Grand Tour Photo Spots in Ticino

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.

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.

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the Mendrisiotto region takes its name from a castle that once stood on the hill above the town and has since been replaced by the Chiesa di San Pietro church.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.

Ascona is a little gem rich in history, art and culture. The traditional coloured houses by the lake, formerly home to fishermen, give the village a Mediterranean feel. Thanks to its mild climate and 2,300 hours of sun each year, Ascona is the perfect place to relax outdoors, enjoy the lake breeze, sample some delicious ice cream or attend a concert at JazzAscona. The picturesque lakeside promenade offers a magnificent view of the Brissago Islands and surrounding mountains, which can be explored via the 1,400km network of hiking trails. The photo spot is dismantled during the Christmas season between the beginning of November and mid-January. 

Opened in 1959, Swissminiatur is the largest open-air miniature museum in Switzerland. It is located in Melide on the shores of Lake Lugano. There are more than 100 models of the most famous buildings, monuments and means of transport in Switzerland, all at the unusual scale of 1:25. Traditional methods and innovative processes come together to create genuine miniature masterpieces. Admire precision craftsmanship, faithful to the original and executed with loving care.

The Mendrisiotto and southern Lake Lugano region are dotted with highlights. Take, for example, the narrow lanes in the heart of Bissone, home to numerous artists and Francesco Borromini (1599–1667), the “starchitect” of the Renaissance period. The green “pyramid” on the other side of the lake is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: fossils of fish and species of reptiles have been found on Monte San Giorgio, testifying to life on Earth more than 200 million years ago.

San Michele Park and its typical southern vegetation offer a breathtaking view of the city of Lugano. Its paths lead through typical southern vegetation such as wisteria, oleander, oak, elm, hornbeam, ash and laurel trees. From here, you can see Lake Lugano with its little harbours, the lido and the long lake promenade in their entirety. Monte San Salvatore also appears before you in all its splendour. In the distance, the Alps stand out in a variety of shapes and colours that are especially impressive at sunset. Experience the unique outdoor offerings of the Lugano region. Hikes, cycling tours, leisurely walks along themed hiking trails and even exciting MTB trails. The Lugano region – a region with a green heart.

Feel history come alive – you are, after all, standing on historic ground. Here on the flanks of Monte Generoso stood the castle of the patrician Torriani family. It was razed to the ground in 1242. Out of respect, the church tower of San Sisinio was spared: this is La Torre, the landmark of Mendrisio. This vantage point offers views of the old town quarter and of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Piazza Ticino, on Monte Ceneri Pass, boasts the region’s new landmark – Totem Ticino, which is built of stone from the canton. The symbolism of this work is unmistakable: the piazza represents the union of the three regions of Locarno, Bellinzona and Lugano, whose history was shaped by deep divisions, starting in 1803 – the year in which Ticino became a canton. The totem, on the other hand, represents the completion of the entire AlpTransit project, with the Ceneri Base Tunnel marking the concluding phase. The Totem is clad in stones from Ticino that were removed during the boring of the AlpTransit tunnel. The new Piazza Ticino is one of the main stops on the La Via del Ceneri cultural trail. The oval-shaped space features five benches and four new trees, which offer a shady respite for visitors.

Montebello Castle is situated on a hill of the same name, 90 metres above the city and looking down on Castelgrande. Accessible from the Piazza Collegiata or Nocca district on foot or via a road branching off from the Viale Stazione, it offers wonderful views of the region.

As you travel to the top of Monte Generoso, at 1,704m above sea level, you will enjoy a unique panorama. In the foreground, you will see the architectural work of Mario Botta consecrated in 2017, the historic chapel “Madonna della Provvidenza” built in 1943, while in the distance you might see the Po Valley in northern Italy, the profile of the Monte San Giorgio (UNESCO), Lake Lugano and the Alps with Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and the Gotthard massif.