Imagine waking up to the soft sound of waves lapping against the promenade in Cannobio, sunlight dancing on the water of Lake Maggiore. The air smells faintly of espresso and mountain pine. From this peaceful Italian town, it takes less than two hours to reach two of Ticino’s most dazzling attractions — the FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio and the Splash e Spa Tamaro.
It’s the perfect day trip for travellers staying on the Italian shore or at one of the many camping Lago Maggiore resorts: morning shopping among designer brands, afternoon relaxation in a futuristic alpine spa.
Two completely different worlds, joined by a single lake.
Morning in Cannobio – Starting by the Lake
Cannobio wakes up slowly. Fishermen prepare their boats, cyclists glide along the promenade, and cafés fill with locals enjoying cappuccino and cornetti.
From here, the road north leads straight into Switzerland, hugging the lake for much of the way. The border crossing is quick, and within minutes you’re in Ticino, the Italian-speaking heart of Switzerland.
The drive to Mendrisio takes around 90 minutes, but the scenery makes it feel shorter: palm trees, vineyards, alpine peaks, and glimpses of Lago Maggiore at every turn.
You pass Ascona, Locarno, and Bellinzona, where castles crown the hills — a foretaste of the country’s rich history — before reaching the elegant town of Mendrisio, home to one of Europe’s most famous outlet centres.
FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio – Swiss Precision, Italian Glamour
A Shopper’s Paradise
FoxTown Factory Stores is often described as “the Mecca of Swiss shopping”. With more than 160 boutiques, it brings together the world’s top brands in a clean, climate-controlled space that feels part-mall, part-cathedral.
Inside you’ll find Gucci, Prada, Armani, Burberry, Bally, Moncler, Versace, Boss, Adidas, Nike, and dozens more, all offering discounts from 30 % to 70 % off retail prices.
The experience is calm and elegant. Shoppers move through bright corridors with marble floors, enjoying soft music and espresso breaks at Italian-style cafés.
Everything works with Swiss efficiency — multilingual staff, spotless restrooms, and clear tax-free refund procedures.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
- Authenticity & Value: All goods are genuine, with full brand warranties.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Non-Swiss residents can reclaim VAT easily.
- Convenience: Free parking and direct motorway access.
- Dining Options: Several restaurants serve local Ticino and Italian dishes, perfect for a lunch stop.
Many visitors spend two or three hours browsing and dining, combining Swiss organization with Italian passion for fashion.
When your bags are full and your feet are ready for a rest, the day’s second chapter begins — relaxation and fun at Splash e Spa Tamaro.
From Luxury to Leisure – Heading to Rivera
Leave Mendrisio in early afternoon and take the motorway north toward Rivera. The journey lasts about 30 minutes, following the gentle rise of the valley and revealing views of Monte Tamaro.
Soon the futuristic domes of Splash e Spa Tamaro appear — gleaming spheres of steel and glass that look like they’ve landed from another world.
It’s not just a water park; it’s one of Europe’s most sophisticated wellness destinations, combining adrenaline slides with five-star spa comfort.
Splash e Spa Tamaro – Three Worlds of Water and Well-Being
The Splash Zone – Pure Joy for All Ages
Inside the first dome, laughter and water echo through the air.
High-speed slides twist into tunnels of light; waves rise and fall in the giant pool; and an outdoor lagoon invites swimmers to drift beneath the open sky.
Children play in colourful water parks while adults relax in whirlpools overlooking the mountains.
Even in winter, steam rises from the warm pools while snow dusts the peaks — a surreal yet perfect contrast.
The Spa Zone – Swiss Wellness Redefined
Enter the next dome and silence takes over.
Here, wood, light, and scent create a world apart. There are Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, salt grottos, and thermal baths set to precise Swiss temperatures.
The Hammam experience — inspired by ancient Mediterranean rituals — offers steam, exfoliation, and massage, leaving body and mind weightless.
Professional therapists provide everything from Hot-Stone to Aromatherapy treatments using Alpine herbs and essential oils.
It’s wellness on another level — minimalist design, maximum serenity.
