Summer in Ticino
Highlights from a summer trip to Ticino, the lesser-known Italian part of Switzerland. With its stunning mountainous scenery and charming lakeside towns, Ticino has something to offer to adventure seekers and leisure lovers alike.
This list isn’t exhaustive because I relied on basic research and my relatives to introduce me to the region. Consider this a starter pack to build from 🙂
If you find it helpful, a tip is always appreciated!
26 Places • 17 Saves • ago
Free
Towns
Lugano
@Chelsea
Ticino’s most popular town that I didn’t get a chance to visit. My local relatives insisted that the other lakeside villages we visited were just as nice or even better than Lugano.
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Locarno
@Chelsea
Another small town by the lake next to Ascona. In the summer, there’s a festival here with food trucks and music. Check online for dates.
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Caslano
@Chelsea
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Stay
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Relais Castello di Morcote
@Chelsea
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Hotel Eden Roc
@Chelsea
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Elvezia al Lago
@Chelsea
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Food + Wine
Grotto America*
@Chelsea
An unexpected gem nestled in the mountainside. Get a table on the patio of this rustic cave-like restaurant and order the risotto al parmigiana e luganighetta (a local sausage specialty). One of the best meals I had during my 6 weeks in Europe.
Only open in the summer.
The surrounding area is a beautiful place to walk around before or after your meal.
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Ristorante Vicania*
@Chelsea
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Tenuta Castello di Morcote
@Chelsea
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Grand Café Al Porto
@Chelsea
Gran Café Al Porto is a must for the food and the interiors, which haven’t been touched.
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Ristorante le bucce di Gandria
@Chelsea
Lunch at Le Bucce di Gandria was delicious, with the best views over the lake.
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GABBANI Ristorante
@Chelsea
Gabbani is a great spot to pick up snacks, sandwiches, treats–and it also has a very reasonable hotel.
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Osteria la Terrazza sul Lago
@Chelsea
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Things to Do
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Valle Verzasca*
@Chelsea
An idyllic valley with a river set against the backdrop of the stunning mountainside. Keep driving until you spot the main swimming area, stopping anywhere that catches your eye along the way. There will be a lot of such places sprinkled throughout this scenic drive. Also be prepared for chilly water!
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Lido Ascona
@Chelsea
The ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon by the lake when you’re feeling in need of a rest. There’s an on-site bar/restaurant and ice cream for sale. I remember there was an entrance fee as well.
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Monte Brè
@Chelsea
Scenic views of the lake and rugged landscape. Walk/hike (less than 2 hours), or take the bus from central Lugano for about $16.
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Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
@Chelsea
Historic church perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking Locarno.
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Brissago Islands
@Chelsea
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* * *
CURATED BY
California based travel designer for the design minded + culturally curious.
With professional experience in the luxury travel industry, I specialize in designing custom travel experiences that get to the heart of a place and its local culture through the lens of design and food. I’m here to help you travel in good taste with the perfect balance of high luxury and local flavor. My destinations of expertise include Italy, France, Mexico and the US, but I'm always expanding my destination knowledge and love taking on requests in other places.
Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to elevate your experience and minimize the stress of travel planning.
Let’s get designing!
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
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local
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Summer in Ticino
Highlights from a summer trip to Ticino, the lesser-known Italian part of Switzerland. With its stunning mountainous scenery and charming lakeside towns, Ticino has something to offer to adventure seekers and leisure lovers alike.
This list isn’t exhaustive because I relied on basic research and my relatives to introduce me to the region. Consider this a starter pack to build from 🙂
If you find it helpful, a tip is always appreciated!
26 Places • 17 Saves • ago
Free
Towns
Lugano
@Chelsea
Ticino’s most popular town that I didn’t get a chance to visit. My local relatives insisted that the other lakeside villages we visited were just as nice or even better than Lugano.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Locarno
@Chelsea
Another small town by the lake next to Ascona. In the summer, there’s a festival here with food trucks and music. Check online for dates.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Caslano
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Stay
Add to
Details
Relais Castello di Morcote
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Hotel Eden Roc
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Elvezia al Lago
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Food + Wine
Grotto America*
@Chelsea
An unexpected gem nestled in the mountainside. Get a table on the patio of this rustic cave-like restaurant and order the risotto al parmigiana e luganighetta (a local sausage specialty). One of the best meals I had during my 6 weeks in Europe.
Only open in the summer.
The surrounding area is a beautiful place to walk around before or after your meal.
Add to
Details
Ristorante Vicania*
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Tenuta Castello di Morcote
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Grand Café Al Porto
@Chelsea
Gran Café Al Porto is a must for the food and the interiors, which haven’t been touched.
Add to
Details
Ristorante le bucce di Gandria
@Chelsea
Lunch at Le Bucce di Gandria was delicious, with the best views over the lake.
Add to
Details
GABBANI Ristorante
@Chelsea
Gabbani is a great spot to pick up snacks, sandwiches, treats–and it also has a very reasonable hotel.
Add to
Details
Osteria la Terrazza sul Lago
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
Things to Do
Add to
Details
Valle Verzasca*
@Chelsea
An idyllic valley with a river set against the backdrop of the stunning mountainside. Keep driving until you spot the main swimming area, stopping anywhere that catches your eye along the way. There will be a lot of such places sprinkled throughout this scenic drive. Also be prepared for chilly water!
Add to
Details
Lido Ascona
@Chelsea
The ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon by the lake when you’re feeling in need of a rest. There’s an on-site bar/restaurant and ice cream for sale. I remember there was an entrance fee as well.
Add to
Details
Monte Brè
@Chelsea
Scenic views of the lake and rugged landscape. Walk/hike (less than 2 hours), or take the bus from central Lugano for about $16.
Add to
Details
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
@Chelsea
Historic church perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking Locarno.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Brissago Islands
@Chelsea
Add to
Details
* * *
CURATED BY
California based travel designer for the design minded + culturally curious.
With professional experience in the luxury travel industry, I specialize in designing custom travel experiences that get to the heart of a place and its local culture through the lens of design and food. I’m here to help you travel in good taste with the perfect balance of high luxury and local flavor. My destinations of expertise include Italy, France, Mexico and the US, but I'm always expanding my destination knowledge and love taking on requests in other places.
Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to elevate your experience and minimize the stress of travel planning.
Let’s get designing!
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Chelsea Papa’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount