Have you ever travelled through a region and wondered which colour would perfectly suit it?
Some destinations are pretty clear like Maldivian islands displaying many shades of blue or Bali exhibiting a wide range of the green colour pallet. I think we can all agree white would fit perfectly for the south pole.
But what about the Ticino regions? Can they be grouped in to “the colours of Ticino”? When thinking of this beautiful southernmost canton of Switzerland the following comes to mind; the deep blue waters of Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore surrounded by great green mountain tops ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
What about the cities of Ascona, Locarno and Lugano which are buzzing with intense colours? Pretty much every shade on any colour palette can be found in these cities.
And not to forget the shades of orange witnessed during a romantic sunset.
But when we step back a bit and have a good look at the four Ticino regions we can identify a particular main colour for each area.
List of Contents
The Ticino Regions
Before we have a better look at the colours of Ticino regions (Tessin) let’s understand Ticino a bit better.
Set on the southern side of the country and nestled against Italy, one can find Ticino, the Italian speaking region of Switzerland.
Different from any other canton of Switzerland, here one finds palm-lined promenades similar to the Cote d’Azur.
Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Castles bring a medieval feel to a place that is so current.
And let’s not forget one of the best parts of Ticino, the food. Being so close to Italy it is strongly influenced by the Italian Mediterranean culinary style.
Together with the laid-back Italian attitude that’s impossible to resist, Ticino is a canton like no other in Switzerland.
And within this unique and interesting Swiss canton, there are four different Ticino regions.
Let’s identify which colour best suits each of these Ticino regions and why.
Ticino Region Bellinzona and Valleys
For many tourists (including the Swiss) who visit Ticino, the Bellinzona and Valleys region is often by-passed en route to the southern part of the canton.
But this region has so many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered and pristine nature to your hearts content. It is well worth everybody’s time to stop here and spend a few days exploring the Bellinzona and Valleys region in Ticino.
Marked by the medieval history which can still be seen in many places, the centrepiece is the The Bellinzona Fortress comprising 3 majestic castles.
Spend one day and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of this UNESCO Heritage site. The three castles are in great condition and with the different exhibitions within, it is a fantastic way of spending the day in Bellinzona.
But there is more to this region, the northern part of Ticino is a wild alpine playground where every biker or hiking enthusiast will find unspoiled and deserted valleys.
What to explore in the Bellinzona & Valleys Region?
Here we will list just a few main attractions in the area which will give you a great inside view of the region.
Hiking or Biking the Val Piora
Val Piova, either by biking or hiking the path to the three main lakes. Accessible from Piotta by a steep funicular.
If you are biking the area, when finished for the day there is a road leading down to the parking at Piotta.
Note: In peak season bikes are only allowed in the funicular from 13.15h to 15.15h
Read more Discover Val Piora by Mountain Biking
Tibetan Bridge – Punto Tibetano
The easier and fastest way of getting to the 270m long bridge is with the self-service cable car from Monte Carasso.
Exit at the 1st station in Curzútt from where it is a 50 min hike to the Tibetan bridge. Take the same way back, or hike back down.
For those that need a bit more exercise, hike the full circuit from and to Monte Carasso via the Tibetan bridge. This will take you a good 4 hours.
Bellinzona Castles & the City
You cannot depart a trip from Ticino with having stoped a Bellinzona itself.
Even if you are driving down to the south, make a stop at Bellinzona.
Best is to get the Bellinzona Pass
This pass gives you free access to all the exhibitions within the castles and the museums.
Without the Bellinzona pass you can still visit the castles and climb the many towers whilst enjoying the view over the Magadino Plain.
Ticino River: To finish the day, dip your feet in the Ticino river which crosses the Magadino Plain.
In many areas the river has built little beaches, which are the perfect place to relax.
Which colour to give the Bellinzona & Valleys Region?
Taking into consideration that the city is dominated by the castles where the medieval history still feels so present and it is a landmark which can be seen even from the Tibetan bridge.
Therefore for this Ticino region the perfect Ticino colour is – The Bellinzona Fortress Grey.
Ascona-Locarno Region
This is the Ticino region the hugs Lake Maggiore. It extends into the famous valleys of Verzasca and Maggia, and far into the mountains.
A mild climate mixed with exotic plants make the Ascona-Locarno region a classic destination amongst 1st time visitors to Ticino. The variety of activities, fauna and flora amazes tourists which results in repeat visits year after year.
Ascona is also Switzerland’s lowest city with an altitude of just 196 metres above sea level. This low altitude explains the Mediterranean feel and mild climate throughout.
Things to do in Ascona-Locarno Region
The list of things to do in the region of Ascona and Locarno is endless. Hike in the mountains, bathe in the cold river of the Verzasca or enjoy the breeze whilst paddle boarding on Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore). Below we have picked out a few things we loved to do in the region.
Visit Valley Verzasca
On the drive up the valley you will pass the Verzasca-Dam from where the famous bungee-jump in the James Bond 007 movie Goldeneye was filmed.
