Ticino: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Ticino in the south of Switzerland lies on the southern side of the Alps and is strongly influenced by the typical Italian flair. While the Alps with their majestic splendor are still within reach, in Ticino the Mediterranean south begins with romantic churches and squares, gentle valleys, and beaches with palm trees.
Table of contents
Ticino - The most beautiful cities
Lugano
Most city tours in Lugano begin at the early medieval Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which is one of the landmarks. Continue strolling through the city center to view the many palaces from the early modern period or visit one of the two cultural museums. Walks through the Parco Civico are recommended. From the city, it is only a few minutes' walk to the lakeshore, where charming promenades await you. The lake itself invites swimming in many places and offers great refreshment during the sunny summer months. In the transitional seasons, hikes to the surrounding mountain peaks like Monte Brè are also recommended.
Locarno
Since 1946, the world-famous Locarno Film Festival has taken place annually in the city. People gather on the Piazza Grande to honor a work with the Golden Leopard after several film screenings. Due to the festival, Locarno has become a popular holiday destination despite its small size. You begin your tour of Locarno in the Via Panigari in the old town. It continues over the Largo Franco Zorzi to the Casino and the Walk of Fame in the Giardini Rusca. A little further northeast, the beautiful lakeside promenade with its palm trees and inviting restaurants awaits you.
Lavertezzo
Above the enchanting bathing landscape spans the majestic Ponte dei Salti, a Roman bridge from the 17th century. In the picturesque Ticino village of Lavertezzo, there is also the noteworthy baroque church Madonna degli Angeli. The Valle Verzasca is a wild valley with the emerald-colored water of the river, which is also very popular with canoeists. The region's hiking trails lead you to chestnut forests, vineyards, and palm trees. The mountain path Sentierone Valle Verzasca takes you from Tenero to Sonogno. Artworks from Switzerland, Germany, and Italy are displayed on the art trail from Lavertezzo to Brione. Also admire the diverse plant and animal life.
Ascona
The origins of the city date back to the Middle Ages, and during your walks through the center, you will pass some of the most impressive buildings of past centuries. These include the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul from the 13th century and the town hall, which was built at the beginning of the modern era. In the warm summer months, Lake Maggiore, whose shores can be reached on foot from all parts of the city, is considered the main attraction. Swim in the cool water, stroll along the promenade, or try various water sports. For hikers, tours up to the imposing mountain peaks are recommended.
Gandria Village
Stroll through the charming village with its steep stairs, winding alleys, and arcaded courtyards. The San Rocco Chapel attracts culture enthusiasts with numerous stucco works and frescoes. The Olive Path leads you to Castagnola. 18 information boards provide interesting facts about the precious olive oil of the region. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the enchanting lake landscape of Gandria. In Castagnola, the Museo delle Culture awaits its guests. It offers interesting exhibitions for all age groups. The walking path between Cantine di Gandria and Caprino entices with splendid terraces and cozy coffee houses as well as restaurants with typical Ticino cuisine.
Mergoscia
Lake Maggiore in the south and the inflow directly near the community are the scenic landmarks around Mergoscia. In the warm summer months, the crystal-clear mountain water offers a welcome refreshment. The mountain peaks Cimetta and Madone are popular hiking destinations visible from the village center and quickly accessible. Mergoscia itself enchants you with the charm of centuries past and traditional architecture. Visit the medieval Casa Torre or take a look at the remarkable modern buildings like the parish church Santi Carpoforo and the ossuary. With a car, spontaneous trips to Italy are always possible.
Foroglio
Foroglio belongs to the tranquil municipality of Cevio in the Swiss canton of Ticino near the Italian border. In addition to the numerous hiking trails and nearby ski areas, the region delights with some historical buildings such as the Church of Beata Vergine del Ponte from the early 17th century or the elegant Palazzo Franzoni. On your tours through the Lepontine Alps, you will discover picturesque waterfalls and many old stone houses that remind of a long-past era. For excursions by car, Lago Maggiore is especially recommended in the summer months, while Locarno and Lugano are highly popular among culturally interested vacationers.
