Piazzogna suits quiet pool holidays for two or three people in the Gambarogno, close to a large botanical garden. The village sits on a terrace above the valley rather than on the lake shore, and Wi-Fi is missing from many homes.
Piazzogna is a village on a terrace above the Gambarogno valley, at 365 metres, and it was an independent municipality in the district of Locarno until it merged into Gambarogno in 2010. The homes cluster tightly around it, mostly small places for two or three guests, and most have a private pool. Fewer than a third have Wi-Fi, so check before booking if you need to work. The Gambarogno botanical garden lies in the hills between Piazzogna and Vairano, on the Lake Maggiore side, with about 950 types of camellia and 450 of magnolia. The bus beyond Piazzogna stops in front of the Ristorante Gambarogno, two minutes from the garden. Locarno is about 20 minutes away by road.
Between Piazzogna and Vairano, open daily all year, with camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons; dogs are allowed on a lead.
Summit at 1,734 metres with wide views towards Monte Rosa; walks start from Alpe di Neggia and Indemini.
Described as one of Ticino's most original villages, and a starting point for hikes.
Around 20 minutes from the Gambarogno by road, or about 45 minutes by bus and train via Cadenazzo.
Zurich airport to Locarno is about 210 km, around two and a half hours by car. There is no direct bus-and-train link between Gambarogno and Locarno: the line 350 bus goes from Vira to Cadenazzo and a train follows, about 45 minutes in all. A car is simpler for the hill village.
The botanical garden is open every day of the year, including public holidays. Alpe di Neggia, on the way to Monte Gambarogno, has a restaurant and accommodation open in both winter and summer, with a small ski lift in winter. Check opening times before any off-season trip.
Not on the shore. The village stands on a terrace at 365 metres above the Gambarogno valley, on the Lake Maggiore side, and the botanical garden nearby is described as on the Gambarogno side of the lake.
Yes, though it is slow. There is no direct link: the line 350 bus runs from Vira to Cadenazzo and a train continues to Locarno, about 45 minutes in all.
The Gambarogno botanical garden, between Piazzogna and Vairano, holds about 950 types of camellia and 450 of magnolia. It is open daily, all year, from 9am to 6pm.
Fewer than a third do, so ask before booking if you need it. Most homes here do have a private pool.
It is quiet. Alpe di Neggia, a starting point for the walk up Monte Gambarogno, has a ski lift in winter and a restaurant with rooms open in both seasons, while the botanical garden opens every day of the year.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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