Tucked away in the southernmost corner of Switzerland, Ticino is one of those regions that feels like a well-kept secret — even for people who think they know Switzerland inside out.
Because let’s be honest: when you think of Switzerland, you probably imagine snowy Alpine peaks, cows with big bells, wooden chalets, and lots (lots) of cheese. But Ticino is nothing like that. Here, you’ll find palm trees instead of pine trees, Italian espresso bars instead of fondue chalets, and a subtropical vibe that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally crossed into Italy — which, to be fair, is only a few minutes away.
During my trip, I was genuinely surprised by how tropical it all felt. Especially around Lago Maggiore, the landscape is lush and green, with steep hillsides covered in dense forests, lemon trees, and even bamboo. Instead of cowbells echoing through the valley, you hear birdsong and the soft splash of water against stone. It’s not the Switzerland of the postcards — it’s something warmer, wilder, and, in many ways, even more magical.
With over 2,100 hours of sunshine per year, Ticino is Switzerland’s sunniest region, and the perfect destination for those who love a mix of nature, culture, and laid-back living. In this post, I’ll share my 4-day itinerary — from wild swimming in natural pools to hiking above the clouds and exploring fairytale villages you can’t even reach by car.
Fast facts: Ticino at a glance
- 📍 Location: Southern Switzerland, bordering Italy
- 🗣️ Language: Italian (yes, even though it’s Switzerland!)
- 🌞 Climate: Subtropical — the sunniest region in the country
- 🏔️ Landscape: Lush forests, alpine valleys, palm trees & lakes
- 🚆 Best way to get around: Public transport (free with Ticino Ticket)
- 🏡 Major towns: Locarno, Ascona, Bellinzona, Lugano
- 🥾 Top activities: Hiking, wild swimming, lake lounging, slow travel
- 🤫 Why it’s special: Feels more Mediterranean than Swiss — no cowbells, just calm lakes, lemon trees & a chill Italian vibe
Note: this blog post was sponsored by Ticino Tourism and Switzerland Tourism, but all experiences and opinions in this blog post are my own!
How to get to Ticino?
Ticino might be tucked away in the southern corner of Switzerland, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach — and the journey there is already part of the experience.
I flew into Zurich Airport, and from there I took a quick train to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main station). From Zurich’s central station, I continued by train to Bellinzona, and finally hopped on a short regional train to Locarno. Once in Locarno, a scenic local bus brought me to Brissago, the peaceful lakeside village that became my home base.
If you’re already in Europe, you can also reach Ticino entirely by train — a great option if you’re traveling sustainably or want to avoid the hassle of flying. Switzerland’s public transport is famously clean, efficient, and incredibly scenic, especially once you cross the Alps into the Italian-speaking part of the country.
💡 Tip: Get a Swiss Travel Pass
If you’re planning to explore more than one region or rely on public transport (which you totally can in Ticino), consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass. It gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and even many cable cars, plus free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums. It’s ideal if you want flexibility and stress-free travel.
4-Day Ticino Itinerary: wild swimming, mountain views & Italy vibes in Switzerland
Day 1 – Arrival in Brissago (and Instant Tropical Feels)
After an early flight from Belgium to Zurich and a few more trains & buses I was beyond excited to finally arrive in Brissago. That’s where the real Ticino feeling kicked in!
Sleeping in Ticino’s First Vegan Hotel
I stayed at Garden Hotel Primavera — not just any hotel, but actually the first fully vegan hotel in Ticino. A fun fact I didn’t know before booking, but it really fits the vibe here. My room had a big balcony with a view over Lake Maggiore, framed by palm trees and green hills. It instantly felt way more tropical than the other parts of Switzerland. No snow, no cowbells — just sun, lake, and mountains. The perfect home base for my adventures the coming days!
Tip: if you plan to get here by public transport, know that you might have to get your luggage all the way up a hill, because apart from the waterfront, nothing is flat here!
Paddleboarding on Lake Maggiore
If you’re looking for things to do in Brissago, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to start. I rented a SUP board from Ticino Emotions, which is located right next to Bar Bahia on the lake promenade. My friend went for a kayak, and after a quick intro, we were off.
It was pretty windy, which made standing up on the board a bit of a challenge, but still really fun. If you’ve got the time (and energy), you can even paddle out to the Brissago Islands — two small islands just off the coast that are known for their exotic botanical gardens and unique microclimate. Thanks to the warm, humid conditions, you’ll find palm trees, bamboo, eucalyptus, and even banana plants growing there. You can also visit the main island by boat if paddling isn’t your thing.
Afterwards, we grabbed a light lunch and drinks at Bar Bahia. Nothing fancy, but a great spot for a quick bite and some chill lake views.
