Ticino — Italian Switzerland

Lugano is the largest city in Ticino and the third-largest financial center in Switzerland — but you wouldn't notice that when sitting on the lake promenade, sipping an espresso and letting your gaze wander over Lake Lugano to the mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. The city combines Italian lifestyle with Swiss quality in an addictive way.

★★★ Lake Promenade & Parco Ciani

The lake promenade stretches for several kilometers along the shore — palm trees, oleanders, magnolias, and subtropical gardens. The Parco Ciani on the east bank is a botanical dream with ancient giant trees, flower beds, and a café with a lake view. In summer, the people of Lugano swim in the lake (up to 25 °C), pedal boats and SUPs populate the water.

Parco Ciani: free access. Lido di Lugano beach: 9 CHF, May–Sept. Pedal boat: from 15 CHF/hr. Boat trip on Lake Lugano: from 29 CHF, free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

★★ Monte San Salvatore

Lugano's local mountain (912 m): The funicular takes you to the summit in 12 minutes — from there, a 360° panorama over Lake Lugano, the city, the Po Valley, and the Alpine chain. On clear days, the view extends to Monte Rosa. The summit restaurant serves Ticinese cuisine with a view. The hike down to Morcote (2 hours, moderate) leads through chestnut forests and ends in the most beautiful village in Ticino.

Funicular Paradiso → San Salvatore: 30 CHF round trip (50% with Swiss Travel Pass). March–November. Ascent on foot: 1.5 hrs.

★★ Monte Brè

The sunniest mountain in Switzerland (925 m): The funicular from Cassarate takes you to the summit with views over the lake and the snow-covered Alps. At the top: the artist village Brè with painted house walls and a grotto (traditional Ticinese garden tavern). Less touristy than San Salvatore.

Funicular: 25 CHF round trip (50% with Swiss Travel Pass). Year-round.

★ Old Town & Piazza della Riforma

The Piazza della Riforma is Lugano's living room: Lined with cafés and the neoclassical town hall, it is a meeting point for locals and tourists. The alleys behind it (Via Nassa — shopping street with luxury boutiques) lead to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its Renaissance façade and view over the rooftops.

Locarno and Ascona are located on the northern shore of Lago Maggiore — the warmest place in Switzerland. Here, camellias, palm trees, and bougainvillea bloom, the houses shine in pastel colors, and the pace of life noticeably slows down.

★★ Piazza Grande, Locarno

The Piazza Grande is one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland: Surrounded by Lombard arcaded houses with pastel-colored facades, lined with cafés and restaurants. In August, it transforms into the world's largest open-air cinema: The Locarno Film Festival (since 1946) projects films on a 26 × 14-meter screen in front of 8,000 spectators. One of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe.

★★ Madonna del Sasso

The pilgrimage church sits on a rock 200 meters above Locarno — accessible by funicular (7 CHF round trip) or on foot (30 min.). From the terrace: a dream view over Lago Maggiore, the Maggia estuary, and the surrounding mountains. The church (15th century) with its frescoes and ex-voto panels is atmospheric.

★★ Ascona — Pearl on the Lake

Just 3 km west of Locarno lies Ascona — artist colony, lakeside resort, and chic holiday destination in one. The lake promenade with its pastel-colored houses and view of the Brissago Islands is stunning at sunset. Ascona was a magnet for dropouts, artists, and life reformers in the early 20th century — on Monte Verità above the town, you can explore the history of this utopia movement (museum, 14 CHF).

★ Brissago Islands

The Isole di Brissago in Lago Maggiore host a botanical garden with over 1,700 plant species — subtropical and tropical flora that thrive thanks to the mild lake climate. Accessible by boat from Ascona or Locarno (free with Swiss Travel Pass). Admission: 10 CHF.

Bellinzona is the capital of the canton of Ticino and has guarded the access to the Alpine passes Gotthard and San Bernardino since the Middle Ages. Its hallmark: three mighty castles, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

★★★ Castelgrande

The largest and oldest of the three castles (originating in the 4th century) dominates the city from a rocky outcrop. Modernized by architect Aurelio Galfetti — the elevator through the rock and the minimalist additions are a masterpiece of blending old and new. From the battlements: a panorama over the city and the Ticino Valley. Museum with archaeological finds. Admission: 5 CHF (museum only). Castle freely accessible.

★★ Castello di Montebello

The middle castle (14th century) houses an archaeological museum and offers the best view of all three castles simultaneously. 10 minutes' walk from the old town. Castle free, museum 5 CHF.

★ Castello di Sasso Corbaro

The highest and youngest castle (1479), slightly off the beaten path on a hill. Less visited, therefore quieter, and with the widest view over the valley. 25 minutes steep uphill on foot or by bus.

Saturday Market

On Saturday morning, a splendid market takes place on Piazza Nosetto and in the surrounding alleys: Ticinese cheese, salami, chestnut honey, local wine, and fresh vegetables. A feast for all senses.

The Verzasca Valley and the Centovalli showcase the wild, untamed Ticino — far from the glamorous lake promenades.

★★★ Verzasca Valley

A narrow, wild romantic valley with the clearest water in Switzerland: The Verzasca flows in emerald and turquoise pools over smoothly polished rocks — like from another world. The Ponte dei Salti (Roman bridge) in Lavertezzo is THE photo motif of Ticino: The double-arched stone bridge over the crystal-clear water, surrounded by granite rocks, where sunbathers gather.

At the entrance of the valley: the Contra Dam — known as Verzasca Dam, where James Bond made the legendary bungee jump in "GoldenEye" (1995). You can take the leap yourself: 195 CHF, 220 meters of free fall!

Lavertezzo: Bus from Locarno (40 min., free with Swiss Travel Pass). Bungee Jump: 195 CHF, March–October (trekking.ch). Swimming in the Verzasca: only for good swimmers — the water is ice-cold (12–16 °C) and the current is treacherous!

★★ Centovalli — Train of the 100 Valleys

The Centovalli Railway from Locarno to Domodossola (Italy) is one of the most beautiful narrow-gauge railways in Europe: In 2 hours through 100 side valleys (hence the name), over daring bridges, through chestnut forests, and past steep vineyards. The route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and an absolute insider tip!

Centovalli Railway Locarno → Domodossola: 36 CHF (2nd class), free with Swiss Travel Pass. 2 hrs. Several times daily. Get off at Intragna (highest church tower in Ticino, 65 m) or Rasa (mountain village accessible only on foot or by cable car).

★ Maggia Valley

Even wilder than the Verzasca Valley: The Maggia Valley leads deep into the Ticino Alps — villages made of granite stone, ancient churches, and swimming spots on the Maggia (warmer than the Verzasca!). At the end of the valley: the remote Bavona Valley with its stone houses and no electricity — a guaranteed time travel.