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Ticino is the only Italian-speaking canton in Switzerland that boasts a Mediterranean flair with palm trees, beaches, and green hills which make it notably different from other parts of the country. Named after the Ticino River, this canton is popular among travelers from the German-speaking parts of Switzerland, but it’s also becoming popular with international tourists.
Keep on reading to learn about the best things to do in Ticino, Switzerland to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in this incredibly scenic part of the country.
PRO TIP: If you plan your first trip to Switzerland, and want to save money and stay safe, read my complete guide on how to avoid the worst tourist mistakes in Switzerland.
Where is Ticino?
Ticino is located in southern Switzerland near the Italian border. Along with portions of the German-speaking canton of Graubunden it forms Svizzera-Italiana (Italian Switzerland). It has a mild climate, pastel-colored houses and sub-tropical vegetation which give it a more southern feel.
Check my guide to the best time to visit Switzerland.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TICINO, SWITZERLAND
Ascona
Where to stay: Hotel Giardino Ascona
One of the most popular places to visit in Ticino, Ascona boasts a gorgeous waterfront along Lake Maggiore dotted with cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The top highlight of Ascona Old Town is the 16th century Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo with a tall bell tower.
Every Tuesday, Ascona has a market where you can buy produce, clothing and trinkets made by local artisans. It’s a great place to score a bargain on many handmade arts and crafts.
FUN FACT: Ascona is the lowest town in the country by elevation (it’s located at 643 feet or 196 meters) which explains the mild climate of this place.
Best guided tours of Ascona
Ascona has a strong Mediterranean flair and is also a popular starting point for trips to nearby Valley Maggia. If you plan to explore the area during the day, and enjoy a dinner along a waterfront later in the evening, it’s a good idea to spend a night in Ascona.
Brissago
Where to stay: Brissago Lake View
Ascona’s neighbor, Brissago is a small town near the Italian Border.
The most scenic part of Brissago is located around the Church of St. Peter and Paul and overlooks Lake Maggiore.
One of the main draws of this place is Brissago Islands with the botanical garden that has plants from regions of Asia, Pacific, and Africa. This is possible because Lake Maggiore can store the warmth and the Alps create a wall that prevents the cold front from the northern part of Switzerland.
Bellinzona
Where to stay: Bellinzona Piazza Collegiata
The capital of Ticino, Bellinzona lacks access to the beautiful lakes that define Switzerland Italian canton, but it offers plenty of rich heritage and history to make up for it.
What makes Bellinzona special is the trio of medieval castles “The Castelli” which are some of the best examples of fortification in the Alps.
The three castles, Castelgrande, Sasso Corbato, and Montebello have been listed as UNESCO world heritage sites since 2000. The city has always been an area of dispute between the Swiss and Italians and the castles were built to defend Bellinzona.
Each of the castles offers a museum (the Archaeological Museum and the art Museum in Castelgrande) and remarkable views of Bellinzona and the surrounding area.
To learn more history, check out the Museum Villa dei Cedri.
Best guided tours of Bellinzona
When you make a trip to Bellinzona, make sure to wander around the castles and check Bellinzona’s Old Town where you can find Santa Maria Delle Grazie, a church built in the 15th century and walk along the Viale Della Stazione, the city’s liveliest thoroughfare.
Locarno
Where to stay: Hotel Lago Maggiore
Located on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is a sunny town with a typical Lombard architecture similar to northern part Italy.
The heart of Locarno, Piazza Grande is home to an annual film festival. Also at the piazza, you can find many stores, restaurants, and cafes. Coupled with pastel-colored architecture and cobblestone streets, they give this town an unmistakable Mediterranean charm.
Stroll along the lakefront to enjoy the southern charm and plenty of sunshine, and check out the 12th century Castello Visconteo, which has been carefully restored.
Make sure to walk up the hill to Madonna del Sasso, a pilgrimage site that overlooks Locarno. It’s a great place to see the panoramic view of Locarno as well as the surrounding mountains and the lake.
PRO TIP: Locarno is a perfect place to stay if you plan to visit nearby Valley Maggia and Valley Verzasca.
Valley Verzasca
Where to stay: Holiday Home La Formighera
A narrow valley in the Locarno district, Valley Verzasca has an incredible turquoise river and natural pools. Several towns within Valle Verzasca that you might consider visiting are Corippo, Sonogno, Brione, and Lavertezzo.
Valley Verzasca is also home to Verzasca Dam, the tallest dam in Europe. It was featured in the James Bond movie Golden Eye (1995).
You can repeat the famous stunt at the “007 Bungee Jump” and hang over the dam thanks to the bungee jumping that is opened here.
Lavertezzo
Where to stay: Rustico Luchessa Valle Verzasca
What makes Lavertezzo one of the most popular stops in Valley Verzasca is Ponte dei Salti, a stone bridge that spans over the turquoise waters of the Verzasca River.
Ponte dei Salti is one of the most photographed spots in the region with hundreds of visitors coming here every day. You can use this place as a starting point for your hikes along the river or take a quick dip in the water to cool off and spend some time catching the sun on the rocks.