Morcote
Morcote, the former fishing village with its historic magnificent buildings, is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Located in the canton of Ticino, it lies south of Lugano between the lakeshore and the green-forested Monte Arbòrstora. In this picturesque place, you can spend a varied holiday with your family, including culture, nature, sports, and relaxation. Among the most significant attractions is the Parco Scherrer. The park monument on the mountainside houses not only exotic plants but also international art objects like a Siamese tea house. Wonderful hiking trails into the surrounding mountain world, water sports activities, or a visit to Swissminiatur with significant places of the country in miniature size make a holiday in Morcote unforgettable.
Ticino - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Lake Lugano
Wooded mountain slopes and Mediterranean ease surround Lake Lugano, named after the Swiss city of Lugano. Thanks to the mild climate, palm trees and citrus fruits grow on its shores. On a boat trip, you can discover the scenic diversity of the lake and encounter picturesque places like Morcote and the romantic fishing village of Gandria. The lakeside promenade of Lugano invites you to stroll, as do the parks around Lake Lugano. Water sports are also very popular. The best views of the water can be enjoyed from Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, which you can reach by hiking or taking the funicular railway.
Mount San Giorgio
Since the 19th century, countless fossilized fish and marine reptiles up to 6 meters long have been excavated at Monte San Giorgio. A visit to the Fossil Museum in Meride is worthwhile: animations and models tell the story of the fascinating, pyramid-shaped mountain that was surrounded by sea 247 to 237 million years ago. At Monte San Giorgio, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will find a well-developed network of hiking trails and mountain bike tours. On the southern slope, you pass picturesque vineyards. Numerous grotti invite you to stop in: here you can indulge in typical dishes from Ticino.
Mount Tamaro
Monte Tamaro in the Swiss canton of Ticino is a popular excursion destination. From the municipality of Rivera, a cable car takes you to the Alpe Foppa mountain station at an altitude of 1,530 m. Here stands the Santa Maria degli Angeli chapel, built from concrete and porphyry by master architect Mario Botta. At the mountain station, you have access to a rope park, a summer toboggan run, a children's playground, and a restaurant. Impressive views of the Monte Rosa massif and the Matterhorn open up to you on the ridge hike from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema. The nearly 13 km long route takes about five hours.
Maggia Valley
Surrounded by majestic peaks, the Valle Maggia winds through Ticino. It is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The river Maggia, which gives the valley its name, cascades over several waterfalls from partly impressive heights. The Cascata del Salto is one of the most famous waterfalls in the valley. Hiking and cycling trails lead down the Maggia Valley. A detour into the various side valleys is also worthwhile. In Cevio, you reach the historically significant Rovana Valley, from Cavergno to the Bavona Valley with traditional stone villages. The Valle di Lodano, with its unique beech forests home to rare animal and plant species, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Verzasca Valley
There is much for families to discover in the Verzasca Valley: On the Sagenweg, talking animals have their say. The 3.4 km long tour attracts with numerous stations. The natural marble run Boccia al bosco is another highlight. The 9.8 km long hike offers game fun with natural materials. Picnic areas invite you to take a break. Cinephiles will recognize the dam at Lago di Vogorno in the Valle Verzasca. The James Bond film Golden Eye was filmed here. Hike on the 24 km long Sentiero trail, which leads from Sonogno to Locarno. Among other things, you will pass the famous arch bridge Ponte dei Salti.
Ticino - Climate
The climate in Ticino is moderately warm. However, in the north near the Alps, it can differ significantly from the almost Mediterranean south. Generally, the canton is very sun-blessed and offers various possibilities throughout the year depending on the type of vacation. For swimming in the lakes, late summer and sometimes autumn, due to the warmed water temperature, are best, while the Alps invite you to wonderful hikes all summer long. In winter, on the other hand, you will find numerous winter sports opportunities here. For a piece of Dolce Vita in Lugano, it is best to book between June and the end of September.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.