Ticino in Spring: 7 beautiful places to visit

Mar 10

Ticino has a special place in our hearts. It was actually here, after spending time together in this beautiful corner of southern Switzerland, that my husband and I (who was still my boyfriend back then) decided we wanted to reduce the distance between us. We had been doing long-distance for years, and Ticino became part of that story.

Since then, we’ve returned to Ticino three times — twice in summer and once in early May. And I have to say, my favorite visit was the one in spring. Everything was lush green, the air felt warm and soft, and it was the perfect time to hike, explore the small historic towns, and spend slow days by the lakes.

Some people even swim in the lakes and rivers in May, although the water was still a bit too cold for us.

Spring gave us the chance to explore Ticino more deeply, and in this guide I’m sharing some of the most beautiful places we visited. If you’re planning a trip to Ticino in spring, these spots are perfect for slow travel, scenic views, and discovering the quieter side of southern Switzerland.

If you have any questions about these places, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

The village of Morcote

Located about 10 km from Lugano, Morcote is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Ticino. You can reach the village by car or public transport. Sitting on the shores of Lake Lugano, this small village feels peaceful, historic, and incredibly picturesque.

The most striking landmark is the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, which sits high above the village overlooking the lake. Reaching it requires climbing a long stone staircase, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it.

But the beauty of Morcote goes beyond this famous church. The village is full of narrow historic streets, charming arcades, and old lakeside houses. Along the promenade you’ll also find several lakeside cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a drink while taking in the view.

Even simply wandering through the quiet streets and admiring the lakeside villas can feel incredibly calming.

2. Monte Brè (Lugano Viewpoint Hike)

Starting point: Brè sopra Lugano (reachable by bus or by car from Lugano)

Length of hike: 1.5–2 hours depending on the route and pace

Elevation gain: Approximately 600 meters of elevation gain

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild temperatures and clear views

What to wear: Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, light hiking clothes, and a light jacket. In spring the weather can change quickly, and the summit can feel cooler than in the city.

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Ticino, the Monte Brè hike above Lugano should definitely be on your list.

Often described as one of the sunniest mountains in Switzerland, Monte Brè offers breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Lugano, the surrounding mountains, and even parts of northern Italy on clear days.

The hike itself is peaceful and scenic, passing through small forest sections and opening up to stunning views over the lake. As you gain elevation, the perspective over Lugano and the surrounding mountains becomes more and more impressive.

At the top, the landscape almost feels Mediterranean: deep blue water, steep mountains, and villages scattered along the lake shore.

We loved taking a small break here, sitting down and simply enjoying the view over the lake. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed stop during a day of exploring Ticino.

3. Foroglio – A Timeless Stone Village in Val Bavona

Foroglio is probably one of the most famous villages in Ticino, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. The small stone village feels as if time has completely stood still.

I’ve visited Foroglio three times, and every single time I was just as mesmerized as the first. The traditional stone houses, narrow paths, and the dramatic mountain scenery make the place feel almost surreal — like stepping into a scene from Tolkien’s world.

The highlight of the village is the Foroglio waterfall, which cascades down the steep rock wall right next to the village. Especially in spring, when the snow in the mountains melts, the waterfall becomes incredibly powerful and spectacular.

The entire valley, Val Bavona, is known for its traditional stone architecture and untouched landscapes, which makes visiting Foroglio feel like traveling back in time.

The last time we visited, we came with our baby. Since the village has many small stone paths and stairs, I wouldn’t recommend bringing a buggy. A baby carrier works much better, especially if you plan to explore the village properly.

If you visit during summer, keep in mind that the valley can get quite warm, so make sure to bring sun protection and enough water.

At the entrance of the village, there is also a small restaurant where you can sit outside and enjoy a drink or a traditional Ticino-style board with dried meat and local cheese. We stopped there for a coffee before continuing to explore the village and admire the waterfall.

4. Gandria – A Lakeside Village on Lake Lugano

One of the most charming ways to reach Gandria is by taking a boat from Lugano. That’s exactly what we did during our visit.

The boat ride across Lake Lugano takes about 25 minutes, and it’s already an experience on its own. As the boat glides over the turquoise-blue water, you pass small lakeside villages and steep green mountains that drop dramatically into the lake. Sitting on the deck and watching the scenery slowly unfold felt incredibly calming.

When you arrive in Gandria, it almost feels like stepping into a small Italian fishing village. The historic houses are stacked closely along the hillside, their pastel facades reflecting in the water below.

Gandria is considered one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Lugano. The narrow alleyways, stone staircases, and tiny waterfront terraces give the village a timeless atmosphere that feels very different from the city of Lugano.

