Wander around the sunny canton: These are the 7 most beautiful villages in Ticino

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A popular photo subject for tourists is Morcote’s picturesque backdrop. The pearl of Lake Lugano impresses with its location, with its beautiful coastline, churches and chapels, small streets full of cafes and architecture.

After a nice Italian meal, it is worth heading towards the church of Santa Maria del Sasso. This landmark can be reached after a steep climb of more than 400 steps. The sweaty effort is rewarded with a spectacular view! Additionally, the former fishing village of Morcote was chosen as the “Most Beautiful Village in Switzerland 2016”.

The town of Carona has been attracting sculptors, painters and writers to its “Artists Village” for decades. Writers Hermann Hesse (1877–1962), Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) and Meret Oppenheim (1913–1985) lived in the 1,000-year-old Ticino village. Carona is located above Lugano and at the southern foot of Monte San Salvatore.

Offering a breathtaking view, Ticino “Sugar Loaf” can be reached by funicular or by walking for about an hour and a half. The area is considered a popular destination for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. Particularly recommended is the botanical garden Parco San Grato, with its unique collection of azaleas and rhododendrons and beautiful views of the Ticino Alps.

We are located at approximately 1500 meters above sea level in the Maggia Valley, away from the tourist areas – this is where Ticino’s highest village, Bosco Gurin, is located. In the Middle Ages, farmers from the Upper Valais moved to this remote area. To this day, Bosco Gurin remains the only Walser village in Ticino. The traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants, their buildings and their own Guriner German language have been preserved to this day. The Walserhaus Museum gives travelers an insight into the history of the inhabitants. Winter sports enthusiasts or nature enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth on their trip to Valle di Bosco Gurin.

A journey to the Middle Ages can be experienced in Intragna. The small, historic village of Centovalli is surrounded by vineyards and chestnut trees. The most important piece in the center is the 65 meter high San Gottardo bell tower. Another attraction is the Roman bridge Ponte Romano, built in 1578. The oldest arched bridge in the region leads hikers over the Melezza River towards other historic villages such as Terra Vecchia and Bordei. The region can also be explored with the Centovalli panoramic train from Locarno.

You’re in the best place to relax in the pedestrian and romantic village of Gandria. The city district of Lugano is the last Swiss village before the Italian border and is located on a hillside right on the shores of Lake Lugano. Picturesque Gandria, with its narrow streets and steep stairs, is surrounded by chestnut forests and can be easily reached by land or boat from Lugano. A walk and a visit to the parish church of San Vigilio is definitely worth it. Afterwards, you can enjoy an espresso or a snack and a view of the surroundings. A delight at the foot of Monte Brè.

In Indemini, at an altitude of almost 1000 meters, you feel almost alone and abandoned. But the appearance of the seemingly inconspicuous Ticino mountain village is deceiving. In fact, the area around Monte Tamaro is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. During the summer months, the village is visited by many tourists. Indemini is sunny and sheltered from the wind due to its location at the southern foot of Monte Tamaro. The road through the village passes through the facades of stone houses and winding streets, shedding light on the history of the farmers and craftsmen who lived there.

The Muggio Valley also includes the 22-person village of Scudellate. The almost endangered region and its history have been preserved with the creation of the ethnographic museum. A traditional favorite dish from Nonna’s village cuisine at Osteria La Manciana that is particularly delicious is the Ossobuco stir-fry. You can enjoy the region with a good glass of wine and the view of the valley, forests, Monte Generoso and Monte Bisbino peaks.

Scudellat maintains a close relationship with the Italian Erbonne community. The proximity to the Italian-Swiss border used to be ideal for smugglers. To this day, the two villages share a common walking and cycling path.

Source : Blick