Switzerland: Ticino

Being the only one south of the Alps and with Italian as the only official language, Ticino comes with a unique personality that is both charming and relaxing. The largest city is Lugano, and the two other notable centres are Bellinzona and Locarno. The wealth of its leisure-time offerings, the variety of accommodation options, the absolute tranquillity in the midst of nature, excellent cuisine, and the quality of its services all make this region a must-visit destination.

Lugano

Lugano, the largest town in the holiday region of Ticino, is not only Switzerland’s third most important financial centre and a conference, banking and business centre, but also a town of parks and flowers, villas and sacred buildings, with a mesmerizing Mediterranean flair. Yes, you may be in Switzerland, but it surely looks and tastes a lot more like Italy. 

With one day, you have enough time to visit the highlights of Lugano. If you have more time, Lugano makes a great home base to explore southern Switzerland. Read on to find out the best things to do in Lugano, with advice on where to eat and where to stay.

Relax: Lake Lugano

By far the main attraction of Lugano is its beautiful, eponymous lake, which measures 50 square kilometres in size. It is a glacial lake situated on the border between Italy and Switzerland. The climate, which is a colder version of a typical Mediterranean climate, allows temperate trees to grow alongside citrus and cypress trees. Try boating or other water-based activities in the Lake, or just sit back and enjoy the view. Right by Lake Lugano is the lovely park of Civico-Ciani, 63,000 square meters of greenery and parkland. A perfect escape from Lugano’s cityscape, the park offers long, tree-lined pathways, flowerbeds and fountains, allowing one to immerse in the local lifestyle. 

Culture: Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli

Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli located on the lakeside promenade of Lugano, where it hosts an early Renaissance masterpiece, reputed as being the most famous fresco of that period in Switzerland. The work is a portrayal of the ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ by Italian artist Bernardino Luini (1480 - 1532), a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. The large, lively fresco covers most of the wall with more than 150 faces and figures.  

Nature: Monte Brè

With a magnificent vista over Lugano, Monte Brè is Lugano’s closest mountain and it can be reached via funicular rail. There are plenty of things to do in the outdoors, including several hiking trails and mountain biking. The observation point gives you a view not only of the entire Lake Lugano valley, but often stretches as far as the views of Monte Rosa and the Bernese Alps.

Ascona

Pretty as a postcard, Ascona is a true paradise with its direct lakeside location, palm trees and Mediterranean ambience. Characterised by history, art and culture, it is now a popular holiday resort and the characteristic lake promenade make the small town on Lake Maggiore a unique bijou.

Even the first glance at the lake promenade reveals that Ascona is something special. Colourfully painted houses turn the former fishing village into a very particular place with Mediterranean flair that invites you to relax, stroll or enjoy a magnificent sunset over the lake. 

An ancient village, rich with memories of its medieval and Renaissance history, Ascona’s privileged location and mild climate make it the perfect place to spend the balmy summer nights with theatre or music, or simply to dance the night away.

Gastronomy
Le Relais, Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
www.villacastagnola.com

The restaurant “Le Relais” offers a refined cuisine by Chef Alessandro Boleso. Its Mediterranean food offers intense flavours with fresh, local and seasonal products of the highest quality. 

Accommodation
Hotel de la Paix
www.delapaix.ch

Housed in a stylish 18th century building, Hotel de la Paix is conveniently situated in the Lugano City Center, which is close to attractions and interesting dining options.

Shopping
FoxTown

This shopping outlet in Mendrisio is the paradise of luxury and elegance, where over 160 stores offer the most prestigious luxury brands at discounted prices all year. FoxTown is popular among the Swiss people from other parts of Switzerland, even the Italians would travel all the way there to shop the luxury fashion items. Don’t miss it!