Exploring Brissago: Churches, Waterfalls & Tobacco
In the afternoon, we wandered through Brissago’s old town. It’s small, but there’s more to see than you’d expect. One highlight is the Chiesa della Madonna di Ponte, a little Renaissance church right by the water. It has this beautiful stone-tiled roof you’ll also see in other villages around Ticino — super photogenic, especially with the lake in the background.
Just around the corner, you’ll spot the old tobacco factory of Brissago. It’s no longer active or open to visitors, but the building is still there and has an interesting history. It was founded back in 1847 and became known for producing the twisted Virginia cigars that were famous all over Switzerland.
If you’re up for a bit of a climb, you can hike up the Sacro Monte trail. It’s a steep path with little shrines along the way, leading to a church tucked away in the hills — Madonna Addolorata. It’s definitely a workout, but the views from the top are more than worth it.
Pizza & tiramisu to end the day
For dinner, we went to Ristorante Gabietta, right by the water. There was live music playing outside, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the view over the lake at sunset was beautiful. I ordered a pizza (simple, but really good) and finished with a delicious tiramisu — always a good idea!
Day 2 – From Rasa to Palagnedra: Hiking Through the Quiet Side of Ticino
We started our second day early, ready for a full day outdoors. After another delicious vegan breakfast at the hotel (and a packed lunch they kindly prepared for us), we made our way by bus to Locarno, where we hopped on the Centovalli train — one of the most scenic train rides you can take in Switzerland.
A train ride through the Centovalli
The Centovalli Railway runs through the so-called “valley of a hundred valleys,” and it’s honestly worth taking just for the views. The train passes through forests, over dramatic bridges, along rivers, and past remote little villages. We got off at Verdasio, where a small cable car was waiting to take us even higher — up to the village of Rasa.
What’s special about this cable car is that it only fits 8 people at a time. So if there are a lot of hikers getting off the train, you might have to wait a bit. But that’s also exactly what keeps Rasa so peaceful. There’s no traffic, no crowds — just silence, nature, and a few stone houses perched on a sunny mountainside.
Rasa: a village frozen in time
Until 1958, Rasa could only be reached on foot. Even today, it’s completely car-free. The village is tiny — just two streets — but full of charm. There’s a small stone church, a grotto where you can have a drink or bite to eat, and not much else. But that’s kind of the point. You come here to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.
One of the highlights is the Swing the World swing, just a short walk above the village. It offers the best view over Rasa and the surrounding valley — a picture-perfect spot you shouldn’t miss.
A scenic hike to Palagnedra Dam
After exploring the village, we started our 7.2 km hike from Rasa to the Palagnedra Dam. The path winds down through the Centovalli, passing by remote chapels, old stone buildings, and lush forest trails.
Distance: ±7.2 km
Duration: ±2.5–3.5 hours (depending on route + stops)
Elevation: Mostly downhill, but some uneven sections
Start: Rasa (cable car from Verdasio)
End: Palagnedra Dam (with bus/train nearby)
On the way down, we passed what looked like a former monastery, now used as a retreat center. You can still enter the small chapel, which was open when we passed by. After a while, we arrived in Bordei, a small village that’s just as beautiful as Rasa — the main difference is that Bordei is reachable by car. It has a grotto, an osteria, and even a self-service mini market where you can grab drinks or snacks, which is great if you need a break.
From Bordei, you can either follow the official hiking signs, which lead you through a more scenic forest trail, or take a shorter, paved route along the road. We followed the GPX track, which was faster and more direct, but if you have the time, the forest option might be more peaceful. Everything is really well signposted, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.
Eventually, we reached Palagnedra, a slightly larger and less picturesque village than the others, but still charming. There’s a little shop and even a cheese vending machine with local products. From the village, the trail continues just a little further to the Palagnedra Dam, where a large artificial lake meets the edge of a deep river gorge. One side is calm water, the other drops steeply into the valley — it’s a beautiful and unexpected sight.
From there, it’s only a short uphill walk to the bus and train stop, where we caught transport back toward Locarno.
Afternoon in Locarno: Culture, History & Gelato
Back in Locarno, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city. Locarno is the largest town in Ticino and sits right on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. It’s especially known for the Locarno Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in Europe, which takes place every August. During the festival, the Piazza Grande turns into a massive open-air cinema — but even outside festival season, it’s a lively square worth visiting.
We walked through the Città Vecchia (old town), with its pastel houses, quiet alleys, and little inner courtyards. We also passed by the Castello Visconteo, a medieval castle with roots going back to the 12th century. You can visit the museum inside, although it was closed by the time we arrived. Just behind the castle is a former monastery complex, which has now been converted into a school — but you can still walk through the old courtyard and get a feel for its history.
