Monte Tamaro
Monte Tamaro
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
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6
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5
frauline93
Cambridge, MA46 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We spent 3 days in Lugano at the end of a 2 week trip. Our day at Monte Tamaro was a highlight for the whole family. We traveled with 3 boys between ages 8 and 10. If we lived in the area would certainly have a season pass!
Our tips are: plan to spend the day.
Arrive in the morning and buy the combo pass for the gondola and roller coaster at the top. Plus the splash and spa at the base. It seems expensive at first. $50 a person. But no one was complaining at the end.
At the top spend some time at the playground and ride the roller coaster. You can then hike down or ride. We did not have the right footwear, but it looked liked many were walking down. There is a small ropes course at the midpoint of the mountain that we did not have a chance to do and it was extra. Zip lining at the top for the adventurous, but it looked too high for our boys.
We had lunch at the top, because we were told the food at the bottom offered less selection. This I would change if we did it again. My son called the pizza at the top " gas station pizza" ( not good). So eat at the splash at the bottom or bring a delicious picnic to the top.
Now to the best part- the splash and spa. We just opted for the splash part (not the spa) which gives you access to water slides, and indoor and outdoor pools. The building and pools are sparkling clean and unlike any other water park we've seen in the US. Your braclet is coded for a locker, and to buy food and drink. The huge pools and hot tubs are stainless and clean and welcoming.
You can sit at the pool bar inside and have a cold beer and watch a game on TV. We spent 3 hours in the splash area and could have spent more. Great wave pool. Nice outside decks with lounge chairs for relaxing. The only downside is the number of people who smoke outside, but you run into that all over Europe.
Also our boys are good swimmers , and older but be aware that is limited lifeguard supervision if you have a 3 or 4 year old. The slides are enclosed and dark part of the ride so could be scary for younger ones. But there is a nice area inside for little ones. I would say it's best for ages 6 and up. But doable with younger ones. Bring your own towel and flip flops. And have a wonderful day!!
Our tips are: plan to spend the day.
Arrive in the morning and buy the combo pass for the gondola and roller coaster at the top. Plus the splash and spa at the base. It seems expensive at first. $50 a person. But no one was complaining at the end.
At the top spend some time at the playground and ride the roller coaster. You can then hike down or ride. We did not have the right footwear, but it looked liked many were walking down. There is a small ropes course at the midpoint of the mountain that we did not have a chance to do and it was extra. Zip lining at the top for the adventurous, but it looked too high for our boys.
We had lunch at the top, because we were told the food at the bottom offered less selection. This I would change if we did it again. My son called the pizza at the top " gas station pizza" ( not good). So eat at the splash at the bottom or bring a delicious picnic to the top.
Now to the best part- the splash and spa. We just opted for the splash part (not the spa) which gives you access to water slides, and indoor and outdoor pools. The building and pools are sparkling clean and unlike any other water park we've seen in the US. Your braclet is coded for a locker, and to buy food and drink. The huge pools and hot tubs are stainless and clean and welcoming.
You can sit at the pool bar inside and have a cold beer and watch a game on TV. We spent 3 hours in the splash area and could have spent more. Great wave pool. Nice outside decks with lounge chairs for relaxing. The only downside is the number of people who smoke outside, but you run into that all over Europe.
Also our boys are good swimmers , and older but be aware that is limited lifeguard supervision if you have a 3 or 4 year old. The slides are enclosed and dark part of the ride so could be scary for younger ones. But there is a nice area inside for little ones. I would say it's best for ages 6 and up. But doable with younger ones. Bring your own towel and flip flops. And have a wonderful day!!
Written August 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesca F
1 contribution
May 2014 • Family
I was at the Monte Tamaro three times and I enjoyed a lot to do the course of the Adventure Park.
I wait that moment when in sprin or summer my sons ask me to accompain them there.
