The Park of the Ticino Valley was established in 1974 to safeguard and protect the Lombard countryside along the River Ticino.

The park covers about 92,000 hectares (227,336 acres) from Lake Maggiore to the confluence with the River Po, and encompasses forty-seven municipalities in the provinces of Varese, Milan and Pavia.

With its wealth of nature, countryside, art and history, the Ticino Valley was recognised as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2002. The River Ticino and its canals are flanked by wooded hills along the Varese stretch of the cycle path that links Sesto Calende to Pavia, a route that covers 120 km (75 miles).

This cycle path is a firm favourite with keen cyclists: the flat route follows the course of the River Ticino, offering the opportunity for cyclists to plan wonderful rides to suit all levels of fitness and ability.

The Varese stretch of the cycle path starts near the point where the River Ticino leaves Lake Maggiore, along a road with little traffic that runs through some lovely countryside alongside the river. The route takes visitors through the typical scenery of alpine foothills seen in the Ticino Valley with woods of chestnut, oak and Scots pine trees, and white and grey herons, little egrets, mallards and coots are a common sight on the pebbly river banks.

The “Oriano” Park
Oriano di Sesto Calende (VA) - Via Oriano, 51
Monday-Friday: 9 - 12.30 p.m. / 2 - 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday-public holidays: 9 - 12.30 p.m. / 3 - 6 p.m.