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Holidays in Ticino

Where the season never ends

Two people walking beneath blooming trees along Lugano’s lakeside promenade with views of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains in spring. | © Ticino Turismo-parisiva

Two people walking beneath blooming trees along Lugano’s lakeside promenade with views of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains in spring. | © Ticino Turismo-parisiva

In Ticino, winter takes time. Even in the quieter months, the sun is often shining, the days remain bright, and the air is fresh yet pleasantly mild. And the desire to be outdoors persists. You can stroll along the lake, eat on terraces, discover exhibitions, events, and new flavors.

During the off-season, Ticino reveals its own unique character. Nature evolves without hiding: the towns are alive, the hiking trails remain open, and the valleys tell their stories – quietly and authentically. Ticino in the winter months is more intimate, more authentic, and more surprising.

Whether you're having a coffee on the lake promenade in Ascona, enjoying a cultural detour to Bellinzona, shopping in the city center of Lugano, or strolling through the vineyards of Mendrisiotto, the flair of the south is palpable even in winter.

By the way: regardless of whether you arrive by car or train, you will receive the Ticino Ticket with a hotel stay of one night or more. This allows you to use public transportation throughout the canton for free.

Lively weekly market in Bellinzona with colorful stalls, visitors and historic old town buildings in the background. | © Luca Crivelli

Bellinzona and valleys

Historical sites and alpine landscapes blend seamlessly in the Bellinzona and Valleys region. The medieval fortresses of Ticino's capital city are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Leventina, Blenio, and Riviera valleys feature a mix of rugged gorges, mountain panoramas, and tranquil villages. Their unique charm is especially apparent during the quieter months.

View of Ascona’s lakeside houses with palm trees, boats on Lake Maggiore and mountains in the background on a sunny day in Ticino. | © Switzerland Tourism Jan Geerk

Ascona-Locarno

The region around Lake Maggiore combines lake, valleys, and culture in a unique way. While the lake promenade characterizes the region, Verzasca, Maggia, Onsernone, and Centovalli offer impressive natural landscapes. Museums, events, and cultural experiences make Ascona-Locarno a diverse destination even outside the high season.

Visit Ascona-Locarno

Weite Aussicht von der Capanna Monte Bar über die Region Lugano mit sanften Hügeln, Bergen und dem Luganersee im warmen Abendlicht. | © Lugano Region-DigitalFlow.ch

Lugano region

The region around Lake Maggiore combines lake, valleys, and culture in a unique way. While the lake promenade characterizes the region, Verzasca, Maggia, Onsernone, and Centovalli offer impressive natural landscapes. Museums, events, and cultural experiences make Ascona-Locarno a diverse destination even outside the high season.

Visit Lugano

Sunset view from Monte San Giorgio | © Mendrisiotto Turismo_Jacques Perler

Mendrisiotto

The Mendrisiotto region in southern Ticino is known for its gently rolling hills, vineyards, and cultural richness. Monte Generoso offers spectacular views, whereas the Valle di Muggio reveals the authentic side of rural life in Ticino. On Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can discover traces of prehistoric fossils. Culinary delights, history, and nature combine to create a unique and memorable experience.

Bucket list Ticino

View of Ascona’s lakeside houses with palm trees, boats on Lake Maggiore and mountains in the background on a sunny day in Ticino. | © Switzerland Tourism Jan Geerk

Have you ever experienced what it's like when the mild winter sun illuminates the piazza, the lake, and the mountains? Even when the valleys are glistening white, it's usually just frost, as southern Switzerland remains true to its Mediterranean charm. And even now, you can still enjoy your coffee outside.

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Deep blue lake in Lavertezzo | © Ticino Turismo

Ticino belongs on every bucket list – and for good reason: where alpine landscapes meet a Mediterranean way of life, unforgettable experiences await. Whether it's quiet valleys, historic sites or sun-drenched shores – there are moments here that leave you saying only one thing: You simply have to experience it.

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Impressions from Ticino

Frequently asked questions

Among the main attractions in Ticino are well-known towns, historic buildings and striking landscapes.
Lugano: the lakeside promenade on Lake Lugano, the old town, as well as Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.
Bellinzona: Three medieval castles – Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ascona: Car-free old town with colourful houses and a promenade along Lake Maggiore.
Locarno: Piazza Grande, Madonna del Sasso and access to the Maggia and Verzasca valleys.
Ticino is home to several towns, each with its own distinct character.
Lugano: The canton’s largest city and a hub on Lake Lugano.
Bellinzona: The capital of Ticino, with a historic old town and castles.
Locarno: A town on Lake Maggiore and a cultural centre.
Ascona: A small town right on the lake.
Ticino is situated in the south of Switzerland, south of the Alps, and borders directly on Italy. The canton stretches from the Gotthard massif across the main Alpine ridge to the lake regions around Lugano and Lake Maggiore. Towns such as Lugano lie on the southern side of the Alps and show clear links to northern Italy.
Yes, you can travel directly to Ticino by train, as the canton is well connected to the Swiss rail network. Major routes run south from Zurich through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Depending on the route, you can reach Bellinzona, Lugano or Locarno either directly or with one change.

Mediterranean flair

Discover the towns in the south of Switzerland