Nice tour (ridden on 22.09.2024), which we liked very much. Of course, it doesn't come close to the great classics of Ticino, such as the endless panoramic trails from Monte Tamaro, but it is enjoyable and a veritable alternative if nothing is possible further up for whatever reason (snow, Tamaro cable car closed as at present, etc.).

Of the trees in the trail described by trailrunner the week before, there are still 2 left that can be climbed over without any problems - thanks to the locals / foresters / municipal workers who have already cleared the others that are still visible out of the way.

Parking: We used the tip with P&R Fornaci (which also charges on Sundays). The plan was different, but nothing works beyond the P&R. There are official and free parking lots in the villages a little further up, such as Posteggio Comunale Carabbia (Google Maps: XWCQ+M5 Lugano, Switzerland) or where the trail enters the forest in Carabbia.

The foehn storm on September 14, 24 laid some trees across the path before and after Carabbia. But manageable with teamwork. Otherwise everything was fine and both fun and challenging.

Tour still recommended even after 3 rides. Unfortunately, the built Maya trails are currently pretty battered, probably no longer maintained or have been shaken up a bit by the storms. I would only recommend these to technically strong riders at the moment and stick to the originally marked tour. Incidentally, you can make the first ascent from Paradiso a little easier by taking the bus.

The trail to Morcote is beautiful, flowing and playful, even if it climbs in between. We really enjoyed it.
The view on the way back via Alpe Vicania was very nice. Unfortunately, the whole route is a forest road, which is not really interesting. The path further up via Cima Pescia seems to offer more and would certainly be a more interesting option for the way back.

One of my favorites in the Lugano region. 2 tips: ride up from Pazzalo to Carabbia on the asphalt road. On the way back, on the trail between Garona and Ciona, take one of the numerous single trails down to the left - some with built jumps, some very flowy - which lead to the 'lower' trail we rode on the outward journey and which leads back to Carabbia.

Really nice bike tour! We parked at the Park&Ride Fornaci, which turned out to be the ideal starting point. The first ascent is a bit on asphalt roads, but then soon changes to a good hiking trail. This then goes up and down, but is really nice to ride. The first long descent down to Morcote is a nice trail, but with its sometimes sharp stones, it has certainly already flattened one or two tires (sufficient tire pressure and clean riding technique are an advantage ;) ) Once you arrive in Morcote, you really feel like you're on vacation. The beautiful little village invites you to linger. Strengthened by lunch, we then tackled the second and longer climb. It is pleasant to ride. The second descent is also quite ok, but would lead through the same trail at the end as the first ascent.

Great route option for the second descent: Somewhere just before Ciona, an unofficial bike trail leads off to the left of the route (the trail entrance is marked with a colorful sign). The trail has a few berms and smaller jumps and is the perfect end to the tour. At around 510m, you cross a hiking trail, from where the trail continues on another section down into the valley (down to 400m). The trail ends with a rather rough staircase. Back on the road, turn right and you can almost roll back to the car.

Tour ridden on 03.09.2020. Highly recommended, despite the still visible traces of the storm from August 2020. Some of the trails are a bit washed out, but the trail down to the lakeshore is great fun and flowy.
The climbs are moderate and easy to ride. A short stopover in Morcote is a must!
An alternative to the asphalt descent at the end would be great. Unfortunately I read Irene's comment too late :-)

Super nice tour
We rode the tour on a Friday and were practically on our own. But I could imagine that there are a lot of hikers there at the weekend.
Super nice trails, beautiful countryside, idyllic Morcote, beautiful grottos in Carona... Perfect!
We'll definitely do this tour again!

Ideal spring tour, but I made the big mistake of taking the tour in the wrong direction (distracted by roadworks). The downhill to Morcote on asphalt was too stupid for me, so I took the hiking trail to Melide and a very attractive trail, then took the lake road back to Morcote and used the wonderful flow trail for the ascent. Also rideable but certainly better the other way round, although "my" hiking trail also had everything a biker's heart desires. Well, once again I learned something from my mishap.

Great tour, especially now in the low season. At the very end you can follow the path next to the cable car from Pazzallo, lots of steps but better than the road.

The trail to Morcote is again rideable without any problems, only 2 small trees hindered the riding fun for a short time today.

The trail to Morcote is again rideable without any problems, only 2 small trees hindered the riding fun for a short time today.

Downhill to Morcote (the best part) is currently not passable due to fallen trees (a lot of trees).

Tour top :-) only the tour description comes from another tour...

A wonderful tour for the day of arrival. Instead of riding the last few bends on the tarred road to Carabbia, there is another crisp singletrail from Ciona that is highly recommended.

Cool