I'd like to make a final comment: use gym shoes
I wait that moment when in sprin or summer my sons ask me to accompain them there.
I'd like to make a final comment: use gym shoes
Written May 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelmouseTegna
Tegna, Switzerland76 contributions
for every age something to do. climbingpark, mountainbike trail, bob-on-rails, and other things. for the real hiker:walk from monte tamaro to monte lema. it will take you about 4,5 hrs. and than you can take a bus back to yr startingpoint.
Written May 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett W
London, UK35 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Family all enjoyed this. Beautiful mountain with really nice and easy hikes on the top. Children and teens all enjoyed rides on the toboggan on top. Also nice restaurant up there.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear BrettW744,
thank you for visiting Monte Tamaro and for taking the time to share your experience on TripAdvisor.
We are very happy to read that you spent a wonderful day and that you enjoyed to ride the coaster.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best regards,
Monte Tamaro
Written September 4, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lindsey484
Harrisonburg, VA72 contributions
Aug 2019
We visited Monte Tamaro as part of a Cosmos tour. Our visit included the cablecar ride up the mountain, lunch at the top, and a little bit of free time. The cablecar ride was nice, limit the number of people in your car - it's gets really warm/stuffy in there quickly. We had 2 in our car, and that was great. Four or five would be too many.
We were given two choices for lunch - sausage or pasta. I don't eat sausage, so I opted for pasta. I'm a pretty picky eater, and the pasta was cooked with large vegetables (peppers, etc.) that I don't like, so there was nothing for me to eat. They have a buffet, but that wasn't an option for us as part of our group visit, so I left hungry.
We didn't have too much free time to explore, just long enough to see the church and take some photos. Luckily we had a clear day, and the views were amazing. I'm not sure what else is there that we didn't get to see, but we did appreciate the views.
We were given two choices for lunch - sausage or pasta. I don't eat sausage, so I opted for pasta. I'm a pretty picky eater, and the pasta was cooked with large vegetables (peppers, etc.) that I don't like, so there was nothing for me to eat. They have a buffet, but that wasn't an option for us as part of our group visit, so I left hungry.
We didn't have too much free time to explore, just long enough to see the church and take some photos. Luckily we had a clear day, and the views were amazing. I'm not sure what else is there that we didn't get to see, but we did appreciate the views.
Written August 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Lindsey.
Thank you for taking the time for wrinting.
We are sorry that you didn't have much time to stay in Alpe Foppa, and that you didn't find anything to eat.
The menu and the time you can stay at the top are chosen by Cosmos.
Surely if you would have asked our pesonnel would have something else to eat for you.
Best regards.
Team Monte Tamaro
Written August 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe_King_traveler
Bucharest, Romania309 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This is a fabulous day hike. The views of the Alps and Lago Maggiore are fantastic, and appear from different angles throughout the day. It’s a full-day hike, so consider getting an early start! And be sure to bring lunch and snacks, plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat to protect from the sun.
Starting from Locarno, I took the train to Rivera in the morning then a cable car up to the Alpe Foppa, where you can see the famous Cappella Santa Maria Degli Angeli church. From there you hike up to the Monte Tamaro summit, then across to Monte Gradiccioli, and then on to Monte Lema on the Swiss-Italian border where there is a cable car back down to the town of Miglieglia. Be sure to check the timing for the last cable car down from Monte Lema: that was at 5pm when I visited, and a last bus out of Miglieglia was around 6pm. There’s a restaurant close to the cable car station on Monte Lema, so you can enjoy a cold beer while you wait for the next cable car.
Safety note: even in early May some of the trails might have snow on them. Be careful as these can be treacherous. For most of the trails, there are alternative side paths that face the noonday sun and will be safer.
