From Shopping to Spa: A Perfect Day Trip from Cannobio to FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio and Splash e Spa Tamaro
Few regions in Europe offer as much variety in a single day as Ticino, the sun-soaked Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland.
From the tranquil shores of Lago Maggiore to designer boutiques and mountain spas, everything lies within easy reach.
For visitors staying in Cannobio or nearby camping Lago Maggiore, one of the most exciting excursions combines two highlights: a morning of luxury shopping at FoxTown Factory Stores in Mendrisio, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Splash e Spa Tamaro, the region’s most spectacular water and wellness park.
It’s the perfect blend of style and serenity, and an unforgettable way to experience both sides of Swiss-Italian culture in one journey.
Starting Point: Cannobio on Lake Maggiore
Your adventure begins in Cannobio, the northernmost Italian town on Lake Maggiore, just across the border from Ticino.
Famous for its colourful promenade, weekly market, and crystal-clear beaches, Cannobio is not only a holiday favourite but also a strategic base for exploring both Switzerland and Italy.
From Cannobio, the drive to Mendrisio takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The scenic route follows the Lago Maggiore shoreline, passing through Ascona, Locarno, and Bellinzona before reaching the rolling hills of southern Ticino.
Each curve of the road offers postcard views — the kind that make even a shopping trip feel like a road-trip adventure.
Stop 1: FoxTown Factory Stores – Mendrisio’s Luxury Paradise
The Heart of Swiss Shopping
Located just north of the Italian border, FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio is often called the “temple of luxury shopping” in Switzerland.
With more than 160 boutiques under one roof, it offers discounts of 30 – 70 percent on the world’s leading brands:
Armani, Gucci, Prada, Moncler, Burberry, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, and many more.
The building itself feels more like a small indoor city than a mall — bright arcades, elegant shopfronts, and cafés serving espresso that tastes distinctly Italian.
Everything is immaculate, organized, and fully air-conditioned, making it a comfortable destination year-round.
What Makes FoxTown Special
- Designer Brands, Swiss Efficiency: The mix of Italian fashion and Swiss order means you can shop top labels without chaos.
- Huge Discounts: Genuine outlet prices on current and past-season collections.
- Easy Tax-Free Shopping: As a non-Swiss resident, you can claim VAT refunds directly at the customer-service desk.
- Dining & Relaxation: Several restaurants and bars inside the mall serve both Swiss and Mediterranean dishes.
- Accessibility: Free parking, nearby train station (Mendrisio Stazione FoxTown), and clear signage in multiple languages.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury handbag, performance sportswear, or Swiss watches, FoxTown has it all in one polished, comfortable environment.
Insider Tips
- Go Early: Arrive when doors open (usually 10 a.m.) to avoid crowds.
- Bring Your Passport: Required for tax-free shopping.
- Combine With Lunch: Try the local Ticino risotto at one of the on-site restaurants before heading to your next stop.
- Plan 2–3 hours: It’s easy to lose track of time among 160 stores!
By early afternoon, your shopping bags are full and it’s time for a complete change of pace — from fashion to relaxation.
Stop 2: Splash e Spa Tamaro – Wellness and Fun Under One Roof
The Perfect Afternoon Escape
Just 30 minutes north of Mendrisio, near the town of Rivera, stands the futuristic dome of Splash e Spa Tamaro — one of Europe’s most advanced water-and-wellness complexes.
Set against the backdrop of Monte Tamaro, it combines adrenaline-filled slides with world-class spa facilities, offering something for both families and couples.
The centre’s striking architecture — three large domes of glass and steel — symbolizes its three worlds: Splash, Relax, and Wellness.
The Splash Zone – Pure Fun
Inside the main dome, five spectacular water slides twist through the air, including a high-speed looping slide and a family rafting ride.
There’s also a huge wave pool, hydro-massage seats, and outdoor heated pools with mountain views.
Even in winter, the water stays warm while snow sparkles on the peaks — an unforgettable contrast.
Children love the interactive water playground, while adults can unwind in the panoramic outdoor whirlpool with a cocktail from the swim-up bar.
The Spa and Wellness Area – Relaxation Reimagined
After the thrill, step into the second dome: a haven of tranquillity.
The Sauna World offers Finnish, herbal, and salt saunas, steam baths, and relaxation lounges scented with eucalyptus and cedarwood.
