Lugano
The largest city in Ticino, blending Swiss banking prestige with Italian piazza culture. World-class museums, boutique shopping, and lakeside dining.
Visit Lugano
Southern Switzerland
Ticino
Where the Swiss Alps meet Mediterranean soul. Palm trees and glaciers, espresso and hiking trails, ancient villages and crystalline lakes.
"The most beautiful region in Switzerland, where Italian dolce vita meets Swiss precision"
— The New York Times
Crystal Waters
Our Lakes
Lake Lugano
Nestled between dramatic mountains like Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, Lugano's lake offers boat cruises, waterfront promenades, and stunning sunset views.
Explore Lugano RegionLake Maggiore
Home to the legendary Brissago Islands with their botanical gardens, and the charming towns of Ascona and Locarno on the Swiss-Italian border.
Discover Ascona-LocarnoA Mediterranean Oasis in the Alps
Ticino enjoys over 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. Palm trees line the lakeshores while snow-capped peaks frame the horizon. It's the only Swiss canton where Italian is the official language, creating a unique cultural blend found nowhere else.
Explore
Iconic Destinations
Locarno
Famous for its international film festival held in Piazza Grande. The warmest city in Switzerland, with palm-lined lakeside promenades.
Visit LocarnoBellinzona
The capital of Ticino, home to three UNESCO World Heritage castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro guarding the alpine passes.
Visit BellinzonaHidden Gems
The Valleys
Beyond the lakeshores, discover ancient valleys where time moves slowly and traditions are preserved in stone villages.
Valle Verzasca
Famous for its emerald-green waters and the Ponte dei Salti roman bridge in Lavertezzo.
Explore →Val Bavona
One of Switzerland's most remote valleys, with dramatic cliffs and no permanent electricity.
Explore →Valle Maggia
Wild swimming spots, waterfalls, and traditional grotti restaurants serving local specialties.
Explore →Val Blenio
The "Valley of the Sun" with Romanesque churches, cheese dairies and scenic hiking trails.
Explore →UNESCO Heritage
Morcote
Often called "the pearl of Lake Lugano," Morcote has been voted Switzerland's most beautiful village. Its arcaded streets, church of Santa Maria del Sasso perched high above, and stunning lake views make it an essential destination.
The village's botanical park, Parco Scherrer, is an exotic garden featuring sculptures and plants from around the world, created by textile merchant Arthur Scherrer.
Discover Morcote
Live It
Experiences
Gastronomy
Savor risotto, polenta, and local cheeses in rustic grotti — traditional cave restaurants carved into granite. Paired with Merlot del Ticino, the region's signature wine.
Discover GrottiHiking
From gentle lakeside walks to challenging alpine routes. The Via Alta Vallemaggia is considered one of Switzerland's most beautiful multi-day treks.
Find TrailsMonte Generoso
Take the historic cogwheel railway to the summit and visit "Fiore di Pietra" — the stone flower designed by Mario Botta with 360° views of the Alps, lakes, and Po Valley.
Plan Your VisitArt & Culture
World-renowned architects have shaped Ticino's landscape. Visit Mario Botta buildings, the LAC cultural center, and Monte Verità's artistic heritage in Ascona.
Explore LAC LuganoLa Dolce Vita Svizzera
Where every meal is a celebration, every view a masterpiece, and every moment an invitation to slow down.
Plan Your Trip
Getting Here
Ticino is easily accessible from Milan (1 hour), Zurich (2 hours by train through the Gotthard), and Munich (4 hours). The scenic Gotthard route is one of the world's most beautiful train journeys.
Begin Your Ticino Journey
Whether you seek adventure in the mountains, relaxation by the lake, or a taste of Mediterranean culture, Ticino awaits.