Ticino, Switzerland

LOCATION The canton of Ticino is in southern Switzerland, hemmed in by Italy on three sides. The Ticino river joins Lake Maggiore before heading into Italy

AREA 1,085 sq miles (2,820 sq km)

DAYTIME TEMPERATURES Jan: 36°F (2°C); Apr: 54°F (12°C); Jul: 72°F (22°C); Oct: 54°F (12°C)

Over the mountains north of the fog-bound Po river, there lies a land of kinder temperatures and bluer skies. You’ll find some of Europe’s most elegant towns in this Swiss canton, with Renaissance and Baroque buildings clustered around Italianate piazzas or lining the shores of lakes Maggiore and Lugano.

The belle époque grandeur of Locarno rivals laid-back Lugano, a city that seduces the fussiest with its ancient churches, alleys, and Villa Favorita, home to one of the world’s greatest private art collections

Practical Information

Getting There and Around

Ticino is accessible from main cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. Transportation options in Ticino include post- buses, cable cars, funiculars, trains, and ferries. Avoid taking cars as parking is a problem.

When to Go

April and October are ideal times to visit.