Why we love it...
- Stunning lakes Maggiore and Lugano
- Mild climate
- Mediterranean architecture and cuisine
It's perfect for...
- Music and film festivals
- Variety of watersports, climbing and caving
- People watching in pavement cafés
Ticino encompasses the warm flamboyance of Italy combined with the cool efficiency of Switzerland. This region is Italian speaking, relaxed, friendly and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Switzerland.
Ticino offers a huge variety of scenery from the Alps in the North to lakes Lugano and Maggiore in the South which stretch on into Italy. Mountain passes combine with cobbled streets, terraced vineyards, shimmering lakes and golden sunshine. Village piazzas give way to cool arcades, simple fishing villages and picturesque mountain hamlets.
Magnolias, hydrangeas, mimosa, camelias, and geraniums gaily perfume the cool breeze, whilst lofty palm trees lend welcome shade. Merlot a warm fruity red is the local wine - just right for a warm summer's evening watching the sun set over the lake.
Ticino is within easy reach of Italy and offers a wealth of excursions, sports and culture, along with a wide selection of events and Italy is only one hour across the border by train or boat, making Italian cities excursion possibilities too.
Ticino Top Highlights
Lake Maggiore
Only the north east or the lake is actually Swiss. Boats run April-October to the nearby Italian resorts such as Stresa and Pallanza and also calls at the Borromean and Brissago Islands.
Lake Lugano
Unlike Lake Maggiore, most of this lake is Swiss, boats run April-October and the half fare card is valid.
Lake Como
This lake is situated in Italy so why not visit Como town situated at the end of the lake or cruise to beautiful Bellagio.
Val Verzasca
A beautiful valley that winds above and behind Locarno with a crystal green river flowing under the famous camel hump bridge at Lavertezzo, down to the famous dam used for the bungy jumping scene at the beginning of the James Bond film 'Goldeneye'.
Valley Maggia
Maggia is the next valley over from Verzsca, and although relatively untouched by tourism, it is no less dramatic. One of the villages, Mogno has a beautiful, modern church by Mario Botta.
Centovalli
One of the best scenic rail journeys in Switzerland takes you through the valley of 100 valleys to Domodossola. Stops along the way include Intragna for adventure sports, Verdasio with two cable cars to pursue some enchanting mountain walks and Santa Maria Maggiore for relaxing strolls and typical Italian restaurants.
Monte San Salvatore
It's fifteen minutes to the top by funicular - take in the superb views of the lake and the Alps, or walk down to Carona or Morcote.
Monte Bré
Travel up 993m by funicular and walk back down to Bré village or on to Lugano.
Italian Cities
Milan, Como, Verona and Venice are within reach.
Monte Generoso
Take the cogwheel train on a clear day for the best panoramic view over Lakes Como and Lugano.
Swissminiatur
At Melide, there is a miniature replica of Switzerland with all the main sights in each Swiss canton.
Bellinzona
Famous for being the capital of Ticino, and for it's three castles. Hire a bike and take the cycling route along the Magadino to Locarno.
By Boat
Gandria, Morcote, Melide, Porlezza (Italy) and Ponte Tresa (Italy) are easily reached by boat from Lugano.
By Rail
Take the spectacular journey through Centovalli or go up one of the seven cable cars or three funiculars in the Ticino area.
Once at the hub of Europes trade routes, this is reflected in the grandeur and historic buildings.
View Resort
Elegant resorts on the shores of Lake Maggiore
View Resort
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