Adventures with animals in Ticino

The village of Castel San Pietro overlooking the Mendrisiotto region takes its name from a castle that once stood on the hill above the town and has since been replaced by the Chiesa di San Pietro church. In the heart of this historic village stands the Masseria Cuntitt farmstead, which was built in the 1800s. Its perfect location and multipurpose spaces can be enjoyed by all of the residents in the village. The renovated building preserves the past, while at the same time recreating the rhythms of life on a traditional farm for new generations to experience. Behind it on the Colle di Obino hill is the church dedicated to Saint Antonino, which was first mentioned in 1250 and is among Switzerland’s key cultural treasures.

The Tremola is one of the most beautiful and thrilling pass roads for avid cyclists. It was built at the start of the 19th century and later paved with hundreds of thousands of granite cobblestones between 1937 and 1941. It winds from Airolo up to the Gotthard Pass at 2,106m with 24 switchbacks along the way.

Known as “the pearl of Ceresio”, Morcote is one of the prettiest villages in Switzerland. It owes its timeless beauty to its narrow streets, enchanting postcard settings and picturesque historic buildings. The arcades of the noble antique villas, major architectural monuments and lush subtropical vegetation welcome both visitors and residents. The Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, the grand Scala Monumentale stairway and Torre del Capitano tower are just a few of the interesting sights that make Morcote an artistic and cultural mecca for tourists. If you like to get out in nature and relax, then a stroll through Parco Scherrer with its subtropical flora is a must. Morcote offers spectacular 360° photo opportunities: from breathtaking views of the Piazza Granda and Church of Santa Maria del Sasso to magnificent sunsets over Porto Ceresio.

A truly scenic and architecturally historic jewel. The Malvaglia-Dagro cable car offers access to a landscape in which cultural, scenic, sporting and relaxation aspects all come together.

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, this 63,000 square metre park constitutes the city’s green lung. Here you can recover from the hustle and bustle of the city as you walk along paths lined by magnificent centuries-old trees.

Welcome to Mendrisiotto, the southernmost region of Switzerland, known for its wine and gastronomy culture and for producing high-quality wines.

Experience the special atmosphere of a restaurant combined with one of the largest indoor miniature golf courses in Switzerland, set in a landscape of subtropical plants.

More than 100 animals from all over the world are at home in the Zoo al Maglio to marvel at. These include lions, panthers, snow leopards, serval, the Bennett wallaby, gibbons, macaques and capuchin monkeys as well as parrots.

Piazza della Riforma in Lugano is the vibrant center of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants. Cultural events take place here and the square is the ideal starting point for exploring sights such as Lake Lugano and Parco Ciani.

The 4-kilometer run is a cool and sportive experience for all the family in warm-hearted Ticino and unspoiled nature.

The cable car, originally built in 1952 and redesigned by architect Mario Botta in 2000, takes you to Cardada in only 5 minutes. The unique and unsurpassed panorama covers the entire Locarno region, while at the same time allowing you to see both Switzerland’s lowest point (Lake Maggiore) as well as its highest point (Dufourspitze, the highest peak of Monte Rosa)! The two-seater chairlift from Cardada to Cimetta runs parallel to the railway axis and provides you with an unrivalled, breathtaking view.

The subject of this trail is the relationship between wine growing and terroir.

Lake Maggiore extends from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland far into the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Thanks to its mild climate, there is lush, Mediterranean vegetation along its shores. In the hinterland is a wild and romantic mountain landscape with breathtaking views.

At Swissminiatur in Melide you can walk through Switzerland in miniature. Discover over 130 models of Swiss buildings, take a look behind the scenes in the studio and test your knowledge of Switzerland on Rudy's quiz course.