At the end of the day, we wandered down to the lake promenade, where you can grab a drink, rent a boat, or just enjoy the views over Lake Maggiore. A perfect place to unwind after a long hike.
Dinner With a Local Twist
For dinner, we went to Ristorante Fiorentina, a classic Italian spot in the center of Locarno. I had a pasta with shrimp, and for dessert, something really local: a mousse made with Farina Bona, a roasted corn flour typical of this region. It was served with chocolate and raspberries — simple but delicious, and the perfect ending to a very full day.
Day 3 – Across a Suspension Bridge & Swimming in Ice-Cold Waterfalls
Day 3 started early again, because we had a full day of hiking and swimming ahead. After breakfast, we made our way by bus to Locarno, then by train to Giubiasco, and finally caught a local bus to Monte Carasso, where we were headed for another cable car ride — this time up to Curzùtt.
Hiking from Curzùtt to the Tibetan Bridge
Curzùtt (sometimes spelled “Corte di Sotto”) is a beautifully restored historic mountain village perched on a hill above Bellinzona. It was nearly abandoned in the past, but local initiatives have turned it into a cultural and hiking hotspot. The Monte Carasso–Mornera cable car brings you up to the mid-station at Curzùtt, which is where we got off to start our hike to the Tibetan Bridge “Carasc.”
Distance: 4.5 km one way
Duration: 2–2.5 hours total (incl. breaks + photo stops)
Difficulty: Moderate (steady uphill climb outbound, mostly downhill return)
The hike to the bridge is mostly uphill and takes about 60 minutes, so make sure you have enough snacks and water. We followed the GPX route instead of the standard signposted path, which took us above Curzùtt first, through the ruins of an old settlement, and then into a beautiful forest. The trail winds past small streams, rocky ledges, and even one section where you literally walk through a waterfall — definitely one of the most unique parts of the entire hike.
Eventually, you start to descend slightly, and suddenly the bridge comes into view.
The Tibetan Bridge Carasc is a 270-meter-long suspension bridge that stretches high above a deep valley, connecting the municipalities of Monte Carasso and Sementina. The view from the bridge is incredible, but fair warning: it moves a little when you walk across it. So if you’re scared of heights, this might not be your favorite. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, it’s 100% worth it.
Once we reached the bridge, we sat down to enjoy the lunch box we’d picked up earlier at Ristorante Ostello Curzùtt. There’s no better place for a mid-hike picnic.
On the way back, we took a different route, this time following the official trail signs. It was just as scenic, and this path leads you past the Chiesa di San Bernardo, a tiny church hidden in the forest, with original frescoes still visible on the interior walls. There are even toilets next to it — very welcome after a long walk.
Back in Curzùtt, you can grab food or drinks at Ostello Curzùtt, which has a lovely terrace with a view over the valley. From there, we took the cable car back down and caught the bus to Bellinzona, and then transferred again by bus to our next destination: Osogna.
Wild swimming at Pozzón di Osogna
Osogna is a quiet mountain village best known for its canyoning — the whole area is full of waterfalls, streams, and carved rock pools. We headed straight for one of the best natural swimming spots in the region: the Pozzón di Osogna.
The Pozzón is a large natural pool at the foot of a waterfall, created by the Nála stream as it tumbles down into the valley. The water is freezing cold, straight from the mountains, but on a hot summer day it’s honestly the perfect refreshment. Locals love coming here in the late afternoon for a dip — and we did the same.
Right by the pool is the Grotto al Pozzón, where we sat down for a cold drink and a snack. I tried a local artisanal ice cream (so good!) and rehydrated with lots of water because the sun was blazing. The grotto has a view over the waterfall and pool, and it’s the ideal chill spot after a hike or swim.
We stayed there for a few hours, just enjoying the atmosphere, until some of the locals started showing up with their kids for an after-work swim.
From Osogna, we made the same connections back: bus to Bellinzona, train to Locarno, and bus back to Brissago, where we ended the day with one of the best dinners of the entire trip.
Dinner at Osteria Boato: a trip highlight
Back in Brissago, we went to Osteria Boato — a cozy but refined restaurant right by the water, just next to the pizzeria we visited on the first evening. And wow — this was without a doubt the best restaurant experience we had the whole week.
We sat outside at a romantic little table with a view over Lake Maggiore, and although the sun doesn’t set into the lake (it disappears behind the mountains), the atmosphere was still perfect. There was even live music playing in the background.