Starting from Locarno, I took the train to Rivera in the morning then a cable car up to the Alpe Foppa, where you can see the famous Cappella Santa Maria Degli Angeli church. From there you hike up to the Monte Tamaro summit, then across to Monte Gradiccioli, and then on to Monte Lema on the Swiss-Italian border where there is a cable car back down to the town of Miglieglia. Be sure to check the timing for the last cable car down from Monte Lema: that was at 5pm when I visited, and a last bus out of Miglieglia was around 6pm. There’s a restaurant close to the cable car station on Monte Lema, so you can enjoy a cold beer while you wait for the next cable car.
Safety note: even in early May some of the trails might have snow on them. Be careful as these can be treacherous. For most of the trails, there are alternative side paths that face the noonday sun and will be safer.
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Joe,
thank you very much for your positive reviews!
We are glad that you enjoyed the Tamaro-Lema Hike, a spectacular hike bridging civilization and wild valleys.
Thank you also for your positive comments regarding the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, designed by world-famous architect Mario Botta.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best regards,
Monte Tamaro
Written June 30, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Russell V
Hobart, Australia52 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
If you're searching for a beautiful day hike, then consider the trail from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema. It's simply stunning with panoramic views along the entire walk. Start by catching the cable car from Rivera (train stop within walking distance) up to Alpe Foppa. This is where you'll find an ultra modern church / lookout as well as various family activities. Start the up hill slog to Monte Tamaro which is the most difficult section of the hike. Then follow the yellow hiking trail signs to Monte Lema where you can catch another cable car then bus back to the train line. It's a full day out but certainly well worth it. Make sure you summit Monte Gradiccioli along the way, spectacular lunch spot all to myself.
Written June 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gotta Travel
99 contributions
May 2015 • Family
I was visiting the place a day after some of our group had already been. They were dying to visit again & although we had a flight out in the afternoon we rushed to spend a few hours here. I'd heard a lot about the place from the kids but wasn't sure it would live up to the billing it had received. It did & then some.
This place is absolutely wonderful day out but it need decent weather because all the activities are outdoor ones & if it's wet or too cold you will just be miserable.
The place is divided into two sections - the middle station & the top station. We headed to the top first because the kids wanted to do the luge run & I was keep to do my first zip wire or flying fox as its called.
The ticket for the cable car just covers the journey up (and down if you aren't walking or cycling down) but none of the rides or adventures, they have to be paid for separately. At the time when we went adults paid 10CHF for the two thrill rides I mentioned & kids 7CHF with young ones going free.
The luge first - it's a plastic toboggan that is fixed to a track. You get pulled up the slope with a cable tow system & once up there you get to control the speed using the handles. It's a bit like a roller coaster without the loops & vertical drops but it's thrilling none the less. You can ride solo or take one of the younger ones who gets to sit in the front. It's great fun for all ages & highly recommended.
The zip-wire or "flying fox" is the other thrill ride. You get your harness & helmet at the base & after a trek up the mountain (probably around 750 meters) over an uneven surface you reach the launch pa. here you are hooked up to the wire & launched off the mountain. I was a little tentative about doing this one because I have an acute dislike of heights but I had no problem zipping down. The only uncomfortable part is the finish where you get caught by an arrestor system & it can be quite jarring, not enough to take away from the thrill though.
There is a church with a stunning view across the valley below. There is also a restaurant with a wide choice of food and drink as well as souvenirs.
This place is also a launch pad for cycle trails & downhill tracks. You can also launch paragliding jumps from here or use this point as a start for several treks.
The middle station was the one that took us by surprise. We expected a small play area with some little rope climbs for kids. What we found was an amazing play ground on the trees. The place has been kitted out with ropes & wires & you basically go on an adventure course many feet up moving between platforms attached to trees. The age spread is great too with a small area for 4-6 year olds & then other areas where older kids can go accompanied by adults & some only meant for the grown ups. The main black trail (the toughest one) can take more than an hour. I regret not leaving enough time to do it but it's on my must do list for when I visit next time. If you are in the area don't miss out on this one, it looked well with the time & effort.
