Do you fancy an insider tip on a multi-day hike away from the well known sights of Ticino? Then the 39-kilometre (24 mi) Sentiero Cristallina, which leads through the Ticino Alps in three stages, is definitely for you. This varied and relatively new trail connects Bignasco in the Valle Maggia with Airolo in the Val Bedretto and lets you experience astonishing landscapes.

On the way, steep mountain flanks and high pass crossings await you, as well as idyllic mountain lakes and wide, lush green alpine pastures, where you can expect to hear the evocative sound of cowbells. You also pass an impressive waterfall and several remote, rustic Ticino mountain hamlets with their typical stone houses and cellars.

It’s entirely up to you whether you walk the trail in a northerly direction, as described here, or in the opposite direction. Both the second and third stages can be shortened by taking a cable car.

While you can mostly expect relatively easy mule trails on the first stage through the Val Bavona, stages 2 and 3 lead mostly along classic, white-red-white marked alpine trails. Even though there are no technically difficult sections, sure-footedness and a head for heights are definitely called for here.

It’s best to plan your adventure between June and the beginning of October, when the cable cars are also open, though it’s always worth checking this beforehand. Exercise caution, as snow can still linger up high right up until the summer months.

The journey to Bignasco and departure from the Airolo transport hub are quite easy by public transport. More information on this is in the individual stage descriptions. Although the Sentiero Cristallina is not yet too busy, you should play it safe and book accommodation in advance, as the choice is more limited than on more established routes.

Have fun as you discover the unspoilt mountains of Ticino!