I ordered their signature risotto, flambéed with local cheese and served with shrimps. It was honestly incredible — rich, creamy, and full of flavor. For dessert, we finished with another delicious creation (yes, another one!), which was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 4 – Visiting colourful Ascona
Our last day in Ticino started, like every day, with breakfast at the hotel in Brissago. After checking out, we made our way to the small port and hopped on a boat to Ascona. The boat ride is included in the Swiss Travel Pass — just like all train, bus, and cable car rides we took during the trip — which made travelling around the region super easy and affordable.
Boat ride on Lago Maggiore
The boat from Brissago to Ascona is a short and scenic trip, gliding across Lago Maggiore with panoramic views of the mountains and villages along the shore. One of the stops along the way is the Brissago Islands, which are absolutely worth visiting if you have extra time. The islands are known for their botanical gardens and subtropical plants — a true little paradise in the middle of the lake.
Soon after, we arrived in Ascona, the final stop of our trip.
Exploring Ascona: Switzerland’s most Mediterranean town
Ascona is officially Switzerland’s lowest-lying town, sitting at just 196 meters above sea level, right on the shores of Lake Maggiore. But what makes Ascona really special is its Italian flair: colorful houses, lakeside cafés, and a laid-back, Mediterranean vibe that instantly makes you want to slow down.
We spent the morning strolling along the Lungolago, Ascona’s famous promenade. It’s lined with palm trees, pastel façades, and plenty of terraces, where you can sit down for a coffee or aperitivo while watching the boats go by. This is definitely one of the highlights of the town.
But Ascona is more than just its waterfront. We wandered into the old streets, full of boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and local shops — perfect if you’re looking for a unique souvenir.
One of the must-see sights is the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, located in the heart of the old town. When we visited, it was unfortunately closed for renovations, so always double-check opening times before you go. Just outside the center, we also visited the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria della Misericordia, which dates back to the 14th century. It’s a peaceful spot, with a small cloister next door that now houses a school.
Another quick stop was the Ascona sign, where we snapped a classic photo. Cheesy, but worth it.
Lunch at Al Pontile
For lunch, we went to Ristorante Al Pontile, located just a few steps from the boat stop. This is one of the more upscale restaurants in Ascona, with white tablecloths, impeccable service, and a picture-perfect terrace overlooking the lake. If you’re watching your budget, this may not be the spot for you — but if you’re looking to treat yourself on the final day, it’s a great choice.
I had a pasta with truffle, and the menu also features a lot of seafood dishes, which they’re clearly proud of. Everything was delicious, and we stayed a while to enjoy the food, the view, and a final coffee in the sun.
Heading back to Zurich
After lunch, it was time to slowly make our way back home. We took the bus from Ascona to Locarno, then connected by train to Bellinzona, and from there continued on to Zurich and Zurich Airport.
Before boarding our flight back to Belgium, we discovered something fun: Zurich Airport has an open-air observation terrace, where you can sit outside and watch the planes take off and land. A small but cool detail if you’re like me and enjoy airports a little too much.
❓ Is Ticino Worth Visiting?
In short: yes — and more than you’d expect.
If you’ve already been to the classic Swiss destinations like Zermatt, Interlaken or Lucerne, Ticino offers a refreshing change of pace. It feels like a completely different country, even though it’s very much still Switzerland. The mix of Italian language and culture, subtropical landscapes, and alpine nature makes it one of the most unique regions to explore.
It’s a destination for travelers who love:
- Hidden villages instead of crowded cities
- Cable cars and hiking trails instead of ski lifts
- Paddleboarding and wild swimming instead of traditional sightseeing
- And who don’t mind trading fondue for fresh risotto or truffle pasta
Ticino also isn’t overrun by mass tourism — especially in places like Rasa, Bordei or Osogna, where we barely saw any other visitors. And thanks to Switzerland’s amazing public transport (especially if you use the Swiss Travel Pass), it’s surprisingly easy to travel around without a car.
If you’re into nature, hiking, small towns and lakeside views, and love discovering places that still feel a little under the radar — then yes, Ticino is 100% worth visiting.
Final Thoughts – Why Ticino deserves a spot on your travel list
Before this trip, Ticino wasn’t really on my radar — and if I’m honest, I thought I already had a pretty good idea of what Switzerland had to offer. But Ticino proved me completely wrong. This region is different in the best possible way.
Where the rest of the country is all about snowy peaks, Alpine villages, and cheese, Ticino is palm trees, pasta, and mountain hikes with lake views. It’s the kind of place where you can go paddleboarding in the morning, hike across a suspension bridge in the afternoon, and eat fresh seafood by sunset — all without ever needing a car.
So if you’re looking for a trip that’s off the beaten track but still incredibly well organized, Ticino might be the Swiss secret you didn’t know you needed.
Have you visited Ticino already? If yes, let me know in the comments below what you think of it and if you have tips for other hidden gems others should visit in the region!