The Sky View Dome – Where Water Meets Mountains
The third dome opens to the sky, featuring a panoramic infinity pool with breathtaking views of Monte Tamaro.
In summer, you can sunbathe with a cocktail in hand; in winter, you float through warm water while snowflakes melt on your skin.
It’s an experience few places in Europe can match.
Practical Details
- Address: Rivera-Monte Ceneri, directly off the A2 motorway.
- Opening Hours: Open daily, usually 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Tickets: Choose between 3-hour, 5-hour, or full-day access.
- Restaurant: Serves salads, pizzas, and regional dishes with mountain views.
- Facilities: Free parking, lockers, family changing rooms, and towel rentals.
Plan at least three hours here — it’s easy to lose track of time between saunas, slides, and sky views.
Evening Return to Lake Maggiore
As twilight falls, drive back toward Lago Maggiore. The route winds through Ticino’s valleys before revealing the calm water again near Locarno and Ascona.
If you wish, stop for dinner — Ticino’s lakeside towns glow with warm lights and terrace restaurants serving risotto, local wine, and lake fish.
Back in Cannobio, you can walk along the waterfront under the stars, hearing only the soft rhythm of waves.
In one day, you’ve travelled from Italian tranquillity to Swiss sophistication and back — a circle of contrasts connected by the lake’s endless blue.
Why This Day Trip Is a Must-Do
| Interest | Experience |
|---|---|
| Shopping Enthusiasts | Premium brands at outlet prices in a refined Swiss atmosphere. |
| Families | Slides and pools for all ages at Splash e Spa Tamaro. |
| Couples | Spa rituals, saunas, and romantic mountain views. |
| Campers | Easy access from camping Lago Maggiore, with all-day parking and short travel times. |
| Photographers | Lake and mountain panoramas at every stop. |
It’s the ultimate Lake Maggiore day trip — easy to plan, full of variety, and suitable year-round.
Sample Itinerary
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Breakfast in Cannobio, departure along the lake. |
| 10 a.m. | Arrive at FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio — shop, have coffee. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch at FoxTown or a nearby Ticino trattoria. |
| 2 p.m. | Drive to Rivera (≈ 30 min). |
| 2:30 – 6 p.m. | Relax and have fun at Splash e Spa Tamaro. |
| 6 – 8 p.m. | Scenic drive back via Locarno; dinner stop optional. |
| 9 p.m. | Arrive back in Cannobio; sunset walk on the promenade. |
Camping Lago Maggiore – Freedom Meets Comfort
Travellers who stay at Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort or similar lakeside camps enjoy the perfect mix of nature and mobility.
You can wake up to mountain reflections, plan spontaneous day trips across the border, and return to your own terrace or mobile home at night.
Modern facilities, private beaches, and direct access to the lake make camping here a luxurious experience in itself.
From this base, adventures like FoxTown and Splash e Spa are just short scenic drives away — ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers who love independence.
Travel Tips
- Documents: Bring ID or passport for crossing the Swiss border.
- Currency: Swiss Francs (CHF) are used in Mendrisio and Rivera; cards accepted everywhere.
- Best Season: Spring to autumn offers the most daylight; winter adds snow-capped mountain charm.
- Avoid Rush Hours: Leave early from Cannobio to enjoy quiet roads.
- Souvenirs: Swiss chocolate, local Merlot, and spa cosmetics make great gifts.
Conclusion – Two Worlds, One Perfect Day
From the designer halls of FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio to the steamy tranquillity of Splash e Spa Tamaro, this day trip captures the essence of Ticino — luxury, landscape, and leisure combined.
It’s a reminder of how close the two worlds of Italy and Switzerland truly are: separated by a border, yet joined by the timeless beauty of Lake Maggiore.
You begin the day by the water in Cannobio, drive through mountains that once divided nations, shop among world-class brands, float beneath alpine peaks — and end your evening where it all began, with the lake glowing silver under the moon.
That’s the magic of this region: within a single day, you can live two cultures, two climates, two moods — and all you need is curiosity, a car, and the endless horizon of Lago Maggiore.