8 places to visit in Ticino, Switzerland

8 Places to Visit in Ticino Switzerland

Ticino is the southern-most Canton of Switzerland and (almost) exclusively Italian-speaking. It benefits from a very enjoyable Mediterranean micro-climate and is a place of great natural beauty with its numerous lakes and stunning valleys. It's all about charming old-stone villages, palm trees, stunning views and colourful piazzas. It has all the charm of Italy, yet offers all the benefits of Swiss efficiency and cleanliness. Here are some of the beautiful places I visited and would really recommend seeing on your next visit to Ticino!

This long, narrow valley of immense natural beauty is dotted with perfectly preserved old stone villages and hamlets, some perched high up on the hillside. One of the most famous landmarks of this valley – made hugely famous via Instagram - is the "Ponte dei Salti" (literally the jumping bridge) in Lavertezzo. This narrow stone bridge with two arches probably dates back to the 17th century. Lower down the valley, you’ll find the Salvatica dam which at 220 meters high is one of Europe's tallest. In 1995, James Bond jumped off the top of it in the movie "Golden Eye". If you feel like taking up a challenge, you can bungee jump here! It's a 30-minute drive from Locarno to reach Lavertezzo, the road is narrow and full of hair-pin turns.

1. Madonna del Sasso, Locarno

The Madonna del Sasso (our Lady of the Rock) is a beautiful Franciscan sanctuary is one of Ticino's most important historical and religious sites. Legend has it that Brother Bartolomeo saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary on this very imposing rock above Locarno in August 1480 and seven years later the Church was built on this site. The Church is stunning and commands fabulous views over Locarno. It can be reached funicular, by foot or by car.

2. Ascona

Often described as the pearl of Lake Maggiore, at 196 meters Ascona is Switzerland's lowest lying town. It's a bit like a miniature version of St Tropez with its vibrant old town and very pretty lakefront promenade dotted with palm trees. It has lots of street cafes and colorful buildings giving off a real Mediterranean vibe. It's worthwhile meandering around the old town where you'll find numerous restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. During the summer months it has a colourful market on Tuesdays, a jazz festival that runs for 10 days end of June and a famous film festival every August.

3. Verzasca Valley

4. Brissago Islands

Originally created as private gardens by Antoinette St Léger in the 1880's, since 1950 they have been the official botanical gardens of the Canton of Ticino. Here you can discover the species from the five main Mediterranean regions of the world: the Mediterranean itself, the Cape region of South Africa, the Californian coast, Western Australia and Central Chile. The gardens are well maintained and there are lots of pleasant places to sit down and relax. There is also a hotel and restaurant on the island in the original manor house where Antoinette St Léger lived with her husband before he abandoned her and the island. The islands are a 5-minute boat ride from the main land. It's also possible to take a boat from Ascona or Locarno.

If you want to enjoy incredible views over Lake Lugano you can head up to the top of Monte Brè at 925 meters. An old-fashioned funicular, restored to its 1912 glory, will take you up to the top in 10 minutes. At the top, besides the spectacular view, you can enjoy lunch and a vast choice of hiking and biking trails to suit all levels. I opted for a lunch on a terrace: the view was far better than the lunch!

6. LAC Lugano

Lugano Arte e Cultura is a cultural center that opened in 2015 in a super sleek and modern building at the end of the promenade. The modern art museum houses a permanent exhibition of contemporary art as well as temporary exhibitions. When I visited, there was a thought-provoking exhibition by the British artist Craigie Horsfield. It also has a concert hall and theatre making it the leading cultural center in Ticino.

5. Monte Brè

7. Morcote

There are three very imposing medieval fortresses in Bellinzona, each in different strategic locations to defend the city. They were classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites in the year 2000. I would recommend starting at the top with the Sasso Corbora, which incidentally has an elegant restaurant with a chic terrace in its inner courtyard, and working your way down towards the city. The Montebello castle also houses an archaeological museum. The Castelgrande is in the city center. Take some time to visit the city too, it has some lovely piazzas, with colourful houses and narrow streets.

The beautiful and very peaceful village of Morcote, just 14 km outside Lugano, was voted the prettiest village of Switzerland in 2016 with every good reason. It is bursting with charm. Take your time to climb up to the beautiful church that sit at the top of the village to admire the view before meandering back through the narrow cobble-stoned streets down to the lake. Here you'll find a series of colourful houses and restaurants, with the prettiest lakeside terraces. You can reach Morcote by boat from Lugano or drive.

8. Castles of Bellinzona

Madonna del Sasso, Locarno

Lugano, Ticino, Tessin, Switzerland, Swiss Bliss Travel

Ascona

Verzasca Valley

These islands on Lake Maggiore enjoy a particularly mild, sub-tropical climate making them an ideal home for a botanical garden. They are also a perfect escape on a hot day as there's plenty of shade here and a cool breeze from the lake.