Discover the very best of Ticino

Where is Ticino?

Ticino is a scenic region in the south of Switzerland, right next to the Italian border. It's around a 2 and half hour train journey from Zurich airport, with some lovely scenery en route.

What language do they speak there?

Italian is the main language, but you may also hear German, and English is spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

How do you pronounce “Ticino”?

Tee-CHEE-no

What kind of place is it?

Ticino feels like a mix of Swiss mountains and Mediterranean sunshine. You’ll find palm trees, lakes, colourful towns, and warm weather. The vibe is relaxed and friendly - a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, eat well, and slow down.

What is Ticino known for?

Shimmering lakes (Lake Lugano & Lake Maggiore) | Grotti – rustic stone taverns serving traditional food | Sunshine – it’s one of Switzerland’s warmest regions | Beautiful valleys like Verzasca and Maggia | Historic castles to explore | Wine - try the locally produced Merlot | Outdoor adventures – walking, biking, swimming, boat trips, vineyard visits, cable cars.

What's the typical food of the region?

Polenta, risotto, local cheeses and cured meats, sweet chestnut delicacies, and tempting gelato. The Ticino Merlot is a real delight.

How do you get around?

Hotel guests receive a Ticino Ticket which gives you FREE bus and rail travel throughout the entire region. You also have discounts for the lake boats, many cable cars and funiculars, and for attractions and activities.

Cruise across the deep blue waters of Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore, each framed by lush green mountains and dotted with elegant villages. Sunlight dances on the water, cafés spill onto the promenades, and the pace of life slows beautifully. Ticino cruises are always a relaxing experience in glorious scenery that you won't want to miss.

Ride funiculars and panoramic cable cars up to sweeping viewpoints, forest trails. There are mountains conveniently located closed Lugano (Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore) and Locarno (Cardada & Cimetta) for enjoyable half day trips, or you could travel a little further into the higher altitude Ticinese mountains such as Monte Tamaro or Monte Lema. Wherever you go, the mountains offer breathtaking views, without losing that warm southern charm.

During your holiday, why not dine beneath shady chestnut trees in a traditional stone grotto, where hearty dishes, local cheeses, slow-cooked polenta and velvety Merlot create unforgettable evenings. It’s an authentic experience, rustic and uniquely Ticinese.

Lugano - nestled between two mountains with elegant shopping arcades & lakeside gardens | Locarno - Lake Maggiore beauty at the foot of Cardada mountain | Ascona - picturesque little town with dining at the water's edge.

Wherever you stay you will find a wealth of lakes and mountains excursions, culture, boutiques, and gelato - all with a relaxed Mediterranean feel.

Recommendation: upgrade your hotel room to a lake view and enjoy a spectacular view as soon as you wake up.

From the dramatic Verzasca valley to peaceful botanical gardens on island shores, Ticino offers something for everyone. Thrill seekers can find bungee jumping, canyoning and mountain biking while gentle souls will enjoy leisurely strolls, scenic boat trips and vineyard visits.

Ticino is Switzerland’s sunniest region. It enjoys over 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, giving it that unmistakable southern glow.

Palm trees grow naturally here. Yes — in Switzerland. Ticino’s mild climate means palms, camellias and citrus trees thrive outdoors.

It has three UNESCO World Heritage castles. Bellinzona's medieval fortresses are some of the best-preserved in Europe.

The Verzasca River is one of the clearest in the world. Its emerald water is so transparent that divers say it feels like floating in air.

James Bond jumped off a Ticino dam. The opening scene of GoldenEye was filmed at the 220m Verzasca Dam, one of the world’s highest bungee jumps.

You can visit a subtropical island. The Brissago Islands host wonderful gardens - a tiny paradise on Lake Maggiore.

You can travel from palm trees to alpine peaks in minutes. Funiculars whisk you from lakeside promenades to panoramic mountain views in under half an hour.

The region produces world-class Merlot. Ticino’s warm climate makes it one of Europe’s most surprising - and award-winning - wine regions.