Unnamed Road, 6872, Mendrisio
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Bellavista Park, three roadside parking sections above Mendrisio near the Monte Generoso funicular station; the first is flat, the other two sloping. Access is via a long, narrow, winding road with tight switchbacks — difficult or unsuitable for large motorhomes and trucks, fine for vans and cars. Paid parking from 1 May to 30 September (cash only, roughly €2.50/6h or €5/24h, sometimes free off-season), otherwise very quiet and popular for an overnight stop. There's a fountain (drinking water unconfirmed by some), picnic tables, a small playground, and trailheads for hiking to Monte Generoso's summit viewpoint. Mobile signal is weak.
From travellers' reviews
Listing copied from our source, 2 months ago
Listing copied from our source, 2 months ago
The spot is great, very quiet and peaceful. But WARNING: there are lots of bends to get there, very dangerous, especially with a truck. Fine in a van or car ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ But impossible in a motorhome!!!Translating
Great place for traveling from Switzerland to Italy. €5 for a day ticket. Beautiful hiking and deer rutting included. Fresh-water fountain for replenishing your water supplies directly at the parking area. Space for about 30 campers.Translating
Beautiful and very quiet place. We were alone. During the night, wild boars visited us and we woke up in the morning to a layer of snow. The winter service was already out early in the morning and cleared the road.Translating
I was there in mid-January 2025. Wonderful place! Dead quiet. I was alone all night. No fees at this time.Translating
Great parking area! We spent one night and hiked to Mt. Generoso the next day. The spaces at the beginning are flat and there are bins, a picnic table, and benches. Very quiet. The only problem would be getting there, as it is very narrow as others have already said. Almost no mobile internet.Translating
The parking meter was covered. Apparently there is currently no parking fee (October 2024). The approach is very narrow; repeatedly pulling over and reversing is unavoidable. Small picnic area. A little further up there is a mountain restaurant that welcomes visitors and offers a toilet with purchase. Regional products are also available for sale right next to it! A beautiful starting point for hiking or paragliding.Translating
The bottom car park is reasonably flat and there is no traffic or other noise. It was very windy up there but on the plus side that meant there were no mosquitoes. It is cash only, paid parking (even overnight) - €2.50 for 6 hours and €5 for 24hours and you can pay in € or CHF.
Quiet place to spend the night; there is a fountain. Beautiful walks in the surrounding area, with mountain huts and inns where you can have lunch.Translating
Outside the season (in April), it was wonderfully peaceful here and a great starting point for hikes or bike rides. The access road is sometimes very narrow, so you should have some experience. Important tip: honk before blind bends! That is how the locals communicate with each other and it prevents accidents!Translating
Access is rather narrow in places but in good condition, great for hiking to the summit of Mt. Generoso (about 1 hour). Plenty of parking spaces available.Translating
Very peaceful once at the top, but the road to get there is quite difficult. Lots of parking space, and close to the start of the hike!Translating
Very quiet and pleasant for one night while passing through. The approach from Mendrisio is relatively long, but much better than spending an unsettled night somewhere on the motorway.Translating