One of the nicest things to do here is simply wander through the quiet streets, explore the hidden corners of the village, and stop at one of the lakeside restaurants for a coffee or lunch with a view over the lake.

If you have more time, you can also walk part of the Olive Tree Trail (Sentiero dell’Olivo), a scenic path that connects Gandria with Lugano and offers beautiful views over Lake Lugano along the way.

5. Ascona

Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is one of the most charming towns in Ticino. With its colorful lakeside houses, palm trees, and lively promenade, the town almost feels more Italian than Swiss.

One of the highlights of Ascona is its beautiful lakeside promenade, which is lined with pastel-colored buildings, cafés, and restaurants overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed walk while enjoying views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

We loved simply wandering along the waterfront, watching the boats and stopping for a drink at one of the small cafés. The atmosphere here is especially pleasant in spring, when the temperatures are mild and the town feels lively but not overcrowded.

The historic center of Ascona is also worth exploring. Small streets lead away from the promenade into quiet corners filled with boutiques, art galleries, and traditional Ticino architecture.

Because of its sunny climate and Mediterranean atmosphere, Ascona is often considered one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Maggiore and a must-visit destination when exploring Ticino in southern Switzerland.

6. Minusio – A Quiet Lakeside Escape Near Locarno

If you’re looking for a calm beach day in Ticino, Minusio is one of the most peaceful places to enjoy the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Located right next to Locarno, this small town offers a much more relaxed and local atmosphere compared to some of the busier destinations around the lake. With its grassy lakeside areas, clear water, and beautiful mountain views, Minusio is perfect if you want to slow down and simply enjoy the scenery.

We spent a peaceful afternoon here during one of our visits to Ticino with our baby. After a little swim in the lake, our baby even fell asleep on the grassy beach by the water, which made the whole moment feel incredibly calm and special.

Minusio also holds a special place in our memories because we stayed here during one of our earlier trips to Ticino in 2022. Back then, we stayed at Riva Rooms and Studios, and one of our favorite rituals was having breakfast every morning by the lake at a small local café. Sitting there with a coffee while watching the lake slowly wake up was the perfect way to start the day.

One of the things that makes Minusio so charming is its authentic and local atmosphere. You’ll often see residents enjoying the lakeside, swimming, walking along the waterfront, or meeting friends for a coffee. Compared to other towns around Lake Maggiore, Minusio feels much quieter and less crowded.

Another advantage is its location. Minusio is only a few minutes from Locarno and about 40 minutes from Lugano, making it an excellent base for exploring the Lake Maggiore region of Ticino while still enjoying a peaceful lakeside setting.

If you’re visiting Ticino in spring or summer, Minusio is a wonderful place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water.

7. Val Verzasca – Ticino’s Famous Turquoise River

One of the most famous natural landscapes in Ticino is Val Verzasca, a beautiful alpine valley known for its incredibly clear turquoise river and dramatic mountain scenery.

We visited the valley once back in 2022, and even though it was quite crowded, the beauty of the place was undeniable. The Verzasca River flows through smooth rock formations, creating natural pools with crystal-clear water that are perfect for swimming on warm days.

One of the most well-known spots in the valley is Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, a historic double stone bridge that arches over the bright emerald water. It’s one of the most photographed places in Ticino and a popular stop for visitors exploring the valley.

During our visit, we spent some time swimming in one of the natural pools near the bridge. The water is incredibly clear and refreshing, although it can also be quite cold since it comes directly from the mountains.

Because Val Verzasca is such a famous destination, it can get very busy during summer, especially around Lavertezzo. If you prefer a quieter experience, it’s worth arriving early in the morning or exploring further up the valley where there are many peaceful spots along the river.

Even with the crowds, Val Verzasca is still one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in southern Switzerlandand definitely worth visiting when exploring Ticino.

Final Thoughts:

Over the years we’ve stayed in different parts of Ticino. In 2022 we stayed in Minusio near Locarno, in 2024 in Lugano, and in 2025 in a traditional stone house in Maggia Valley that we booked through Airbnb.

Each place offered a different experience. The stone house in Maggia Valley was beautiful and authentic, and the shared pool was perfect for cooling down on warm days. However, the traditional house felt a little less convenient with a small baby.

If we return to Ticino again — which will definitely happen — I would choose Minusio. The calm atmosphere by Lake Maggiore and its proximity to Locarno make it a perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of southern Switzerland.

If you have any questions about visiting Ticino, feel free to contact me — I’m always happy to help.

Some of the photos in this post were shot on film by my husband, Roman Kägi. All image rights belong to him.

Zara Kaegi