Swiss efficiency meets Italian flair
Ticino
© Schweiz Tourismus / Nicola Fuerer
Stand on the lakeshore promenade in Lugano and it’s hard to believe you are still in Switzerland. The trees are more palms than pines, the air is infused with cappuccino as much as chocolate and the traffic, well that’s definitely more Italian than Swiss. This is Ticino, the southernmost canton where Switzerland and Italy mingle. It’s a great place to get a taste of La Dolce Vita without crossing the border: taking boat trips on the lakes, strolling in historic town centres or simply relaxing while eating gelato. Buon appetito!
Lakeside life at its best
The towns beside Lake Maggiore are full of southern charm, where pavement cafés invite you to relax with a coffee and some people watching. Ascona is a delight, with narrow streets and brightly painted buildings in the old town, while neighbouring Locarno is both bigger and livelier. Its vast cobbled square is home to the annual film festival.
The capital of castles
Bellinzona, the cantonal capital, isn’t big but is definitely grand, with an old town full of fine villas and sunny piazzas. Towering over the city are three magnificent castles, once the main line of defence for the southern approach to the Gotthard Pass. These mighty hilltop fortifications from the 13th century are the impressive highlight of any visit.
Small city, great vibes
Ticino’s largest city is a little gem that effortlessly combines a characterful medieval old town with a Mediterranean lifestyle and chic boutiques. Best of all, Lugano sits beside its namesake lake framed by two conical mountains: Monte Bré and Monte San Salvatore. A funicular ride up to the top of either is rewarded with splendid views of the lake and city.
The valley that time forgot
We’ve found the ideal spot to escape the modern world. A valley where man and Mother Nature live side by side, though She always has the upper hand. A valley of almost-tamed wilderness with sheer cliffs and high waterfalls. This is the Bavona Valley, one of the steepest and rockiest in the Alps. Walk with our expert guide through the rustically beautiful villages and fairy-tale landscape.
A boat ride to remember
Lake Lugano is smaller than neighbours, such as Lakes Como and Maggiore, but it’s just as pretty and usually less crowded, making it perfect for watching the world glide by. The Swiss-Italian border crosses and re-crosses the lake while the narrow waterway means that the conical wooded hills and terraced villages, such as idyllic Morcote, are never far away.
Board your private boat
Ticino in brief
In Switzerland it doesn’t get any lower than Lake Maggiore. At a mere 196m above sea level, this is the lowest point in the country. True, that’s higher than anywhere in Florida but in a place as mountainous as Switzerland, just below 200m is practically under the sea. And yet Ticino stretches right up to the heights of the strategic Gotthard Pass, which is why it’s been part of Switzerland for centuries. It’s the only canton that is Italian-speaking, the only one entirely south of the Alps, and the one with the warmest climate in Switzerland: no wonder lemon trees, camellias and magnolias love living here.
When to go
All year
Why go there
Lakes & mountains
Great food
Pretty towns
What to see
Ascona
Bavona Valley
Lugano
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