Ticino encompasses the warm flamboyance of Italy combined with the cool efficiency of Switzerland. This region is Italian speaking, relaxed, friendly and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Switzerland.
Ticino offers a huge variety of scenery from the Alps in the North to lakes Lugano and Maggiore in the South which stretch on into Italy. Mountain passes combine with cobbled streets, terraced vineyards, shimmering lakes and golden sunshine. Village piazzas give way to cool arcades, simple fishing villages and picturesque mountain hamlets.
Magnolias, hydrangeas, mimosa, camelias, and geraniums gaily perfume the cool breeze, whilst lofty palm trees lend welcome shade. Merlot a warm fruity red is the local wine - just right for a warm summer's evening watching the sun set over the lake. Ticino is within easy reach of Italy and offers a wealth of excursions, sports and culture, along with a wide selection of events.
Why we love it...- Stunning lakes Maggiore and Lugano
- Mild climate
- Mediterranean architecture and cuisine
It's perfect for...- Music and film festivals
- Variety of watersports, climbing and caving
- People watching in pavement cafés
Valais Excursions
Bookings for
some of the following excursions can be made in resort by your local
Swiss Travel Service representative.
You local Swiss Travel Service representative can give you more information on the following excursions.
Lake MaggioreOnly the north east of the lake is actually
Swiss (the half fare card is not valid). Boats run April-October to the
nearby Italian resorts such as Stresa and Pallanza and also call at the
Borromean and Brissago islands.
Lake LuganoUnlike Lake Maggiore, most of this lake is Swiss, boats run April - October and the hald fare card is valid.
Lake ComoThis lake is situated in Italy (the half fare is not valid), why not visit Como town situated at the end of the lake.
Val VerzascaA beautiful valley that winds above and behind Locarno with a crystal green river flowing under the famous camel hump bridge at Lavertezzo, down to the fmaous dam used for the bungy jumping scene at the beginning of the James Bond film 'Goldeneye'.
CentovalliThis is one of the best scenic rail
journeys is Switzerland. It takes you through the 100 valleys to
Domodossola. Stops along the way include Intragna for adventure sports,
Verdasio for enchanting mountain walks and Santa Maria Maggiore for
relaxing strolls and typical Italian restaurants.
Monte San SalvatoreIt's a dramatic 15 minutes to the top by funicular with superb views at the top of the lake and the Alps.
BellinzonaFamous as being the capital of Ticino and it's three castles.
Monte Bré
Trvel up 993m y funicular, and walk back down to Bré Village or on to Lugano
Monte GenerosoTake the cogwheel train on a clear day for the best panoramic view over Lakes Como and Lugano.
By boat and by trainGandria, Morcote, Melide, Porlezza (Italy) and Ponte Tresa (Italy) are easily reached by boat from Lugano; whilst you can take a spectacular journey throughout Centovalli or go up one of the seven cable cars of three funiculars in Ticino area.