A Journey Through Ticino: Four Beautiful Places in Southern Switzerland
By Selim Head
When I think about Switzerland, I would often imagine snow-covered mountains, green meadows and Alpine villages. But this trip to the Kanton Ticino, in the southern Switzerland, showed me and my family a completely different side of the country; beautiful lakes, historic villages and wonderfully clear natural water. Here are four places from my trip that we particularly enjoyed:
1. Ponte Rosso, Verzasca Valley (Click for Location Link)
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was visiting Ponte Rosso in the Verzasca Valley. The valley is famous for its beautiful river, dramatic rocky landscape and natural pools where people can enjoy the water during the warmer months.
There is a place to park near the spot, making it relatively easy to reach by car. Along the valley, you can find several natural pools surrounded by rocks and greenery. Swimming there was an amazing experience. The water is cold when you first get in, but strangely, once you are in the water, you don’t want to get out! For those looking for a little more adventure, there is also a bridge about 10–12 metres above the water, from which some brave visitors jump into the pool.
2. Lugano, a City Beside the Lake (Click for Location Link)
One of my favourite places in the city was Parco Ciani, a beautiful green park right beside Lake Lugano. It is an oasis in the middle of the city, with walking paths, impressive trees, flowers and subtropical vegetation. The park stretches along the lakeshore, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.
What I liked most was the combination of nature and city life. You can take a relaxing walk through the park, sit beside the lake, swim and enjoy the sun on the small beach. At the same time, you are still in the centre of Lugano, so restaurants, cafés, shops and other city attractions are within easy reach.
3. Gandria, a Walk into Another Time (Click for Location Link)
Another highlight was Gandria, a small historic village on the shores of Lake Lugano. Getting there on foot is part of the experience. The Gandria Trail is one of the most popular walks in the area, and the journey to the village gives you beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
When you arrive in Gandria, it feels very different from a modern city. The village has tightly packed old houses, narrow alleys and stairways leading between the buildings. There are also cafés where you can stop and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The village is largely pedestrian-oriented and is accessible on foot, which makes the walk feel like a small journey back in time.
4. Morcote, a Climb Worth Making (Click for Location Link)
My final stop was Morcote, another beautiful historic village on the shore of Lake Lugano. It was once a fishing village and is now one of the most picturesque places in Ticino. Its lakeside houses, arcades and historic buildings create a very distinctive atmosphere. The village was even voted Switzerland’s most beautiful village in 2016.
Walking around Morcote is enjoyable, but reaching the higher parts of the village requires some effort. There are many steps, and the climb can be a little difficult, especially if you are not used to walking uphill. But it is absolutely worth it.
As you climb higher, the view becomes better and better. Looking down towards the village, Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains makes you understand why Morcote is so special. The combination of the old village, the lake and the mountains creates one of the most beautiful views I experienced during my trip.
