Ticino Travel Guide: Tips, places to visit, info

Do you also love the mixture of water and mountains? If you are looking for a special holiday region and want to experience an active holiday with relaxation, the Ticino tips are just right for you. / Ticino Travel Guide: Tips, places to visit, info

The contrasts of palm trees, cypresses, sweet chestnuts, historical architecture, high alpine mountains, extensive valleys and emerald green rivers ensure a feel-good atmosphere and create a real place of longing. In Ticino, relaxation as well as culture and action are guaranteed. During your holiday in Switzerland, the proximity to Italy is unmistakable, but see for yourself and let yourself be inspired.

Facts about Ticino

The canton of Ticino is located in Italian-speaking southern Switzerland and is particularly influenced by its proximity to Italy. If you are looking for a mixture of Mediterranean atmospheres, a mild climate, numerous hours of sunshine and magical mountains, you must spend a holiday in the Ticino region.

The interplay of endless valleys, wild rivers, quaint villages, romantic towns and the large lakes of Lago Maggiore and Lake Lugano creates a unique ambience that will inspire you. Surrounded by the cantons of Graubünden, Valais and Uri, you can spend a varied holiday in Ticino.

The hiking paradise is surrounded by several 3,000m mountains, with the Rheinwaldhorn at almost 3,402 meters being the highest peak in the area. The region also has a record ready for you – namely the lowest point in Switzerland in Lake Maggiore.

Arrival in Ticino

Of course, the list of Ticino tips should not be without the various travel options.

You have to note that the region does not have its own major airport. The small airport of Lugano-Agno only offers a few connections in the summer months, so you should choose your arrival via one of Milan’s airports.

Once you’ve arrived in Milan, you can spend a few hours in the fashion metropolis before planning your one-hour onward journey to Ticino. Alternatively, you can fly to Zurich and drive to your destination in just under three hours by rental car or train.

By car to Ticino

If you drive to Ticino by car, you can include numerous stopovers during your journey and experience an exciting adventure. Between spontaneity and flexibility, you have the opportunity to stop in places that immediately cast a magical spell on you.

As soon as you plan your trip, you should look forward to a relaxed journey via Basel and the A2 motorway. You will be guided on your journey through the Gotthard Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in the Alps.

Over a distance of almost 17 kilometers, the tunnel takes you through the imposing mountains in no time at all. If you want to see more of nature, you can travel via the Sankt Gotthard, Nufenen, Lukmanier or San Bernardino Alpine passes in the summer months.

Do you want to combine a tour of Italy with a holiday in Ticino? Then you have the chance to plan your arrival via Milan.

Alternatively, you can of course also rent a car from Milan or Zurich and start your break.

By train to Ticino

Do you want to switch to a more environmentally friendly alternative and travel to Ticino by train? From Germany there are numerous good train connections that will take you to your destination via Basel or Zurich as quickly as possible.

Daily direct trains from Basel take you to the canton of Ticino in just under two and a half hours. Basically, you can look forward to a perfectly developed and reliable rail network of the Swiss Federal Railways in Switzerland.

Once you have arrived in Ticino, the TILO regional train offers you the opportunity to travel without problems within the larger cities of the region.

There are also some fascinating Swiss panoramic trains that allow you to observe the landscape from a very special perspective. These gems include the Gotthard Panorama Express, which takes you from Basel or Zurich over the Gotthard Pass and offers a unique panorama.

If you want to treat yourself to an exciting ride, you should also have the Lötschberg-Centovalli-Express on your radar.

Camping in Ticino

Some of you may be thinking about spending a camping holiday in Ticino and planning a road trip through Switzerland with your own van. Spend the night right by the lake or wake up surrounded by rock faces? Sounds tempting, right?

In Ticino you will discover some fantastic campsites that will bring you closer to the Mediterranean ambience of the region in a special way. Spending a holiday detached from any plans sounds like pure freedom. When I think about it, I want to pack my bags and get in my car.