Couple of words of advice - don't miss the adventure trail at the middle station. It looks like great fun. If you are going to do it's void skirts or short shorts, the harness with chaff. If possible carry a pair of cycling gloves because the wires can hurt your palms. The top station can be a bit chilly so a fleece will definitely be useful. Finally if you enjoy mountain biking try and come here with your bike, you won't regret it.
I'm already looking forward to the chance to come back, the sooner the better.
This place is absolutely wonderful day out but it need decent weather because all the activities are outdoor ones & if it's wet or too cold you will just be miserable.
The place is divided into two sections - the middle station & the top station. We headed to the top first because the kids wanted to do the luge run & I was keep to do my first zip wire or flying fox as its called.
The ticket for the cable car just covers the journey up (and down if you aren't walking or cycling down) but none of the rides or adventures, they have to be paid for separately. At the time when we went adults paid 10CHF for the two thrill rides I mentioned & kids 7CHF with young ones going free.
The luge first - it's a plastic toboggan that is fixed to a track. You get pulled up the slope with a cable tow system & once up there you get to control the speed using the handles. It's a bit like a roller coaster without the loops & vertical drops but it's thrilling none the less. You can ride solo or take one of the younger ones who gets to sit in the front. It's great fun for all ages & highly recommended.
The zip-wire or "flying fox" is the other thrill ride. You get your harness & helmet at the base & after a trek up the mountain (probably around 750 meters) over an uneven surface you reach the launch pa. here you are hooked up to the wire & launched off the mountain. I was a little tentative about doing this one because I have an acute dislike of heights but I had no problem zipping down. The only uncomfortable part is the finish where you get caught by an arrestor system & it can be quite jarring, not enough to take away from the thrill though.
There is a church with a stunning view across the valley below. There is also a restaurant with a wide choice of food and drink as well as souvenirs.
This place is also a launch pad for cycle trails & downhill tracks. You can also launch paragliding jumps from here or use this point as a start for several treks.
The middle station was the one that took us by surprise. We expected a small play area with some little rope climbs for kids. What we found was an amazing play ground on the trees. The place has been kitted out with ropes & wires & you basically go on an adventure course many feet up moving between platforms attached to trees. The age spread is great too with a small area for 4-6 year olds & then other areas where older kids can go accompanied by adults & some only meant for the grown ups. The main black trail (the toughest one) can take more than an hour. I regret not leaving enough time to do it but it's on my must do list for when I visit next time. If you are in the area don't miss out on this one, it looked well with the time & effort.
Couple of words of advice - don't miss the adventure trail at the middle station. It looks like great fun. If you are going to do it's void skirts or short shorts, the harness with chaff. If possible carry a pair of cycling gloves because the wires can hurt your palms. The top station can be a bit chilly so a fleece will definitely be useful. Finally if you enjoy mountain biking try and come here with your bike, you won't regret it.
I'm already looking forward to the chance to come back, the sooner the better.
Written May 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JonRankin
Mirepoix, France225 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Great place to go. Good parking, great fun in the tree-tops adventure for all ages, fabulous views from the top of the mountain. Coaster Bob was great fun - try it without using the brakes - we screamed the whole way down. The long zip wire is a great thrill, and all in all we had a wonderful time. The cycle route down looked great fun, the walks across the hills looked good too. Places to eat, and the staff were most helpful.
Not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either.
Not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either.
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
11ladybug
30 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We spent a full day at Monte Tamaro:
first a few hours at the Ropes Course (at the midway point). Not a lot of guidance/supervision, but luckily we had done adventure courses before in the States. The last leg is very challenging - only one of us was able to complete it!
Then up to the very top, where they have a restaurant (pretty bad cafeteria food - treat it as a snack/beverage stop), a bunch of cows & goats roaming around, zip lining and an alpine slide.
Then we went down to the water park (separate admission) at the bottom for a few hours.