How to get to Lavertezzo: If you don’t have a car, you can take a train to Tenero, at the bottom of Valley Verzasca and catch a bus to Lavertezzo. There’s no train service in Valley Verzasca.
Another landmark of Lavertezzo that is worth your attention is the church called “Beata Vergine degli Angeli.” It sits along the main road that cuts through the village.
Sonogno
Where to stay: Apartment ai Casell
Located at the end of Valley Verzasca, Sonogno is a small hamlet with stone houses (or rusticos) that are typical for this part of the country. Spend some time walking around this small village to adore the beautiful medieval buildings and quaint homes.
Sonogno has a few stores and restaurants mostly geared toward tourists, but it’s still a largely undiscovered place that has low traffic. If you are looking for a place to relax and escape hustle and bustle, it’s a good idea to spend a night in Sonogno.
If you love outdoors, you should plan on spending more than a day in Sonogno. The area around the village has several grottos near waterfalls, multiple hiking and biking trails. Just 10 minutes away from Sonogno, you will find Grotto Efra with a waterfall falling down a cliff.
Corippo
Nestled along the steep mountain slopes, Corippo is the smallest village in Switzerland with a population of 12 people. The village is a remote and scenic destination with a unique collection of stone houses with grey roofs.
To get to Corippo, take a side road, after passing Vogorno along the main road. The road to Corippo is narrow and winding, so you will need to slow down and drive carefully when you go up the hill.
Wandering around this little hamlet is one of the best things to do in Ticino for a historic and cultural experience.
Valley Maggia
Where to stay: Locanda Poncini
Valley Maggia is another Alpine valley in Ticino. Carved by the waters of the Maggia River, it has several side valleys – Val Bavona, Val Rovana and Val Lavizzara. Similar to Valley Verzasca, Valley Maggia is also a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking and reconnecting with the nature.
Spending a couple of days in Valley Maggia is a must during your trip to Ticino.
Bosco Gurin
Where to stay: Hotel Ristorante Walser
Wandering around the fairytale-like Bosco Gurin is one of the best things to do in Ticino, Switzerland.
This little Alpine village feels like a place from the past – it’s remote and insular, and it is the only place in Ticino where the official language is German.
People from the neighboring canton Valais came here centuries ago as they were looking for a new place to raise their cattle and stayed ever since preserving their cultural identity.
It’s a perfect place to hike and take a break in summer and enjoy winter wonderland and ski in winter as the area has a small ski resort that can be accessed by a ski lift.
Val Lavizzara
Valley Lavizzara is a quiet valley that is characterized by historic stone houses, high mountain passes and great opportunities for outdoors. Several towns in Valley Lavizzara are Bignasco and Fusio are remote ans charming with well-preserved medieval architecture and low-key atmosphere.
If you are looking to do some cycling, head to Fusio, and from there check out nearby Sambuco Dam and Lake Naret.
Gambarogno
Gambarogno is a little village located in the Locarno district. It has several hiking trails and the Botanical Garden of Gamborogno.
Morcote
Where to stay: Casa al Sole
Overlooking Lago di Lugano, Morcote has been named one of the most charming villages in Switzerland.
Indeed, this little hamlet packs on plenty of charm with its rich architecture such as Santa Maria del Sasso Bell Tower and Church of Sant’ Antonio Abate among others. Morcote sits on the shores of Lake Lugano and is about 6 miles from the city of Lugano.
Lugano
Where to stay: Hotel Splendide Royal
Lugano is the largest town in Ticino. Nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland,” because of its warm climate and many celebrities that come here, Lugano is a perfect base for your adventures in Ticino.
Best things to do in Lugano
- Parco Civico – a nice lakeside park in Lugano that provides gorgeous views of the city
- Cattedrale San Lorenzo – A Lugano cathedral that dates to the late 16th century
- Gandria – A charming lakeside village nestled on the eastern slopes of Monte Brè that can be accessed via a quick boat ride from Lugano
- Museo d’Arte della Svizzera (MASI) – One of the best museums in Ticino, MASI is home to artworks of many famous Swiss-Italian artists
- Via Nassa – The best street for shopping in Lugano where you can also find many cafes and restaurants
- Piazza della Riforma – The central square of Lugano adorned by colorful houses, and several churches
Is Lugano Switzerland worth visiting?
Lugano is the largest city in Ticino, the only Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. Lugano offers plenty of culture and history with world-class museums and a beautiful Old Town. It’s also a great base for your adventures in the region.
Best guided tours from Lugano
The town hugs the shores of the eponymous Lake Lugano and is surrounded by several mountains such as Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore. There is a good selection of hotels in Lugano, so if you have a car to quickly get to other parts of Ticino, it’s a perfect base for your adventure.
Some of the best things to do in Lugano are Parco Civico which boasts lush greenery and a quiet space within the city; Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angeli, and Cattedrale San Lorenzo in the city’s old town. Set aside a few hours to explore Lugano on foot and enjoy its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.
Monte San Salvatore
Hiking Monte San Salvatore is the top spot for panoramic views in Lugano.