Campsites in Ticino:

Campofelice Camping Village
Camping Lido Mappo
Tamaro Resort Camping
Campsite Miralago
Campsite Piccolo Paradiso
Riarena Camping
Campsite Tresiana
Camping Melezza Losone
TCS Camping Gordevio – Valle Maggia
Campeggio al parco d’oro
Centro Pro Natura Lucomagno

Best travel time in Ticino

Before your travel planning goes into the final stages, you must of course decide on a period of time when you will take your vacation. The best travel time in Ticino certainly also contributes to this decision, doesn’t it?

First of all, you can remember that the canton of Switzerland is one of the warmest regions in the country. Due to the mild climate of the area, the best time to travel is from June to September. The magical weather is undoubtedly one of the top Ticino tips.

Because the cold air masses are increasingly held back by the northern Alpine chains, a Mediterranean climate is spreading in the region. Ticino provides almost 2,300 hours of sunshine and just under 100 rainy days a year.

You should only know that there is a special phenomenon near the great lakes in the summer months. The insubric climate ensures that rain showers can occur again and again.

You should be prepared for that. Nevertheless, you can expect an average of 26 °C in summer and combine a wonderful holiday by the water with hikes through endless valleys and to breathtaking viewpoints.

But the winter months also exude a very special charm. If you are planning a skiing holiday in Switzerland, you should definitely make a detour to the sunny Swiss region.

Cities in Ticino / Bellinzona

The capital of the canton of Ticino is called Bellinzona and is best known for the three castles of Bellinzona. If you are planning your round trip through Ticino, the city on the Gotthard massif is an absolute must on your to-do list.

As soon as you approach the historic old town, you will ask yourself several times whether you are not already in an Italian city. The special ambience is reminiscent of a holiday in Italy and gives Bellinzona an authentic flair.

Between the alleys of the old town you will always find small squares, picturesque patrician houses or restored Renaissance buildings. You should also stroll through the small boutiques and let the magical atmosphere work on you in one of the numerous bars.

The medieval period continues with the already mentioned fortifications of Bellinzona, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. On site you can not only enjoy fascinating views, but also visit exciting exhibitions.

Lugano

It continues with the most populous city in the region and one of the top Ticino tips. The city of Lugano is located, as the name might suggest, in a beautiful bay on Lake Lugano and is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.

Mediterranean atmospheres and a special oasis of well-being are created along the lake promenade or in the middle of the old town. In addition, the mountains Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè flank the city and give Lugano a fascinating recognition value.

During your stay you must definitely plan a stay at the Foce Cassarate estuary or enjoy the peace and idyll in the Parco Ciani city park. A detour to the village of Carona is an absolute must.

Locarno

The film town of Locarno on Lake Maggiore or Lake Maggiore is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Ticino. Locarno is famous for the annual Locarno Film Festival, which takes place in August.

But you can also discover some highlights away from the turbulent weeks in August. So you should start your exploration tour at the beautiful Piazza Grande town square and walk through the narrow streets and spend your time in boutiques or bars.

In one of the warmest holiday resorts in Switzerland, you can not only spend a few relaxing hours by the water and enjoy the sunshine, but also go on endless hikes or visit the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso. A special postcard motif awaits you there!

Ascona

The small town of Ascona is one of the top Ticino tips simply because of its direct location on the lake. Lined with palm trees, characterized by colorful houses and equipped with a medieval center, the city on the shore of Lake Maggiore inspires as one of the top vacation spots.

On the shore you can take a seat in many restaurants and have a good time when the weather is excellent. From Ascona you also have the option of planning a trip to the Brissago Islands.

Mendrisio

The town of Mendrisio and the municipality of the same name are just five kilometers from the Italian border and are characterized by the proximity between Como with Lake Como and Lake Lugano.

If you are looking for authentic atmospheres, you must visit Mendrisio. On site you can admire the typical architecture of the region with its terracotta-colored roof tiles and discover historical remains.

On the slopes of Monte Generoso you will always discover vineyards and go on countless hikes.

Gandria

Idyllically located on Monte Brè, you can discover the village of Gandria. In the romantic town, the houses line the shore of Lake Lugano in a special way.

