Regions / Ticino
Region
Ticino
Italian speaking Switzerland. Palms on the lakes, stone villages in the valleys and the Bernina line to the north.
Ticino is the sunny side of the Alps: Lugano and Locarno on their lakes, the three castles of Bellinzona, and the Verzasca and Maggia valleys with their stone villages and swimming spots. It connects to the rest of Switzerland through the Gotthard base tunnel from Zurich in under two hours, and to the Engadin by the Bernina Express.
What we arrange here
With locals from Ticino.
- Lugano lake boat and Monte Brè or San Salvatore
- Verzasca valley with a local, river swimming in summer
- Bellinzona castles and the Saturday market
- Grotto lunch, the Ticino tavern in the woods
- Bernina Express connection to St. Moritz
- Villa or lakeside dinner for groups
Access
2 hours from Zurich by train; Lugano airport for private flights
Best time
April to October
Pairs with
The Engadin, Lucerne, Lake Como day trips
Questions
About Ticino.
Is Ticino different enough from Italy to bother?
It is Italian in language and food, Swiss in trains and timing. For a group that wants both, it is the easiest way.
Can we combine Ticino with the Engadin?
Yes, by the Bernina Express from Tirano, one of the two great scenic railways. We book the seats and the transfer.
Good for families?
Very. Lake beaches, river pools in the valleys, the castles and the Swissminiatur park.