One of the most popular hikes near Lugano is Monte San Salvatore that offers sprawling views of Lake Lugano from about 3,000 feet above sea level. The quickest way to get Monte San Salvatore is via a funicular. It runs on a seasonal schedule, so don’t forget to check prices and availability.
You can also hike to Monte San Salvatore from the village Ciona where you can park your car. You can get to Ciona by bus from Paradiso, a suburb of Lugano.
The hike from Ciona to the top of Monte San Salvatore will take you between 40 minutes and 1 hour and although most of the hike goes through the wooded area, make sure to bring enough water, because it is an uphill climb.
On a clear day, you can even see the snow-capped Swiss Alps as well as the nearby plains of Italy’s Lombardy region because views from Monte San Salvatore stretch as far as Milan.
Monte Bre
If you want to find out why Lugano is called the Rio of Europe, head to Monte Bre, one of the best overlooks in the city. From here, you can see the panorama of Lago di Lugano (Lake Lugano) and the city around it.
While you can reach the top of the mountain by a combination of funicular from Cassarate (to get to Cassarate, you need to catch a bus and get out at Cassarate Monte Bre stop) and hiking a short trail to the top, you can also take a bus from Lugano that will bring you to the bus stop near the trail.
Monte Generoso
Monte Generoso offers some of the most incredible views in the region and entire Switzerland.
If you don’t feel like climbing uphill for over an hour, take a funicular from the Bellavista station to the summit of the mountain where you can find a visitor center, a restaurant, and an observation platform.
Tibetan Bridge of Curzutt
One of the less-known things to do in Ticino Switzerland, hiking to the Tibetan Bridge of Curzutt offers a perfect adventure off the beaten track. The trail starts in the Magazine plain and takes you through vineyards and offers magnificent views of Lake Maggiore.
The bridge is suspended at 426 feet above the creek and leads to the San Bernardo Church and continues to the settlement of Curzutt, a group of ancient homes and gardens located at the altitude of 2,000 feet.
Best things to do in Ticino: FAQ’s
What is Ticino Switzerland known for?
Ticino, Switzerland is known for a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful lakes at the foothills of the Southern Alps and the distinct architectural style that has a strong Italian influence.
How to get to Ticino?
You can get to Ticino by car or train. If you decide to drive, you should take the toll road A2 Milano-Basel or A13 Locarno-Chur. You can also reach Ticino by train from any major city in Switzerland. To plan your itinerary, visit the SBB website where you can book tickets.
How to get around Ticino Switzerland?
I recommend renting a car in Ticino, if you want to get around quickly and visit some of the remote places such as Corippo.
However, if you don’t have a car, you can also get around by public transportation. From 2017, tourists who stay in hotels and hostels in Ticino can use public transportation free of charge or at reduced rates thanks to Ticino Ticket that is issued upon your check-in.
You can find out more about Ticino ticket here.
Why should I rent a car in Ticino?
Ticino is about one hour away from Milan, an economic hub of northern Italy. This makes Ticino is a great stop if you plan to visit Lake Como, Lake Garda, or the Dolomites. If you plan a road trip around the region, I recommend renting a car. DiscoverCars is a great car rental company that offers a big inventory and very competitive rates.
If you need help with planning your Switzerland itinerary, check out my guide to some of the best places to visit in the country.
Is there public transportation in Ticino?
Ticino offers excellent public transportation between its towns and scenic destinations. Several bus routes serve the city of Lugano, and if you want to get on top of the nearby mountains such as Monte Generoso or Monte San Salvatore, you can do it by funicular from Lugano.
For a quick connection between cities, your best bet is a train. And if you want to explore Valley Maggia or Valley Verzasca, make sure to check the bus schedule, as neither of these valleys are served by train.
How many days to spend in Ticino?
Plan about about 5-7 days for your trip to Ticino. This is enough time to visit most towns in Ticino, and venture into the countryside where you can do hiking, swimming and enjoy the gorgeous nature of this canton.
Why visit Ticino?
While Ticino is less not as famous as other popular destinations, it offers a different side of Switzerland and shows just how rich the Swiss culture is.
What is the best time to visit Ticino?
The best time to visit Ticino is May through September. During summer months, you can enjoy many outdoor activities, swim in lakes and spend time outside to appreciate the true beauty of this place.
How to plan your trip to Switzerland
Whether you need to book a car, organize a tour or book a flight while in Ticino, consider using some of my suggested services.
- Agoda – a great website for budget accommodations in Ticino.
- WorldNomads – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
- Safety Wing – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row.
- GetYourGuide – Thinking about booking a tour while visiting Ticino? Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations across Switzerland.
- DiscoverCars – There’s nothing like exploring Ticino at your own pace. Rent a car at Discover Cars if you want more freedom exploring this part of Switzerland
- CheapoAir – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights to Switzerland and beyond.
- Booking – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts.
Ticino, Switzerland: Final Word
Ticino is one of the most charming places in Switzerland. It boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, pastel-colored architecture, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the country. It’s also home to some of the best hidden gems as well as many popular spots like Lugano, Valley Maggia and Locarno.
From exploring the local culture to hiking, and touring the cute towns in the surrounding valley, there are plenty of things to do in Ticino to keep you buys for days.