You can reach one of the most beautiful villages in Ticino from Lugano by boat or via a hiking trail. Of course you also have the option of arriving by car.

Lavertezzo

Perhaps one of the best-known villages and one of the top Ticino tips is the village of Lavertezzo in the mysterious Verzasca Valley. The romantic village with the typical stone houses is one of the most famous postcard motifs in the area, a top “Instagram spot” and is often used as a starting point for excursions into the breathtaking nature.

Because the river landscapes of the Verzasca create unique atmospheres. Natural bathing areas and pools are created on site, which create a unique picture with the Ponte dei Salti bridge. And especially in the summer months you should take a dip in the crystal-clear, cold water.

Corippo

Further in the Verzasca Valley you will encounter the rustic mountain village of Corippo. The small village with its stone houses, which is under monument protection, is a special treasure of Ticino. A little tip: you can’t reach the village by car, so hop on the bus.

Morcote

The former fishing village of Morcote nestles miraculously into the mountain slopes on the shore of Lake Lugano and is one of the top destinations in Ticino. If you pay a visit to the village, you can look forward to one of the most beautiful shore views along Lake Lugano.

The magnificent patrician houses with their magnificent facades ensure that Morcote is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. A look at the Palazzo Paleari house and a climb to the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso are particularly worthwhile.

Bre

You can reach the picturesque artists’ village of Brè with the funicular from Lugano and a 20-minute walk. If you are in Lugano, a detour to the summit of the same name is an absolute must.

Brè inspires with a special authenticity and breathtaking views. Definitely one of the most beautiful Ticino tips!

Foroglio

A special insider tip in Ticino is the tiny mountain village of Foroglio with the waterfall of the same name. If you are longing for fairytale scenery, you must definitely pay a visit to the village with its rustic stone houses. In the Bavona Valley you can walk through peaceful and at the same time wild nature and go on hikes far away from civilization and spend a few hours of peace and quiet.

Other villages in Ticino:

Biasca
Vogorno
Bosco Gurin
centovalli
intragna
Riva San Vitale
Cabbio
Brucella
Sorengo
Astano
Indemini
scudellate

Sights in Ticino

Ticino is a true hiker’s paradise and surprises with unadulterated gorges, thundering waterfalls and mystical villages. If you had to describe the region in one word, it would probably be wildly romantic.

During your trip you have to bring enough time and explore the valleys in Ticino. The Verzasca Valley is one of the top Ticino tips.

The combination of untouched wilderness with emerald waters and original villages creates the perfect backdrop for all of you adventure seekers out there. One of the most famous photo spots in the region is the Ponte dei Salti – Roman bridge with its views of the village of Lavertezzo.

But a detour to the village of Sonogno is also worthwhile. In short: you will literally fall in love with the natural bathing destination at first sight and feel an unbelievable magic.

In addition to that, you have to put Valle Onsernone on your to-do list. Between wild rivers and deep forests you can explore an exciting hiking paradise and soak up the impressive idyll.

You also cannot miss the Bavona Valley, the Centovalli and the Vallemaggia with its primeval chestnut forests. The latter has a real natural spectacle in store for you in the town of Ponte Brolla. Thrills and action are pre-programmed here.

Lake Maggiore

During your journey through Ticino you have no choice but to pass the beautiful Lago Maggiore or Lake Maggiore. Almost 20% of the lake is in the Swiss canton of Ticino, the other part blends into the Italian landscape.

A special natural paradise awaits you on site with an incomparable mix of deep blue water and high, lush green mountains. At Lake Langensee you have the chance to feel the “La Dolce Vita” way of life up close or to pursue numerous activities.

If you have enough time, a boat trip across the lake or a SUP rental are among the top Ticino tips.

These include Ascona and Locarno among the places most worth seeing in the Swiss part. On the Italian side, you cannot miss Cannobio, Laveno, Cannero Riviera, Stresa, Luino, Premeno, Verbania or the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery.