The Hammam ritual, inspired by ancient Mediterranean baths, includes exfoliation, steam, and massage — a full sensory journey.
Professional treatments range from Aromatherapy massages to Hot-Stone therapy and Alpine herb wraps.
And thanks to Swiss precision, everything runs smoothly: clean, punctual, serene.
Sky View Dome – Where Water Meets Mountains
The third dome opens to the sky.
Here, the outdoor infinity pool offers breathtaking views of Monte Tamaro and the surrounding valleys.
In summer, you can sunbathe on loungers; in winter, swim under falling snow — a uniquely Swiss luxury.
Practical Information
- Location: Rivera, just off the A2 motorway, between Bellinzona and Lugano.
- Opening Hours: Daily from morning until late evening.
- Tickets: Full-day passes or 3-hour spa entries available.
- Parking: Free and abundant.
- Dining: The on-site restaurant serves healthy salads, pizzas, and pasta dishes with mountain views.
The Journey Back to Cannobio
As evening falls, head back along the Lago Maggiore.
The return trip takes around 90 minutes, following the same scenic route through Ticino’s heartland.
If time allows, stop in Ascona or Locarno for dinner on the lakeside — both towns glow beautifully at dusk, reflecting on the calm water.
By the time you reach Cannobio, the lake will be silver under the stars, and your day will have spanned both luxury and leisure — Swiss shopping and Alpine spa bliss, all within reach of your Lake Maggiore camping base.
Why This Day Trip Is So Popular
| Interest | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Shopping Lovers | Access to Europe’s top brands at outlet prices in a clean, stylish environment. |
| Wellness Seekers | A modern spa with saunas, hammam, massages, and infinity pools. |
| Families | Water slides, pools, restaurants, and easy logistics. |
| Scenic Travellers | A cross-border drive through Ticino’s most beautiful landscapes. |
| Campers | A comfortable day out from camping Lago Maggiore, returning to lakeside peace. |
This combination makes the Mendrisio + Tamaro tour one of the best one-day excursions from Cannobio — easy to organize, full of contrast, and 100 percent enjoyable in any season.
Travel Tips for the Perfect Itinerary
- Departure: Leave Cannobio around 8 a.m. after breakfast by the lake.
- Morning: Arrive at FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio by 10 a.m. — shop, snack, and enjoy espresso.
- Lunch: Eat at FoxTown or grab a quick bite on the road to Rivera.
- Afternoon: Spend 3–4 hours at Splash e Spa Tamaro for pools, slides, or sauna relaxation.
- Evening: Drive back along the lake; stop in Ascona or Locarno for dinner.
- Return: Be back at Cannobio or your camping Lago Maggiore site by 9 p.m., just in time for a lakeside walk.
Combining Two Worlds: Swiss Style and Italian Charm
What makes this excursion so special is its contrast.
You start the day in Italy’s relaxed Cannobio, with espresso and waves lapping at the shore, and by mid-morning you’re surrounded by Swiss precision and luxury brands.
After indulging in shopping, you finish the day soaking in thermal pools beneath Alpine peaks — a rare combination of indulgence and peace.
It’s not just a day trip; it’s a journey through two lifestyles — the Italian dolce vita and Swiss wellness perfection — united by the beauty of Lake Maggiore.
Where to Stay – Camping Lago Maggiore
For flexibility, nothing beats camping Lago Maggiore.
Campsites around Cannobio offer lakeside pitches, mobile homes, and direct access to swimming beaches.
The popular Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort combines modern comfort with breathtaking scenery — the ideal base for day trips like this.
You can relax under palm trees one evening and set off for the Alps the next morning — without ever changing hotels.
Conclusion – One Day, Two Unforgettable Experiences
From FoxTown Outlet Mendrisio to Splash e Spa Tamaro, this route captures the essence of Ticino: luxury and nature, design and wellbeing, Switzerland and Italy.
It’s the ultimate day trip from Cannobio, perfectly balancing excitement and relaxation.
Where else can you buy a designer bag before lunch and float in a mountain pool by afternoon — then end your day watching the sunset over Lago Maggiore?
That’s the magic of this region: everything is close, beautiful, and effortlessly connected.
Whether you travel by car from your camping Lago Maggiore site or stay overnight in Cannobio, this itinerary promises a day full of contrasts — and memories that shimmer like the lake itself.
