The 11 essential things to do in the Ticino

In preparation for a stay in the Swiss Alps? Discover the best things to do in the Ticino, canton with strong Italian influences.

Canton of Italian language in the South of Switzerland, the Tessin is a true little piece of paradise. The Lake Maggiore, half-Italian, is one of the main places of interest. Just arrived, its small picturesque stone villages and their bridges stirring the crystal clear waters of the alpine streams will carry you to another time.

Ice lakes, medieval castles, fine gastronomy: here is a brief overview of what the region has to offer. For everything else, get to know the 11 best things to do in the Ticino!

1. Lugano

Old town

The historic centre of Lugano is the first of the things to see in the most important city of Italian Switzerland. You will travel through its city centre in a short time, but it does not prevent it from containing many colourful facades, pedestrian streets and charming terraces with lake views.

On the other hand, you will also fall on the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli and its pretty frescoes by strolling through the alleys. The Luga centre is thus a charming starting point to visit the Tessin.

Lake Lugano

It would be a shame not to take advantage of the surroundings of the city of Lugano, built by the lake. On its shores, stop in a lido, a kind of bar with private beach, to enjoy the true Luganese experience. A nice little break in your Ticino visit!

2. Museums

Villa Ciani

The famous Villa Ciani de Lugano has been hosting important exhibitions since 1933. Indeed, on three floors, its 30 rooms are particularly suitable for scientific exhibitions or other targeted events.

This magnificent historical residence is also located in the park of the same name. This is composed of pleasant hiking trails with lake view.

Herbe Museum

The famous museum in Parisian Herbe chose Lugano to establish its first institution abroad. Thus, by humour and playful methods, it has the mission of making art and the world around them to the youngest from 3 years old. A visit to the Tessin during a family stay!

Baumgartner Gallery

The original Galerie Baumgartner is located in the town of Mendrisio, located in the extreme south of the canton. If you are an amateur of reduced models and/or trains, do not miss this visit in the Ticino.

On three floors is exhibited a huge collection of brand models such as Märklin, Fulgurex, Hermann or Metrop. To access it, there is nothing simpler: the gallery is just 100 metres from Mendrisio Train Station!

Swissminiatur

Here is a very original museum to visit in the Ticino. Located in Melide, a locality on the shores of Lake Lugano, come and admire the country's miniature models in the open air! In two hours, discover the diversity of Switzerland and its monuments. This visit is accessible to small and large.

Museum of Cultures

In this anthropology museum to visit in Lugano in the Tessin, admire a large collection of objects from Asia, Oceania and Africa, all in a charming eighteenth century villa.

3. Monte San Salvatore

Are you looking for an original activity to be done in Ticino? Near Lugano, the Monte San Salvatore, 912 meters high, is accessible in funicular from Paradiso. Its ascent is rather fast: you will reach the summit in just over 10 minutes.

Once you arrive, go to the panoramic restaurant to eat something and drink a drink while observing a magnificent dive view of Lake Lugano.

4. The castles

Montebello Castle

Located in Bellinzone, this castle is also known as Château Saint Martin or Château de Schwytz and is part of a set listed in UNESCO World Heritage. Very well preserved, the visit of this medieval fort will greatly instruct you on the defense systems in force at the time.

Take a look at the ramparts of this magnificent fortress and admire the panorama of the city: to be done absolutely in the Ticino!

Castle of Sasso Corbaro

This castle is the second located in Bellinzone and is part of the same set listed in UNESCO World Heritage. It is also designated as Château Sainte Barbara and Château d’Underwald.

The building, dating from 1478, was built by the expansion of a defence tower that had been present in the city since 1400. From there you will enjoy a wonderful view of the region, its valley and its mountains.

Castle Visconteo

This fortress is located in the commune of Locarno, on the shore of Lake Maggiore, and is an interesting detour to make in the Ticino. This building was conquered by the Italian sovereign Visconti in 1342, which enlarged its construction. It was then renovated in the 15th century in a Renaissance style.

Today, the visitable part consists of a small courtyard, a loggia and rooms of the castle and a large shady fresco. On the other hand, within it is the Municipal and Archaeological Museum of Locarno.

5. Monastery of the Madonna del Sasso

This monastery is one of the most important religious sites to visit in the canton of Ticino. Planted on a rocky sparrow above Locarno, this sanctuary would have been built in the sixteenth century following an apparition of the Virgin Mary to a Franciscan monk of the convent of the city.