Lake Lugano

The second large lake in the border region of Switzerland and Italy is Lake Lugano, one of the most beautiful Swiss lakes. The special holiday paradise is the opposite of Lake Maggiore, mostly in Ticino.

You can do various water sports activities on site, get to know the region on hikes or relax on loungers by the water. The numerous picturesque Ticino towns, such as Lugano, Morcote, Riva San Vitale, Gandria or Bissone, allow you to experience unforgettable and balmy summer evenings.

There are also some exciting excursion destinations on the Italian side with Albogasio, Corrido and Osteno.

Three Castles of Bellinzona

A special highlight awaits you with the three castles of Bellinzona. If you want to learn more about the past of the region, you have to visit the former fortifications around the castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro.

Together with the preserved Murata fortress wall, the castles form an incomparable UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you follow the traces of the fortifications, you will automatically reach the historic walls. Once there, you can take a journey back in time and learn more about Ticino.

Waterfalls in Ticino

Finally, you should not ignore the numerous wild waterfalls in Ticino. If you go hiking, you will probably automatically come across some roaring cascades.

This feeling of observing the rushing and powerful masses of water gives me an incredible feeling of freedom. So that you don’t miss the most beautiful water points, you will find a list of the top Ticino tips here.

The waterfalls worth seeing include the Foroglio waterfall, the Cascata del Salto, the Botto waterfall, the Cascata Grande di Bignasco, the Piumogna waterfall and the La Froda waterfall. As soon as you plan your hikes, you should always pack bathing suits and towels, because some water points offer you the opportunity to take a dip in the cool water.

But be careful, you should always keep an eye on the currents and possible dangers. If you are looking for bathing areas and natural pools in Ticino, you must visit the Santa Petronilla waterfall, the Pozzone di Osogna bathing area, the Verzasca river with the Pozz di Vacc basin, the Breggia gorge, the so-called Golino beach or the bathing areas of the Visit the Maggia River in Avegno.

Other sights in Ticino:

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
Valle Leventina
Blenio Valley
City park Parco Ciani
Beech forest park Parco Grato
Basodino Glacier
Brissago Islands
Mountain Church of San Giovanni Battista (Mogno)
Bathing area at the Grotto Pozzasc restaurant

Activities in Ticino / Hiking in Ticino

If you are planning your holiday in southern Switzerland, hiking in Ticino is an absolute must. Originality, awareness of tradition and hospitality give Ticino a very special and unmistakable ambience.

You can literally walk over hill and dale on more than 4,000 kilometers of hiking trails and experience an unforgettable outdoor holiday. The contrasts of palm-lined lake shores, Mediterranean atmosphere and cute villages to dreamy valleys, rustic stone houses and endless wooded mountains ensure that the canton of Ticino is one of the top Switzerland tips.

From themed trails to walks along the water to challenging high-altitude trails, you are spoiled for choice. You should not lose sight of a few very specific Ticino tips.

Hiking trails in Ticino

These include the mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore towering over the shores of Lake Lugano. Believe me, the ascent is priceless and breathtaking views await you.

Of course, you also have to make a detour to the wild and increasingly well-known Verzasca Valley or plan trips to the imposing Monte Generoso mountain. For all those who just want to enjoy the panorama undisturbed, a ride on the Monte Generoso rack railway is worthwhile.

The most demanding mountain hikes include, for example, the Via Alta Vallemaggia, the Via Alta Idra (100 kilometers) or the Monte Lema – Monte Tamaro high-altitude trail. If you are looking for a long-distance hiking trail that brings you closer to the landscapes in a special way, you should find out more about La Strada Alta.

The three stages lead you through the Laventina Valley with enchanting mountain villages, deep forests and numerous mountain lakes. As you have probably already noticed, it is not easy to choose between the numerous hiking options.

Finally, you must also know the mountains of Monte Gambarogno, Cimetta and Monte Ceneri. The hiking paradise welcomes you with open arms!

Water sports in Ticino

The numerous water sports activities should not be missing from the list of Ticino tips. Due to the incredible variety of rivers, lakes and waterfalls, there are fascinating opportunities to combine a vacation with an adventure.