Great family activity if you're staying in Lugano!
first a few hours at the Ropes Course (at the midway point). Not a lot of guidance/supervision, but luckily we had done adventure courses before in the States. The last leg is very challenging - only one of us was able to complete it!
Then up to the very top, where they have a restaurant (pretty bad cafeteria food - treat it as a snack/beverage stop), a bunch of cows & goats roaming around, zip lining and an alpine slide.
Then we went down to the water park (separate admission) at the bottom for a few hours.
Great family activity if you're staying in Lugano!
Written September 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefvadrouille
Montpellier, France
Bonjour,je vais à la fin du mois d Aout sur Milan,les lacs du nord,et je voudrais monter à Monte Tamaro,pensez vous que je dois acheter la vignette Suisse ?merci,sinon tout les conseils concernant cette région sont les bienvenus,merci.
Written August 11, 2023
Si può raggiungere direttamente l'Alpe Foppa in auto o moto senza prendere la cabinovia? Grazie
Written July 15, 2020
Buongiorno si può salire sulla telecabina in due adulti e tre bambini il più piccolo di meno di 2 anni?
Written June 21, 2020
MonteTamaroSplashSpa
Lugano, Switzerland
Buongiorno. Non ci sono problemi, potete salire tutti assieme in telecabina.
Saluti.
Team Monte Tamaro
Written June 25, 2020
La K
Bellinzona, Switzerland
Quanto ci si mette ad arrivare sul monte Tamaro con la telecabina?
Written September 18, 2019
MonteTamaroSplashSpa
Lugano, Switzerland
Buongiorno,
grazie per averci contattato, da Rivera fino a Alpe Foppa la telecabina impiega circa 20 min, poi per arrivare in vetta al Monte Tamaro bisogna camminare e ci vogliono circa 1 ora e 45 min.
Restiamo a disposizione.
Team Tamaro
Written September 23, 2019
Da Rivera posso salire all'Alpe foppa tramite sentieri? In funivia ho paura ma vorrei visitarla lo stesso. Quanto dura il percorso c è.
Written August 22, 2019
MonteTamaroSplashSpa
Lugano, Switzerland
Buongiorno, sì è possibile salire fino all'Alpe Foppa seguendo il sentiero, ci vogliono circa 3 ore - 3,5 ore a dipendenza di come è abituata a camminare (sono 1000 metri di dislivello).
Sul nostro sito web trova la cartina in formato PDF dei sentieri.
Rimaniamo a dispositione e salutiamo cordialmente.
Team Monte Tamaro
Written September 4, 2019
Hey.
Me and my 4 grow up kids are going to Italy (Lake Come) this summer and we are planning a 1/2 day trip to Monte Tamaro. How much is the Cable car and Coaster Bob ride? Thanks in advance.
Written May 17, 2019
MonteTamaroSplashSpa
Lugano, Switzerland
Hello,
The cable car return ticket is CHF 28.- for adults and CHF 14.- for kids (6 to 15 years).
Each coaster ride is CHF 5.-
Best regards
Team Monte Tamaro
Written May 18, 2019
Is it possible to park with a campervan (7.5 m long)?
Written May 3, 2019
MonteTamaroSplashSpa
Lugano, Switzerland
Hello,
Yes is possible.
Best regards
Team Monte Tamaro
Written May 18, 2019
maxbroggi
Milan, Italy
Buongiorno, vorrei portare mio figlio,11 anni, per un giro in MTB. La discesa dall' Alpe Foppa ( no Downhill) e' impegnativa? Ci sono altri percorsi che suggerireste in MTB fattibili senza eccessivo dislivello e senza discese troppo tecniche?
Written May 24, 2018
Can someone tell me, please, where in Lugano does one catch the train to Rivera Bironico and how long is the train ride? Additionally, how long is the gondola ride to the midwayt point/Adventure Park?
Thanks for any assistance.
Thomas
Written May 11, 2018
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