Hotel in Ticino: what to see and do in the canton

Ticino is the Mediterranean heart of Switzerland. Here you can enjoy lush flora and fauna, distinctive architecture and superb Ticino cuisine. Looking for a hotel in Ticino or ideas for things to do? Then read on for helpful tips and recommendations on how to make the most of the region's Italian flair.

How do you get to a good hotel in Ticino?

You can travel to Ticino by car, coach or train. By car, you reach Ticino via spectacular Alpine passes such as the Gotthard, Nufenen, San Bernardino and Lukmanier, or through the Centovalli. If you take the motorway instead, you will need a vignette, which is available online or at service stations.

If you want to see something of the country rather than simply arrive, take the Gotthard Panorama Express. From Flüelen, the train follows the Gotthard mountain line across historic bridges and along steep mountainsides into Ticino.

From Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, the train continues to Lugano on Lake Lugano or to Locarno on Lake Maggiore. From Bern, there is also the scenic route over the Lötschberg and on the Centovalli Railway to Locarno – a journey that is no less beautiful.

What are Ticino's top tourist attractions and highlights?

Are you interested in the culture and history of the places you visit? Does your heart beat for the culinary delights of Italy? Or are you drawn to the mountains and the wide range of winter sports? Culture lovers, keen home cooks and active travellers alike: there is something for everyone in Ticino.

Locarno Film Festival

The Locarno Film Festival takes place every August. It is the event of the year and has been held since 1946.

For almost two weeks each summer, the town is transformed into a glamorous spectacle with a touch of Hollywood. Some 8,000 film fans gather on the Piazza Grande every evening to watch award-winning films under the open sky. If you are lucky, you might even spot genuine Hollywood stars in the audience.

Lake Maggiore

The surrounding mountains mirrored in deep blue water: Lake Maggiore is the ideal destination for nature lovers. At 66 kilometres long and up to ten kilometres wide, it is Italy's second-largest lake.

On and around the lake, visitors can climb numerous mountains. They can also explore picturesque lakeside towns and enjoy a refreshing summer swim.

Dining out in Ascona

Just a few kilometres from Locarno, Ascona is surely one of the most beautiful places in the region. This small town with its colourful architecture sits right on the shore of Lake Maggiore and charms visitors with its stunning lakeside promenade.

We recommend, for example, stopping at one of the cosy cafés along the promenade, where you can take in the glorious lake view over an aperitif in the shade.

The town's narrow lanes are just as tempting, home to a wealth of galleries and boutiques waiting to be discovered. The fine patisseries, where you can buy the best Swiss chocolate, are also well worth a stop.

Local delicacies

Anyone visiting Ticino should be sure to sample its culinary variety. The picturesque towns and villages offer not only excellent Swiss cheese and mountain ham, but also a host of traditional Italian delicacies.

Other unique products from Ticino's kitchens include:

• Sausages from the Valle Maggia
• Torta di pane (bread cake)
• Farina bona (toasted, finely ground maize flour from the Onsernone Valley)
• Zincarlin (fresh cheese from the Muggio Valley)
• Cicitt (goat sausages)

A stroll through Parco Ciani in Lugano

With its many upmarket boutiques and chic gourmet restaurants, Lugano is regarded as the hotspot of Ticino's high society, and its streets are correspondingly busy. Yet the city on Lake Lugano has much more to offer.

We recommend, for example, a visit to Parco Ciani, a peaceful park close to the city centre and just a few minutes away from the shopping streets. Here you can wander among ancient trees and admire the pastel-coloured villa.

A hike to the Basodino Glacier

The hike to the Basodino Glacier is a treat for fit, sure-footed walkers. In summer, a cable car carries visitors from San Carlo in the Val Bavona up to Robiei, where the glacier trail begins. At first the path crosses lush alpine pastures, but gradually the verdant landscape gives way to barren, rocky terrain.

An absolute highlight of the hike is the view of the peaks of the Ticino Alps. On a good day, you may even spot chamois, ibex or marmots on the way up or down.

The natural wonder of the Valle Verzasca

The Valle Verzasca is undoubtedly one of Switzerland's most impressive natural spectacles and a wonderful destination for hikers. The river water shimmers in various shades of turquoise and is so clear that you can see right to the bottom.

One of the most popular photo spots is the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, a picturesque double-arched stone bridge. Jumping into the river is strongly discouraged, however, and care is needed when swimming too: currents, very cold water and varying depths make the Verzasca more dangerous than it looks. Sunbathing on the rocks along the riverbank, on the other hand, is pure pleasure.

A hike through the vineyards

Besides delicious olives, Ticino's mild climate also produces excellent wine. The region is known above all for its fine Merlot, which is why this red wine is served in so many restaurants.

If you are interested in rural life of days gone by, be sure to explore the Tracce d'uomo educational trail. This circular route in the Malcantone, in the municipality of Croglio, links the villages of Castelrotto and Beride and passes vineyards, chestnut groves, an old ice house and a historic bird trap.

This easy circular walk around the little village of Castelrotto takes you through the Tresa valley. Up among the vineyards, you are rewarded with a fabulous view.

Which hotel in Ticino do we recommend?

As its name suggests, Hotel La Palma au Lac is located right on Lake Maggiore. This four-star hotel in Ticino looks back on an eventful history.

While comfort and luxury await you inside, a beautifully landscaped path runs along the lakeside. It follows the shoreline and is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a morning jog. Afterwards, you can enjoy a restorative meal in our excellent hotel restaurant.

Sleeping and dining on the lakeshore

You can't go wrong with a room or suite at our hotel in Ticino. Depending on the category, our rooms look out over Lake Maggiore or onto the mountains behind Locarno – either way, you can enjoy a lovely view.

Culinary pleasures are never neglected here either. We stay true to the cuisine of Locarno and our region, serving traditional dishes with Italian flair.

Wellness with a view of Lake Maggiore

In the spa area of our hotel in Ticino, peace and relaxation await you. For moments of true well-being, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage by Palm Leaf SPA by Gold Elephant.

Afterwards, there is no better way to end the day than with a drink on our summer terrace overlooking the lake.

Do you have any questions about staying at our hotel in Ticino? Then get in touch!