In the deep gorges of the Verzasca Valley you can experience an unforgettable adrenaline rush between rafting and canyoning. The latter is a particularly popular water sport in Ticino.

But what exactly can you imagine by canyoning? You can discover the numerous gorges and rivers of Ticino on a tour by abseiling, climbing, swimming or sliding and experience an adventure in a class of its own. You’ll rave about it forever, I promise.

If you like it a little quieter, canoe tours or renting a stand up paddle are worthwhile. Or have you always wanted to learn to windsurf or kitesurf?

Then there are numerous surf schools on Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano where you can take part in courses or rent your equipment. This incredible feeling of freedom on the water is priceless, isn’t it?

Other activities in Ticino

Watch cliff jumping at Ponte Brolla
Visit the Locarno Film Festival
Suspension bridge Ponte Tibetano Carasc
Bathing fun in the Splash & Spa Tamaro
Art Center Lugano Arte e Cultura
Open-air museum Swissminiatur
Monte Tamaro Adventure Park
Bungee jump at Verzasca Dam
Cycling in Ticino
Cardada Panoramic View Point Observation Deck
Bathing cells Lido in Locarno, Lido di Ascona or Foce del Cassarate

Excursion destinations from Ticino

If you are planning a round trip in Ticino, you should also keep an eye on the numerous highlights in the vicinity and add a few stopovers. Provided you bring enough time with you.

But there are a few excursion destinations from Ticino that you should definitely put on your must-see list. Of course, the proximity to Italy plays a major role.

The city of Como is located in the immediate border region on Lake Como of the same name, or you can drive to the university city of Varese. Another destination is the city of Monza, known for the Formula 1 racetrack.

Or how about a short trip to Milan? In the fashion metropolis of Milan you can visit numerous sights and enjoy a special ambience.

As soon as you find out about possible excursion destinations, you also need to find out more about the city of Bergamo or the municipality of Lecco. Back in Switzerland you will find excursion destinations close to Ticino such as the Alpine town of Engelberg, the holiday region of Andermatt, the municipality of Obergoms, the city of Chur or the Beverin Nature Park. What will you choose?

Eating and drinking in Ticino

Of course, an unforgettable holiday also includes excellent food and drink. There are some Ticino specialties that you should definitely taste.

The chestnut forests in Ticino have a very special meaning. During your stay you can always watch people collecting the chestnuts, and numerous Ticino dishes get a special taste from the nut fruit.

In general, Ticino cuisine is characterized by its traditions and regional products. First of all, you have to taste the special Ticino cheese and buy a supply for your home country.

The raw milk cheese Zincarlin is a delicious highlight. In contrast, you will often find dishes with different, mainly dried meat specialties on the plates of the restaurants.

Ticino polenta, one of the staple foods in the past, is still very important in the kitchen today. For those of you who follow a vegetarian diet, you really need to try the Smeazza vegetable cake.

Ticinese minestrone soup is also a delicious dish. For dessert you have to try the Ticino bread cake.

If you are looking for a souvenir, a delicious wine or the walnut liqueur Nocino are suitable. Before you start your journey, you should also have heard something about the Ticino grotti, traditional inns.

Viticulture in Ticino

In southern Switzerland there are perfect climatic conditions for viticulture. So you have the opportunity to snag delicious Ticino red wines during your stay.

Wine cellar in Ticino:

Tenuta San Giorgio Winery
Cantina Settemaggio
Azienda Agricola Bianchi winery
Winery Brivio Vini SA
Valsangiacomo Vini winery
Winery Vini Rovio Ronco
Fattoria Moncucchetto Winery
Map with the most beautiful Ticino tips at a glance

Your holiday with the Ticino tips

Now nothing stands in the way of your upcoming adventure holiday, right? With the Ticino tips you have the opportunity to experience a varied holiday. If you have already been to Ticino, you are welcome to leave us a comment with your top recommendations. Are you still looking for suitable accommodation? Then click through my travel offers. What are you waiting for? On the return journey you can make a detour to the sights of Bern.