Further along, nestled along the Verzasca River is Lavertezzo, a romantic and beautiful Ticino village surrounded by mountains. The famous Roman stone arch bridge Ponte dei Salti attracts large numbers of tourists every year.
Whether you are just there to make some photographs or have a swim in the crystal-clear cold water, this place should be on your things to do in Ticino itinerary.
There is also a super cool theme trail along the Verzasca river ideal for families, The BoBosco Trail.
Valle Maggia
An absolut beautiful sie valley going deep into the Swiss Italian Alps. Maggia Valley has a lot to offer and if you visit during the summer months, it is here where you find the best swimming spots to cool down.
Wander along and visit the beautiful old village of Foroglio and its impressive waterfall.
Ascona-Locarno Piazza
Not to be missed is to spend an evening along the piazza, have an aperitif or dinner in one of the lake side restaurants and listen to some street music whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
Visit the Locarno Falconry
If you have children in your group, a great way to pass a morning or afternoon is in the Falconry. See birds of prey such as hawks, vultures, owls, and eagles in a traditional show.
The birds fly so close by which makes this an exciting spectacle.
A boat trip to Brissago Island
(Isole di Brissago). A small island in the middle of the blue waters of Lake Maggiore and protected by the surrounding mountains offers visitors a botanical escape around the world.
The island is a formal garden where approximately 1700 species of plants from the Mediterranean, Subtropical Asia, South Africa, America and Oceania thrive. The boat departs from Ascona or from Porto Ronco and takes no more than 15 minutes.
Read our article Best things to do in Ticino–Ascona-Locarno Region where we cover all the best activities in more detail.
Which colour to give the Ticino region of Ascona – Locarno?
Simply because of the turquoise waters from the Verzasca and Maggia Rivers flowing into the deep blue of Lake Maggiore, the perfect colour for the Ascona-Locarno region in Ticino has to be – The Blue
The International Ticino Region – Lugano
The gorgeous lakeside Swiss city of Lugano is the largest in the holiday destination of Ticino.
Like all the other regions in Ticino, it offers mountains and water in close proximity. But the whole city vibe here in Lugano is totally different from any other city in Ticino.
Beautiful gardens, wide streets full of greenery, and the mix of business people, locals and tourists makes this an outstanding place for a city break. Lugano is laid back and relaxed.
Whether you love to shop, discover the historic buildings and museums, or watch the sunset from the local mountains, within Lugano all these activities are possible.
What to do in Lugano City & Region?
Shop until you drop! Lugano offers great shops for any taste and occasion. And whilst shopping in Lugano and walking through the beautiful city streets, make the most out of it and visit the museums, historical buildings and churches. A city that even non city lovers will fall in love with.
Ride up the funicular to Mount San Salvatore and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the city. And why not stay for the sunset?
Pick a spot and watch the sunset of Lugano. One of the insider spots is up at the Parco San Michele. This gives you the perfect place to experience Lugano changing from day to night.
Have a picnic at Parco Ciani. A wonderful city park, yet it feels so far away from any hustle and bustle.
It is right at the shore of Lake Lugano, has a playground and even a beach. The park is very large and also ideal to cycle around.
To help you plan a trip to Lugano check out our 4 Day Lugano Itinerary with over 8 family friendly activity suggestions.
Which colour best suits the Lugano Region?
This was an easy pick, although the city surely has pretty much all the colours of a palette on show. But when is a city at its most elegant and romantic? We believe it is at sunset and therefore the best colour that suits Lugano is the colour of an intense sunset – The Orange.
Welcome to the jewel of Ticino – the Region of Mendrisiotto
This region is bordered on three sides by Italy and therefore strongly influenced by its food, architecture and lifestyle.
The picturesque and very photogenic roads along the bottom part of Lake Lugano’s shoreline will give you the feeling of holiday happiness and being away from it all.
With its traditional houses, gentle hills dotted with vineyards, medieval and baroque churches, the Mendrisiotto region is probably the prettiest and most underrated.
What not to miss in the Mendrisiotto Region?
The Mendrisiotto region is relatively undiscovered by tourists although there is a ton of things to do and see. Here are just some of our highlights.
Monte Generoso
Go high and wander around Monte Generoso at an altitude of 1704m, from where you will have the most stunning views over the entire canton.
The vista stretches well into Italy, down to Milan, and over to the Swiss Alps with peaks from Monte Rosa to the Matterhorn and from the Jungfrau to the Gotthard Massif being visible.
A view you will remember for years to come. At the top standing majestically on the edge of the cliffs is the new “Fiore di Pietra” (Stone Flower) building by the famous architect Mario Botta. The large panoramic windows offer views in all directions.
This is the perfect place to have lunch in either the a la carte restaurant or in the self-service section where a large terrace is available.
From the Fiore di Pietra you can visit four different viewpoints which give you beautiful views over Ticino and down the green Valle di Muggio. If you hike to the furthest viewpoint you will actually cross the border into Italy without realising it.