Today, it is a place of pilgrimage where you can see fantastic views of the valley, the lake and the summits around. You can walk by Via Crucis from the centre of Locarno to enjoy a beautiful stroll through chapels and landscapes. Ascension can also be performed in funicular.

6. Lake Maggiore

Horse riding on Switzerland and Italy , Lake Maggiore is bordered by lush vegetation favoured by rather clementing temperatures. On the menu, splendid landscapes of wild mountain and beautiful escapades to be made in the towns bordering the lake.

We can quote Locarno, Ascona or Gambarogno. Are you looking for other things to do by visiting this Italian-Tessinian lake? There is only one to ask: organize a boat trip to meet the romantic archipelago of Brissagio . And yes, Switzerland also has islands!

7. Val Verzasca

Val Verzasca is a hilly area crossed by the river Verzasca, including the towns of Locarno and Mergoscia. This is no doubt about the Ticino paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The Grand Sentier du Val Verzasca follows the ancient route taken by the mule trees and the scenery of the chapels, cascades and small bridges.

This is a rather easy hike in the Ticino. Indeed, it can be carried out in the family, from Mergoscia or the Verzasca dam and from Bivio di Corippo. Continuing to Brione, you will be able to admire an open-air art trail and its sculptures that perfectly integrate into nature.

8. Ascona

Ascona is a charming commune on the north shore of the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore. With its 196 meters of altitude, it has the peculiarity of being the lowest commune of Switzerland.

If you want to experience a real disconnect during your visit to the Ticino, it is the destination to be preferred. Also, it is well known for its more than pleasant temperatures, its walking path around the lake and its countless terraces with views of it.

9. Contract Dam

This dam is located in the territory of the commune of Tenero-Contra, in the Val Verzasca. This is a legendary place to visit in the Tessin. Its construction, which lasted from 1960 to 1965, allowed the formation of Lake Vogorno.

If this place is so known, it is because it was the place of shooting of several films by James Bond including Golden Eye . In this film, Agent 007 incarnated by Pierce Brosnan made a 220-metre elastic jump that remained engraved in the history of cinema.

Accompanied by a monitor, squeeze into the void and replay this mythical cascade to your sauce.

10. The village of Morcote

Elected the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2016, this small fishing village to visit in the Tessin is a Mediterranean air. In the upper part of the city, climb the large volley of steps to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso. From above, admire the most picturesque part of the village and its breathtaking view of Lake Lugano.

Continue with a walk to the surprising Scherrer Park, designed by the garden artist Arthur Scherrer. Divided in a Mediterranean part and an Asian part, you will enjoy Renaissance terraces in Indian and Thai buildings, including baroque statues and bamboo hedges. A little wonder of botanical garden!

11. Falconry of Locarno

Here’s something atypical to do in the Ticino! In Locarno, on the shore of Lake Maggiore, a show of about an hour will be presented to you. Discover the fascinating world of raptors and admire the flight of different species of prey birds. Eagles, vultures, falcons, owls or even storks: a wide variety of species is at the rendezvous.

The falconnier masters will steal their little guards a few centimeters from your head and those of other spectators, a magical moment you will probably remember your whole life.

How do I go to the Ticino?

By plane

The Tessin is equipped with an airport located in Lugano. This one operates a single regular route up to Zurich . In other words, you will have to go to a flight with a stopover in Zurich to get to Lugano.

You can also book a flight to Milan Italy. Once in Milan, you can reach Lugano in less than 1h30 train. Check ticket availability on a comparison site of flights as Skyscanner .

By train

Lugano, the largest city in Ticino, is easily accessible by train from the major Swiss cities and from Italy.

If you prefer to start your visit to Ticino by the North of the region, smaller cities can be reached from Bern or Zurich: Airolo, Faido, Biasca, you choose how you prefer to draw your route!

Where to sleep in the Ticino?

With almost 3,000 m2, the Tessin has a rather varied housing offer. Whether you have planned a rather urban stay in the largest cities in the Ticino region or a rural getaway in Val Verzasca, you will surely find your happiness on a Compare hotels or on Airbnb .

To enjoy the beauty of Lake Lugano and its surroundings, what better than to stay in the city itself Lugano ? Otherwise, the small village Morcote is very charming and will make you enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake. On the other hand, you can also choose to stay in the pretty little towns bordering Lake Maggiore, like Locarno , Ascona or Gambarogno .

In the canton, the offer of large hotels and spa hotels is particularly important. What to live a 100% relaxing stay!

So, are you clearer on your Ticino Visiting Program?