Places of interest in Ticino: for your trip
In Ticino you can expect a Mediterranean atmosphere as well as many sights and attractions.
The most beautiful small town in Switzerland: Locarno on Lake Maggiore
With only around 16,000 inhabitants, Locarno on Lake Maggiore is anything but a bustling metropolis - but it is a beautiful little town. In 2024, Locarno was even voted the most beautiful small town in Switzerland by the online travel magazine "TRAVELBOOK".
One of the reasons: In Locarno, the combination of the picturesque lakeside location and the historic old town with its car-free Piazza Grande and numerous imposing palazzi is unique.
The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso above the town is one of the most beautiful sights in the town in Ticino, which is also known as the "sun lounge of Switzerland". It is Locarno's landmark. From there, you also have a spectacular view over the town and Lake Maggiore.
Lugano: Old town, museums and swans
With a good 60,000 inhabitants, Lugano is the most populous city in Ticino and the third largest financial center in the country after Zurich and Geneva. But it is a sophisticated place, with many well-off Swiss people having their second home in Lugano due to the pleasant climate.
The pretty old town invites you to take a stroll, as does the promenade along Lake Lugano with its hotels and other magnificent buildings. Lugano also offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the relatively new Lugano Arte e Cultura art and culture center and the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI).
However, the secret stars and the unofficial symbol of Lugano are the swans. They populate Lake Lugano and also come to the shore - and can even be fed from your hand.
Interesting fact: The church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, inconspicuous from the outside and located directly on the lakeside promenade in Lugano, is one of the top sights in Ticino. The crucifixion scene in the church, with more than 100 figures and a width of almost ten meters, is the oldest Renaissance fresco in Switzerland.
Bellinzona: medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, is a place steeped in history. Old palaces and churches stand along the cobbled streets. And three castles watch over everything: Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro.
A visit to these stone Ticino sights will take you back to the Middle Ages. Together with the Murata, part of Bellinzona's fortifications, the castles have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
In terms of population, the small town of Bellinzona is one of the Swiss cities with the highest density of bars and restaurants. You can also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Saturday morning market and visit the Villa dei Cedri museum or the tranquil village of Curzùtt.
Romantic villages: Ascona and Morcote
The best way to explore Ticino is by train or rental car and stop off in the many romantic villages and communities in this canton.
Ascona, the former fishing village on Lake Maggiore, is at the top of many visitors' list of places to visit in Ticino. Readers of "Schweizer Illustrierte" and "L'illustré" voted it the Swiss village of 2025 for its Mediterranean charm and authenticity.
Morcote on Lake Lugano is also one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. It is listed in the "Federal Inventory of Swiss Sites of National Importance (ISOS)". Here you will find richly decorated facades of patrician houses, medieval churches and towers as well as the Parco Scherrer, a botanical garden.
Other villages that you can easily visit on a round trip and that offer pretty Ticino sights are Osignano, Giornico, Meride, Lavertezzo and Carona.
Interesting fact: If you need a rental car for your trip through Ticino, you can benefit from the Gold Card from American Express. With this premium credit card, you receive a ten percent discount when renting a car on Rentalcars.com.
Monte Generoso: take the cog railroad to the summit
Ticino boasts beautiful mountain landscapes, for example around Monte Generoso and its 1,704-metre-high summit. You can reach the top from Capolago on Lake Lugano by cogwheel train. In the area, you can take a relaxed stroll or go for a sporty hike, depending on your mood.
At the summit is the Fiore di pietra, an impressive architectural structure that houses two light-flooded restaurants with great views. You can make your way down to the valley by paragliding; the gliders take off from Monte Generoso and fly in various directions over lakes, landscapes and small towns.
Pure nature: in Valle Maggia and Valle Verzasca
To get a comprehensive impression of the beauty of Ticino's landscapes, you should hike or cycle through two of the most breathtaking valleys in Switzerland: the Valle Maggia and the Valle Verzasca.
Surrounded by mountain peaks, the Valle Maggia runs through Ticino. The river Maggia, which gives the valley its name, cascades over several waterfalls, some of which are impressive. The side valley Valle di Lodano with its beech forests, home to rare animal and plant species, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Verzasca Valley with the dam wall at Lago di Vogorno is ideal for an excursion in Switzerland with children. There is a legend trail with talking animals, a natural marble run and lots of picnic spots.
Interesting fact: the producers of the James Bond film "Golden Eye" also liked the Verzasca Valley and shot some scenes here.
Dream destination Ticino: mild climate, great nature and exciting cities
As the southernmost canton in Switzerland, Ticino impresses with its Mediterranean climate, inviting landscapes, towns and villages worth visiting with their traditional markets , numerous sights and the mixture of Swiss precision and Italian lifestyle.
The region is also a fascinating melting pot of different cultures. And a beautiful destination for a city trip in the fall: when it is already getting cold in other regions of Switzerland, the sun is often still shining in Ticino.
Traveling in Ticino and worldwide is particularly convenient with a credit card from American Express. Depending on the model, it offers you numerous travel benefits, such as insurance, car rental benefits and hotel benefits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Ticino is the southernmost canton in Switzerland with a direct border to Italy. The municipality of Chiasso is the southernmost point in Switzerland.
Ticino is known for its Mediterranean climate, the many large and small lakes and numerous historic towns and villages.
The capital of Ticino is Bellinzona, the most populous and largest city is Lugano.
