Ticino, Switzerland, Best Places to Visit

Ticino, Switzerland, is unique as the sole Italian-speaking canton, boasting a Mediterranean ambiance with palm trees, beaches, and verdant hills, setting it apart from other areas. Named after the Ticino River, this region is particularly popular among travelers from German-speaking Switzerland.

Ticino, Switzerland, sits in the southernmost part, close to the Italian border. Together with parts of the German-speaking canton of Graubünden, it forms what's known as Italian Switzerland.

You can easily reach Ticino by train from any major Swiss city.

PRO TIP: Ticino is just an hour from Milan, a key economic center in northern Italy. This makes it an excellent stop if you're exploring Lake Como, Lake Garda, or the Dolomites.

Ascona, a top spot in Ticino, offers a stunning lakeside area on Lake Maggiore, dotted with cafes, eateries, and hotels. Notable in Ascona's Old Town is the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, featuring a tall bell tower.

With its low elevation, Ascona boasts a Mediterranean vibe and mild climate. It's a hub for trips to the nearby Maggia Valley. If you're keen on daytime exploration and waterfront dining in the evening, consider staying overnight in Ascona.

The picturesque area around the Church of St. Peter and Paul offers stunning views of Lake Maggiore.

A major attraction here is the Brissago Islands, featuring a botanical garden with plants from Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. This diversity is facilitated by Lake Maggiore's warmth retention and the Alps blocking cold fronts from the north of Switzerland.

While Bellinzona, Ticino's capital, may lack direct access to the stunning lakes that characterize Switzerland's southernmost canton, it compensates with a wealth of rich heritage.

Bellinzona stands out for its trio of medieval castles known as "The Castles," among the finest fortifications in the Alps.

These three castles—Castelgrande, Sasso Corbato, and Montebello—have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2000. Due to historical disputes between the Swiss and Italians, these castles were erected to defend Bellinzona.

Each castle features a museum, like the Archaeological and Art Museums in Castelgrande, and stunning vistas of Bellinzona.

While in Bellinzona, explore the castles and wander through the Old Town. Don't miss Santa Maria Delle Grazie, a 15th-century church, and stroll along Viale Della Stazione, the city's vibrant main street.

Sitting on Lake Maggiore's northern edge, Locarno is a sunny town boasting Lombard architecture akin to northern Italy.

At its core, Piazza Grande hosts an annual film festival and numerous shops, eateries, and cafes. Enhanced by pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone lanes, Locarno exudes an unmistakable Mediterranean allure.

Don't miss the uphill trek to Madonna del Sasso, a pilgrimage spot with panoramic views of Locarno, the surrounding mountains, and the lake.

PRO TIP: Locarno serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby Valley Maggia and Valley Verzasca.

In the Locarno area lies Valley Verzasca, a narrow valley boasting a mesmerizing turquoise river and natural pools. Within the valley, towns like Corippo, Sonogno, Brione, and Lavertezzo are worth exploring.

Valley Verzasca is also famous for the Verzasca Dam, Europe's tallest. Featured in the James Bond film "Golden Eye" (1995), it now offers the thrilling "007 Bungee Jump," allowing you to replicate the iconic stunt by dangling over the dam with bungee jumping.

Ponte dei Sale is one of Ticino's most photographed spots, drawing hundreds of visitors daily. It's an ideal starting point for river hikes or a refreshing dip in the water, followed by sunbathing on the rocks.

How to reach: Without a car, take a train to Tenero at the valley's base, then catch a bus to Lavertezzo, as there's no train service in Valley Verzasca.

Another noteworthy landmark in Lavertezzo is the church named "Beata Vergine degli Angeli." Situated along the main road that traverses the village, it's worth a visit.

At the end of Valley Verzasca lies Sonogno, a quaint hamlet with typical stone houses, known as rusticos, common in this region of Switzerland. Take a leisurely stroll through the village to admire its charming medieval buildings and cozy homes.

Though Sonogno boasts a few shops and restaurants catering mainly to tourists, it remains relatively undiscovered, offering tranquility away from the crowds. Spending a night here is an excellent idea if you seek relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sonogno warrants more than a day's visit. The surrounding area boasts several grottos near waterfalls, numerous hiking and biking trails. Just a 10-minute drive from Sonogno lies Grotto Efra, featuring a waterfall cascading down a cliff.

To reach Corippo, take a side road after passing Vogorno along the main route. The road leading to Corippo is narrow and winding, requiring careful driving as you ascend the hill.

Valley Maggia, an Alpine valley in Ticino, shaped by the Maggia River, features several side valleys: Val Bavona, Val Rovana, and Val Lavizzara. Like Valley Verzasca, it's a favored spot for hiking, mountain biking, and immersing oneself in nature.

A must-visit spot in Valley Maggia is Bosco Gurin.

This charming Alpine village feels like a journey back in time—it's secluded and maintains its cultural heritage. It's the only place in Ticino where German is the official language. Centuries ago, people from the neighboring canton of Valais arrived here in search of new pastures for their cattle and have since preserved their cultural identity.

It's an ideal spot for summer hikes and relaxation, offering a winter wonderland for skiing during the colder months. The area features a small ski resort accessible via ski lift.

Valley Lavizzara is a serene valley known for its historic stone houses, high mountain passes, and abundant outdoor opportunities. Charming towns like Bignasco and Fusio boast well-preserved medieval architecture and a delightful atmosphere.

For cycling enthusiasts, Fusio is the place to be. From there, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Sambuco Dam and Lake Naret.

Gambarogno is a small village in the Locarno district, offering numerous hiking trails and the Botanical Garden of Gambarogno.

Lugano, the largest town in Ticino, Switzerland, earns the moniker "Monte Carlo of Switzerland" due to its balmy climate and celebrity visitors. Nestled along Lake Lugano's shores, surrounded by mountains like Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore, Lugano serves as an excellent base for exploring Ticino. With a variety of hotels and easy access to other parts of Ticino, having a car makes it an ideal starting point for your adventure.

Lugano offers several must-see attractions, including Parco Civico, a serene urban park with lush greenery; Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angeli and Cattedrale San Lorenzo, both located in the charming old town.

Make sure to visit the Museo d’Arte Della Svizzera Italiana, which houses an extensive collection of modern art, with a special emphasis on Swiss-Italian artists.

When exploring Ticino, Switzerland, don't miss hiking one of the stunning mountains.

A popular choice near Lugano is Monte San Salvatore, offering panoramic views of Lake Lugano from about 3,000 feet above sea level. Accessible via a funicular, be sure to check its seasonal schedule for prices and availability.

Another option to reach Monte San Salvatore is by hiking from the village of Ciona, where parking is available. You can reach Ciona by bus from Paradiso, a Lugano suburb.

The hike from Ciona to the summit typically takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour. While most of the trail winds through wooded areas, remember to carry enough water as it involves an uphill ascent.

On a clear day, the views from Monte San Salvatore extend to the snow-capped Swiss Alps and the plains of Italy's Lombardy region, with Milan visible in the distance.

To discover why Ticino is dubbed the "Rio of Europe," visit Monte Bre. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding city.

You can reach the mountain top by taking a funicular from Cassarate (to access Cassarate, catch a bus and alight at the Cassarate Monte Bre stop), followed by a short hike. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lugano that will drop you off near the trail leading to the top.