The train departs from the Capolago station near Melide.
Discover the sleeping Valle di Muggio.
This can be easily combined with your visit to Monte Generoso as the access is best from the top.
With undisturbed nature, it is like time has stopped in this valley.
A magnificent landscape where all kinds of shades of green are shimmering in the sunlight. Best is to hike the circular hike of just under 5 km starting at the top of Mt Generoso.
The highlights are the 11 “Nevère” that can be seen on this hike.In the earlier days these stone cylinders were filled with ice and used by Ticino farmers to store their milk, which was later used for cheese making.
At first the cylinders seem small but 2/3 of the capacity is underground.
Swissminiatur in Melide
Travel around Switzerland in one hour at the Swissminiatur in Ticino.
Go early to beat the crowds and you will find parking without a problem.
The park is small in size but so are the miniature Swiss buildings. A great place to get inspired for places you would like to go and see in Switzerland.
We did not realise that Switzerland has so many different and beautiful castles all over the country. You will also find a corner with many kid’s attractions like you would find in an amusement park.
Everything needs a token, so be prepared for it.
There is a restaurant on site. Get your Swissminiatur ticket
Discover the Breggia Gorge
The importance of this gorge makes the visit well worth your time.
The hike along the Natural Park along the river Breggia is mainly in woodlands and therefore perfect for a hot summer day in Ticino.
The rocks along the river have an importance for the geological study and are hundreds of millions of years old.
The Breggia Gorge is one of the most important geo-topes in Switzerland and also the first Swiss geo-park.
The park can best be accessed at the old Ghitello mill, located behind the parking lot of the Breggia Shopping Centre in Balerna.
Don’t Miss Morcote!
No trip to Mendrisitto Region is complete without visiting the charming hillside village of Morcote.
In 2016 Morcote was awarded the prize for the most beautiful small village (max 3000 inhabitants) in Switzerland. And rightly so.
The village Morcote has a rustic Swiss/Italian charm. Located only 10km from Lugano and the drive along the lake is beautiful.
Parking might be a bit difficult, therefore I would suggest as soon as you approach Morcote and you see a free parking place, take it. Or try to get a place at the Garavello car park which has 300 spaces on 4 floors.
You will find the car park just before entering Morcote if you are driving from Lugano via Melide. Wander along the alleys between the old baroque houses and make your way up to Chiesa Santa Maria des Sasso. Be prepared to climb a staggering 410 steps from the lakeshore to the church viewpoint.
But the view is worth the climb. Photographers will love this part as around every corner lies a new photogenic scene. Best to hike up just before sunset which will gives the perfect light. You will also find a ” Swing the World” around 5 mins from the church.
The perfect colour for the Mendrisiotto Region
There is only one colour that fits this region. Remember earlier on we mentioned the sleeping Valle di Muggio, where nature still feels so untouched and wild? This is why there is only one colour for Mendrissiotto – the Valle di Muggio Green!
Where to stay best when visiting the Ticino Regions
When you discover the regions of Ticino you could easily just have one base as the distances are not too far from one place to another. Plus when you stay one night in Ticino you will qualify for the Ticino ticket and have public transport free of charge.
Here is a selection of different accommodation throughout Ticino that may suit your needs and wishes.
Bed & Breakfast
One place we highly recommend is the B&B Ca san Matteo in Cagiallo (Capriasco). A chic quiet place you will soon call home
Apartments
Maybe this apartment, the GaLa Appartamento could be perfect for your visit in Bellinzona.
The Casa al Sole apartment in Morcote is a dream place to relax after your day travelling around Ticino.
Hotels
The LUGANODANTE, located in the historic heart of the city Lugano and in the financial district. This 4-star superior hotel is located in the quiet Piazza Cioccaro.
The Casa Berno Swiss Quality Hotel , Immersed in the hills overlooking Ascona makes this hotel in Ticino a perfect retreat.
Our thoughts on the Ticino Region Colours
It has indeed been an interesting way of travelling through the regions by looking at them from a different aspect – the colours. And the more we thought about it and took notice of the different colours of each of the Ticino regions, grey, green, blue and orange definitely stand strong throughout Ticino.
Here are all the Ticino Articles that will help you plan the Best Ticino Moments to find your Colour of Ticino
- 24 things to do and see of the best Ticino moments
- Lugano Bike routes for Families & questions answered when taking your bike to Lugano
- Ascona – Locarno. Best Places to Visit in Ticino with Kids
- Things to do in Lugano. 4 Day Travel Itinerary
- The BoBosco Trail – Verzasca Valley – Family Theme Trail
- Theme Trail – La Via Del Ceneri im Tessin
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your Discovery of the Ticino Regions
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.
Note: This trip was in cooperation with Ticino Turismo, thank you again! These great collaborations are here for us to describe our experience of a stay or an activity. This way we can also detail the best activities so you know what to expect when visiting Ticino in Switzerland
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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