Giornico is a true gem of Ticino and one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. The Ticino River flows through it, with a small islet at its centre—home to the hidden Grotto dei Due Ponti, a traditional restaurant. The Leventina Valley is renowned for its outstanding local produce, with nearby places like the Lucchini dairy and the Bettoni winery offering delicious regional specialities. Lovers of history and architecture will also find much to admire. Giornico is home to seven churches, including the Church of St. Nicholas, a 12th-century masterpiece of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Don’t miss the two historic buildings of the Leventina Museum, which explores the valley’s rich past, or the striking La Congiunta Museum, a modern concrete structure that houses sculptures by Zurich artist Hans Josephsohn.

Getting there: By train from Bellinzona (duration: 30 minutes)

Perched at 900 metres above sea level, the car-free village of Rasa feels like a step back in time. It’s the perfect gateway to the unspoilt Centovalli Valley, with its chestnut forests, deep gorges and scenic bridges spanning the historic Vigezzina-Centovalli railway. Get ready for a spectacular 50-kilometre journey between Switzerland and Italy! Hikers will find paradise here, with over 135 kilometres of trails. Picturesque villages dot the region, many featuring traditional grotti—rustic inns where you can sample local specialities, such as at Grotto Rasa. For a peaceful overnight stay, the B&B Campo Rasa offers charming accommodation in a historic palazzo with exposed wooden beams. And don’t miss the iconic swings of the Swing the World project—set against breathtaking alpine views.

Getting there: Car-free village, accessible only on foot, from Palagnedra station (duration: +- 1h30)

The story of Corippo reads like a fairy tale. Nestled against a forested mountainside, this tiny village boasts a church, slate-roofed houses, faded frescoes—and just nine inhabitants. But Corippo is experiencing a remarkable revival. A young couple breathed new life into the village by opening the Albergo Diffuso, an innovative concept where the osteria serves as the central hub and neighbouring empty houses have been converted into guest rooms. The restaurant offers traditional Ticinese cuisine with a modern twist. No longer forgotten, Corippo is now a haven for visitors seeking authenticity and tranquility. Surrounding the village are steep, cobbled mountain trails, best reached by PostBus. This secluded corner of the world is ideal for lovers of slow food, mindful travel and simple living.

Getting there: From Locarno by bus to Corippo (duration: 30 minutes), then 10 minutes on foot

Bosco Gurin (1,503 m) is remarkable for two reasons: it’s the highest village in Ticino and is still home to descendants of the Walser people—settlers from Valais who arrived here in the 13th century. Back then, the region was harsh and remote, and the village remained isolated for centuries. Even today, it preserves a peaceful, timeless character. The Walserhaus Museum brings the community’s unique heritage to life: housed in a dark timber building, it also features a historic vegetable garden. To explore the area, choose from seven well-marked hiking trails. For a burst of adrenaline, ride the chairlift and race down the 2,000-metre toboggan run—it’s an exhilarating eight-minute thrill! More advanced adventurers can test themselves on the region’s gneiss rock walls, climbing as high as 2,300 metres above sea level.

Getting there: From Locarno by bus to Cevio, then bus to Bosco Gurin (duration: 1h30)

Washed by the waters of Lake Maggiore, Brissago charms nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. Its highlights include two churches in Italian Renaissance style, picturesque lakeside villages, a pier for boat shuttles to Locarno, and, on the Brissago Islands, a lush botanical garden filled with exotic plants. Brissago is also an ideal destination for sailing: the reliable Inverna wind—like a Swiss watch—cools the midday sun and fills the sails. At the Yachtsport Resort boutique hotel, you can try a range of water sports or simply relax in a deckchair on the Lido beach, just steps from the Italian border. Surrounded by mountains and palm trees, with your feet in Lake Maggiore, it’s the perfect place to soak up the dolce vita.

Getting there: From Locarno by bus (duration: 25 min)

With its architectural heritage, chestnut forests and ancient stone bridges, the Malvaglia Valley is a favourite among Ticino enthusiasts for its genuine authenticity. This peaceful valley is home to five traditional hamlets, including Dagro, perched on a sunny terrace high above. You can reach it by cable car from Malvaglia—and once at the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Outdoor lovers will be in their element: mountain biking, hiking, and especially paragliding are all popular activities here. Foodies, meanwhile, will enjoy Sass Malt, a charming mountain restaurant housed in a converted barn. Between Dagro and Madra stand some of the oldest wooden houses in Ticino. Built on dry-stone foundations, these cascine can be discovered along the “Pearls of the Malvaglia Valley” trail. For full immersion in nature, follow the Celtic Trail from the church in Malvaglia to Montegreco. After an active day, cool off by the Furbeda waterfall and soak up the tranquility of Dandrio, a peaceful mountain village.

Getting there: From Bellinzona, take the train (30 minutes) and then the Filovia-Malvaglia gondola. At the terminus, take a short walking path.

The hamlet of Curzutt, perched in the mountains above Bellinzona, can be reached in one of two ways: by hiking through a chestnut forest (be ready for a demanding trek), or by taking the Monte Carasso–Mornera cable car—just be sure to book in advance, as the gondolas are small. Once there, it becomes clear that Curzutt is about much more than just the famous Tibetan suspension bridge of Carasc, one of the longest in Switzerland. Just steps away, you’ll find the archaeological site of Puncètè and the 14th- and 15th-century frescoes of the Church of San Barnàrd, currently being restored. For a relaxing lunch, the Ostello restaurant—with its crisp white tablecloths and rustic stone walls—offers an idyllic setting accompanied by birdsong. Further uphill, the Laghetto Mornera mountain lake and its children’s playground are perfect for unwinding, while thrill-seekers can tackle the Via Ferrata dei Tre Signori, a spectacular and safe climbing route.

Getting there: From Bellinzona, take the bus to the Monte Carasso - Mornera cable car. Get off at Curzutt. For Mornera, exit at the terminus.

Osogna, located in the Val Riviera, is crossed by crystal-clear streams. On the edge of the village, the Nala waterfall flows into a natural pool surrounded by rocks—an ideal spot for summer swimming. The area is also popular with canyoning enthusiasts, attracted by a canyon known for its spectacular thousand-metre rock face. For rock climbing on dry walls, head to Cresciano Canyon, just next to Osogna, which is one of the most renowned climbing spots worldwide. After your adventure, relax in a grotto—these rustic, shady buildings have been converted into family-run restaurants typical of Ticino, serving charcuterie, polenta, and local cheeses. Simple dishes, but delicious. From the Agrituristica La Finca organic farm, you can set off on horseback through rivers and forests, before unwinding in a room with unbeatable mountain views.

Getting there: By bus from Bellinzona (30 minutes).