The valley is dotted with small picturesque villages with traditional stone houses, vineyards and dairy farms. In the mid-19th century due to food shortage, economic hardship and an unsustainable population, many families emigrated to Australia and the Americas. For example, the villages of Lodano and Guimaglio presently have a combined population of around 200 people as compared to 500 in the 19th century.
The road from Locarno through the valley leads to others: the Valley of Bosco Gurin, Val Lavizzara, Val di Campo, Val Bavona, Valle di Peccia, Val Sambuco, all part of the Vallemaggia district.