio through the Val Bavona, over the Bocchetta della Crosa, to San Carlo. This route involves around 1,950 metres of ascent, reaches a maximum elevation of 2,507 metres and is rated EE in difficulty.
The Educational Trail in the Robiei Dam
The educational trail through the corridors of the Robiei dam explains how dams are integrated into the natural water cycle, how they are built and safety-inspected, and how hydropower is converted into electrical energy. The trail is free, open to the public and takes around 30 minutes. Check current access conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lavizzara, Lodano, Menzonio, Avegno Ti, Avegno-Gordevio, Brontallo, Maggia, Linescio.
For the broader travel overview: Vallemaggia.
