Experiences in Ticino

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.

Swissminiature is Switzerland on a smaller scale. There are 128 models of houses, castles and monuments in the open air, distributed throughout the 14,000 square meter park. The models have been recreated authentically - with great attention to detail - and are surrounded by thousands of plants and flowers.

From the past to the present: There are a whole host of architectural jewels from the 20th and 21st century to discover on this walk through Lugano.

Let’s go on a treasure hunt in the Weltu Forest! Modern geocoaching technology makes this a high-tech adventure for the young and young at heart.

This trail in the Malcantone region is suitable for families. It is 7 km long and can be completed comfortably in 4 - 6 hours.

Take the gondola up to Alpe Foppa on Monte Tamaro. At the top, the toboggan run, rope park and tyrolienne are waiting for you. On the high-altitude trail you hike to Monte Lema with a view of Ticino lakes and Alpine peaks.

At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,704 metre high Monte Generoso. This lofty altitude makes it without a doubt the best mountain for views in the canton of Ticino.

A great Adventure for nature explorers, music lovers, conscious travelers, visiting two of the most amazing waterfall in Maggia valley, Ticino, with like-minded people and a sound artist/live DJ.

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.

This magnificent botanical garden is set on the Gambarogno side of Lago Maggiore, on the hillside terrace between Piazzogna and Vairano. Here, the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno foundation lavishes endless love and skill on the over 17,000 square metres of gorgeously colourful plants.

An Ayurvedic break for women in an Indian oasis with a view of Lake Lugano.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

Located between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora at an altitude of just under 700 metres, the botanical gardens are a mecca for park visitors and plant lovers – particularly in April and May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons form a fragrant carpet.

The park surrounding the Villa dei Cedri, which today is home to the Municipal Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art, is a living example of an English-style park of the 19th century. A further attraction is the vineyard behind the villa, whose grapes are used to produce the popular Merlot.

The ruins of the old Craveggia baths are easy to reach on foot from Spruga, though you will have to wade across the Isorno because the spa is located on Italian soil on the other side of the river.

The idyllic Brissago Islands lie off the western shore of the upper part of Lake Maggiore. The larger island delights visitors with its unique botanical gardens and splendid manor house. On the Isola Piccola are the ruins of the medieval church of Sant'Apollinare.

The San Michele Park sits high above Lugano and offers spectacular views of the city, the lake and the mountains. The typically southern vegetation is sure to thrill many of its visitors too.

Experience with your family the natural scenery of Switzerland's sunny parlor. Accompanied by the faithful you will have no problem motivating your children to go on a hike.

The Vela family is omnipresent in Ligornetto right up until today: And no wonder, as close to Milan, it brought the sculptor Vincenzo Vela fame, glory and prosperity. He invested his money in an imposing art villa, which today is home to the Museo Vincenzo Vela, where you can admire the works of the artist family.

You can learn how posters tell entire stories and writings express emotions at the m.a.x. museo. The building, by architects Durisch+Nolli, is enclosed in glass cladding. At night it shines with soft light, during the day it is a place of pilgrimage for lovers of graphic design.

The Muggio Valley was once very nearly abandoned, but precisely because the locals place importance on their past, it now lives on into the future as an open-air museum.

A trip to the Breggia Gorges is a real time travelling experience. In this part of the Mendrisiotto along the Breggia River you will find some unusual geological formations.

On the 3.5-kilometer-long "Sentiero dell'olivo" strtetch, 18 information boards bring you closer to the history and scientific nature of olive tree growth and the oil won from olives.

Ticino means Switzerland paired with Italian flair. And the region’s lakes, mountains and swaying palms, together with Mediterranean-like climate, provide a superb environment for golf.