Swiss paradise with Italian charm

Forget all notions about Switzerland, because the canton of Ticino is a unique experience, completely different from what you expect. We believe that Ticino is the best place in Switzerland. Here you will find gorgeous green gardens, palm trees, Italian cuisine, and ample sunshine. Ticino, Switzerland has a Mediterranean atmosphere combined with Swiss punctuality and order. If you haven't visited here yet, now is your chance. Keep reading to learn more about this unique canton, ways to get there and more.

What makes Ticino in Switzerland different from other cantons?

There are only 26 cantons in Switzerland, and Ticino, located in the south of the country, deserves special attention. This canton represents something unique even in the context of the whole of Switzerland. Here are three key aspects that make it special:

• Warm climate: Ticino enjoys more than 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, which is rare in Switzerland. This is provided by the canton's geographical position, protected from the harsher Northern European weather by the Alps. Warm summers and mild winters make Ticino in Switzerland a popular holiday and leisure destination.
• Meridional culture: The culture of Ticino is relaxed and laid-back. Work-life balance is valued here, which is evident in a real respect for free time. Locals know how to enjoy life, whether it's relaxing at home on the balcony, walking in the mountains or boating. Ticino in Switzerland is also known for its cultural events, including museums, concerts and local festivals.
• Gastronomic delights: Ticino's gastronomy combines the best of Italian and Swiss cuisine. Here you can enjoy authentic Italian specialities such as pizza, pasta and seafood, as well as savour local Swiss delicacies. Ticino is also famous for its wine tradition, especially the production of merlot, which accounts for 90 % of the canton's wine production.

Ticino offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity and culinary delights that make it a truly unique destination in Switzerland.

Where is Ticino in Switzerland and geography

So, now that you're familiar with the three main differences between Ticino and the rest of Switzerland, you're probably wondering where exactly this canton is located. Ticino is located in the very south of Switzerland, near the border with Italy. This canton, one of 26 in Switzerland, is popular with locals who come here on holiday from the northern cantons. In German-speaking territory it is also known as Ticino.

The capital of Ticino is Bellinzona, a splendid historic town with three fortresses. According to the latest figures, the population of Ticino exceeds 350,000, with Lugano, Locarno and Bellinzona being the largest cities.

Geographically, Ticino is divided into two parts: the Sopraceneri and the Sottoceneri. Sopraceneri is the northern part with many mountains and Lake Maggiore, and Sottoceneri is the southern part with Lake Lugano. In the centre of the canton is the mountain pass of Monte Ceneri.

Territorially, the Ticino region is also divided into 8 districts:

• Vallemaggia;
• Leventina;
• Blenio;
• Locarno;
• Lugano;
• Riviera;
• Bellinzona;
• Mendrisio.

How to get to the canton of Ticino in Switzerland

If you are in another city in Switzerland, such as Basel, Zurich or Geneva, you can easily reach the Ticino region by taking the daily public trains. Some are direct, such as the one from Zurich to Lugano, which takes only 2 hours, while others require only a short transfer along the way.

For arriving by plane, you should head to Milan, Italy. Lugano has its own airport, but it is extremely small and only accepts private flights. However, there are direct flights to Italy's Malpensa Airport from many European cities, from where you can get to Lugano, Locarno and Bellinzona by direct train in just 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Another option is to fly to Zurich first and then take a direct train south to Ticino. This route will take a little longer but is also convenient.

By car, the journey is also easy and beautiful, especially if you are travelling from another Swiss canton or from Italy. There are great routes across Switzerland to Ticino, especially on mountain roads where you can enjoy the scenery and stop along the way.

Facts about Ticino in Switzerland

The Canton of Ticino is a truly unique region in Switzerland, and here are some interesting facts about it:

• Linguistic diversity: Italian is the predominant language here, making Ticino the only canton in Switzerland where Italian is the predominant language. However, there is also a local Ticino dialect, which can be heard on local radio and seen in newspapers.
• Lakes shared with Italy: Canton is famous for its two main lakes, Maggiore and Lugano, officially known as Verbano and Cerezio respectively. Both of these lakes also extend into Italian territory.
• Sunny canton: Ticino enjoys 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, far surpassing the number of sunshine hours in northern regions such as Zurich (1,700 hours).
• Geographical features: The lowest point in Ticino is at Lake Maggiore at an altitude of 193 metres, which is also the lowest point in the whole of Switzerland.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ticino is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the three castles of Bellinzona and Monte San Giorgio.
• Religious composition of the population: The majority of the canton's inhabitants are of the Roman Catholic faith, making up about 75% of the population.
• Gotthard Base Tunnel: The longest railway tunnel in the world, the Gotthard Base Tunnel runs through the canton of Ticino, connecting the Erstfeld in Uri with Bodio and passing under Sedrun.
• Agriculture and wine production: The main agricultural crops in Ticino are vineyards producing mainly merlot. Horticulture, milk and cheese production are also developed here.
• Flag of the canton: The flag of Ticino consists of horizontal stripes of red and blue colours, each of which occupies 50% of its surface.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the canton of Ticino never ceases to amaze with its unique blend of Italian culture and Swiss precision. If you are looking for a unique experience that will turn your perceptions of Switzerland upside down, Ticino is the place to visit. Don't miss your chance to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of Switzerland.