Ticino
The Italian flair of Switzerland
Lying on the “other side” of the Alps, Ticino is Switzerland’s sunny south. With its Mediterranean climate, palm trees colourful flowers, beaches, churches, plazas, lanes and alleyways, it gives visitors a taste of Italian culture in Switzerland! The stunning lakeside, eye-catching greenery, historic architecture and adrenaline-charged experiences enhance the allure of this region.
Attractions
Lugano and its lake
The Mediterranean city of Lugano is a town of parks, flowers, villas and sacred buildings. It offers an engaging mix of art and culture, food and wine, shopping and adventure experiences. A lake cruise is the perfect way to explore the diversity of the region and its magnificent landscape.
Swissminiatur
Located in Melide, 7 minutes by train from Lugano, the Swissminiatur is an open-air park that showcases Switzerland in a smaller scale. It houses detailed miniature replicas of popular Swiss buildings, castles, monuments and attractions. The models have been recreated authentically, with great attention to detail and are surrounded by thousands of plants and flowers.
Castles of Bellinzona
A 20-minute train ride from Lugano takes visitors to the three castles of Bellinzona (Castelgrande, Castello Montebello and Sasso Corbaro), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With their bastions, walls, towers, battlements and gates, these imposing fortified castles are one of Ticino’s main and most popular attractions.
Monte Tamaro
Nestled between Lugano and Locarno, Monte Tamaro is famous for housing the holy Santa Maria degli Angeli Church. The summer toboggan run, rope park and children’s playground are popular activities on the excursion as well. Located near the departure station is the newly launched Splash&SPA Tamaro Water Park.
FoxTown Factory Stores
FoxTown is located in Mendrisio, a 24-minute train ride from Lugano. A paradise for smart shoppers, the factory outlets house many top international and local brands such as Armani, Clarks, Burberry, Adidas, etc. The items are sold at an attractive discount (30% to 70%) all year round. FoxTown also offers visitors many restaurants and bars, a casino and free parking.
Insider Tips
Pizza is popular in Ticino too! Restaurants like The Pizzeria Verace (Lugano-Paradiso), Pizzeria Tango (Lugano Center) and Primavera (Locarno) are famous for their delicious pizzas.
Grottos are familiar sights in the Ticino region. Located away from the cities, they serve scrumptious food made with local ingredients, in the midst of a traditional rustic setting.
This Park on the shores of Lake Lugano houses beautiful flowerbeds, century-old trees and landmarks such as the Convention Centre, Villa Ciani and Natural History Museum.
Chocolate Stella is famous for its high quality, traditional chocolates without added sugar. Visitors can discover the manufacturing process, sample delicious goodies and purchase them as well!
Ticino is famous for producing Merlot grapes and provides many excellent wine tasting experiences. Over forty wine cellars from the region are ready to welcome guests to sample some of their best wines.