At a glance
- Largest town: Lugano (64 000 residents)
- Culinary specialities: Polenta, chestnuts
- UNESCO World Heritage: Three Castles of Bellinzona, Monte San Giorgio
- Hotels: 323 hotels (7790 rooms)
Switzerland’s ‘sun porch’
Ticino has been nicknamed Switzerland’s sun porch (Sonnenstube) – rightly so. Five out of the country’s 10 sunniest places are located in its most southerly canton. The top spot is held by Cimetta/Cardada, Locarno’s local mountain, which has 2181 sunshi ...
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Switzerland’s ‘sun porch’
Ticino has been nicknamed Switzerland’s sun porch (Sonnenstube) – rightly so. Five out of the country’s 10 sunniest places are located in its most southerly canton. The top spot is held by Cimetta/Cardada, Locarno’s local mountain, which has 2181 sunshine hours a year – the highest number in all Switzerland.
Ticino is particularly popular with German-speaking Swiss, who love visiting the country’s Italian-speaking canton to escape the cool, foggy weather to the north. The region has even more to offer than sunshine and warmth – namely a totally different lifestyle. It functions as a bridge between the north and south, the Alps and the Mediterranean, and is thus a melting pot of cultures and mentalities. Here you will find some of the best hotels in Switzerland.
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Ticino in summer
LongLake Festival
During the three-month summer season Lugano becomes an event location. Everyone is good spirits, particularly when the LongLake Festival takes place, enjoying the performances of street artists and musicians around the town. Almost all events are free of charge.
Location: Lugano
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Azienda Agrituristica Bio - La Finca
For those who prefer something quieter, we recommend a visit to the Azienda Agrituristica Bio - La Finca farm. Activities on offer include horse riding, workshops, canoeing and kayaking or simply switching off and relaxing in the idyllic surroundings.
Location: Cresciano
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The Path of Marvels
This approximately 6.5-km long themed circular walk in the Malcantone region will take you back in time. Discover smithies, furnaces, mills, mines and castles, all located in beautiful surroundings.
Location: Novaggio
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Ticino in winter
Winter hiking in the Valle Verzasca valley
The Valle Verzasca is principally known for its 220m high dam. Very few people know that it is also beautiful in the winter. The circular hike begins and ends in Sonogno, taking walkers through the upper Valle Verzasca.
Location: Sonogno
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Splash e Spa Tamaro
Europe’s most modern water park is located in Ticino. The Splash e Spa Tamaro offers spectacular slides; a large thermal pool; a spa area with saunas and Turkish baths; a large children’s area and even a wave pool with a beach.
Location: Rivera
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Campra Cross-Country Skiing Centre
Campra Cross-Country Skiing Centre, located south of the Lukmanier Pass, is a paradise for cross-country skiers. Its 30 kilometres of trails are used for international competitions but are also popular with leisure skiers.
Location: Campra
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Localities in Ticino
Lugano
Lugano is Ticino’s largest town and a major hub in the canton. Its cultural offering is correspondingly diverse and excellent. A variety of art, cultural and music events, many held in the warmer months of the year, attract large numbers of visitors.
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Ascona
Located at an altitude of 196 metres above sea level Ascona is the lowest lying place in Switzerland. The old town, located on the banks of Lake Maggiore, is well worth a visit. Tourists will enjoy wandering its streets or stopping for a coffee at one of the numerous cafés. Ascona also has a pedestrianised lakeside promenade.
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Locarno
As well as being the Canton of Ticino’s third-largest town, Locarno is also one of the three warmest places in Switzerland. The small town is located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. Its main sights include the Piazza Grande square; the lakeside promenade; Castello Visconteo castle and the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso.
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