This Is Italy
Ticino (also called: Tessin or Tessino) is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Here you will find the best of Switzerland and Italy together. Mountains, winter sports, hiking trails and delicious cappuccino, palm trees and southern flair. Important plus: Ticino is not that far away at all. Want to try next season?
Known for the route to Italy through the Gotthard tunnel
Many people may only know Ticino from the route through Switzerland, straight to Italy. You know, that area on the other side of the Gotthard tunnel, where it's always a few degrees warmer right away. In fact, it would be a shame not to stop here and drive hard towards Italy!
Ticino has a lot to offer. On the south side of the Alps you will be welcomed by a wonderfully mild climate with beautiful blue lakes. Here you will find wild nature that can easily be combined with Mediterranean swaying palms, picturesque churches and villages.
At a sleepy piazza you drink a languid cappuccino in the morning, and then head out with a well-filled picnic basket. More in the mood for an active holiday or skiing? That is also possible in Ticino.
Summer vacation in Ticino
The shores of Lake Maggiore and the Lake Lugano are dominated by luxury hotels. It makes sense that these are loved by the rich. Yet you can also feel like a king here if you are less wealthy. There are plenty of options in the area for camping or moving into a vacation rental.
The great thing is that nature with its high Alps has a real Swiss feel, while the secluded location of the lakes ensures a pleasant microclimate. You can immediately see it in the flora. Palms and plants grow here that you would rather expect from the Mediterranean. You also see it in the people. Before the Alps they walk in thick winter coats, in Ticino they stroll along terraces.
City trip to Bellinzona
You can also go to Ticino as a city trip destination. Set aside a day or more for Bellinzona, Switzerland's most Italian city. The skyline of the capital of the canton is formed by the three excellently preserved medieval castles of Switzerland, which are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
The castles are almost in their original medieval state, as the canton of Ticino has known nothing but peace since its accession to the Swiss Confederation. Expansion or renovation of the defenses was no longer necessary.
Bellinzone also has a beautiful neoclassical theater and beautiful old patrician houses and churches. But make no mistake: behind this medieval front lies a modern city with trendy shops, busy markets and special catering establishments.
If you come mainly for nature, then you can certainly indulge yourself in Ticino. Hikers and outdoorsy people will enjoy themselves here in summer. But for those who prefer action, Ticino is also a pleasant environment.
How about mountain biking, abseiling or diving? Spring in Ticino can already be nice and warm and sunny and the nice weather usually lasts well into the autumn. Is it too hot for you in the summer? Then you simply flee into the wonderfully cool water or into the mountains.
Winter holidays in Ticino
In winter, the winter sports opportunities are added to Ticino as important tourist advantages. Start the day with a delicious espresso on the terrace in the valley and enjoy the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Both beginners and advanced skiers can enjoy skiing here with a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano.
You go to Ticino if you want more of a holiday. In winter if you like winter sports, but not the grayness and boring mountain villages. In between if you like to go shopping in beautiful cities such as Bellinzona, Ascona, Lugano or Locarno. Or to admire the special medieval buildings and enjoy the rugged nature. A little bit of everything is also possible.
In Ticino you sit on a nice terrace in the morning Breakfast and go snowboarding or abseiling in the afternoon. Prefer a quiet walk or a bike ride? No problem. That is Ticino in a nutshell.
Comments