Canton Ticino is a territory which offers rich landscapes and cultural beauties and a great quantity of ideas like practising sports and living in contact with nature as well. Anyone who decides to move to Ticino or to spend a holiday will certainly not be disappointed, because there are so many opportunities to have fun, both for those travelling with children and for those who stay as a couple or alone. Let's discover the most exciting activities to do in Ticino, alone or with other people.

Activities for families with children

Children are curious, lively and full of energy and to stimulate their imagination it needs even more. To keep their interest alive, there is nothing more exciting than visiting the different theme parks and paths in Ticino: now you are spoiled for choice. For future scientists which are always looking for new discoveries, there is for example the Locarno Astrovia. It is a path about 6 kilometres, which starts at the delta of river Maggia and you can walk it on foot or by bike, while discovering the secrets of the astronomy and the planetary system. In Capolago there is Bear cave, one of the most spectacular natural cavities of
situated at a height of approx. 600 metres. Once arrived, you will be accompanied by a guide, who will show you the remains of the cave bear, providing interesting and curious explanations about this place, which can be enjoyed by adults and children., in Morbio Inferiore, is another excursion that should not be missed. We suggest you to take a journey through time, for learning the steps that led to the structure of this spectacular natural environment. Ancient rocks, fossils, waterfalls, streams and deep gorges frame this GeoPark, that will fascinate adults and children. Among the other parks and thematic trails to visit in Ticino, it is worth noting the Botanical garden of Gambarogno, the Path of Planets in Lumino, the Five Senses Path in Monte Carasso and the play trail - Indian Village in Orselina.

Cultural activities

Canton Ticino is not only nature and breathtaking landscapes but there are also many museums, events, architecture and art to admire. The religious and civil buildings tell a long and interesting story. Some of them are embedded perfectly in the surrounding environment, unique and can take the visitor’s breath away. One of these is the Fiore di Pietra on Monte Generoso. An architectural work located at about 1700 meters high that houses two restaurants and a conference room with spectacular views. You get there by the picturesque rack railway from Capolago, on Lake Lugano. In Lugano there is the LAC, Lugano Art and Culture, a modern center dedicated entirely to cultural and artistic activities, with concert halls, theater, exhibition spaces and a museum that offers the opportunity to attend many regular events. In Bellinzona you can visit three castles, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro and Castelgrande. The mighty walls represent the main tourist attraction of the area and whose historical importance is attested by the recognition as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Castelgrande is accessible by lift, while Montebello and Sasso Corbaro can reached by Artù, the little train that offers a lot of fun and breathtaking views on the city and its surroundings.

Ascona is another must-see destination in Ticino with the marvelous historic center directly on Lake Maggiore. You can have a pleasant walk along the lakefront, admiring the view, sitting in one of the cafes that color the streets or stroll along the boutiques, craft shops and galleries. An 18-hole golf course, in addition to the presence of tennis courts and the possibility of windsurfing or sailing, make Ascona also perfect for sportsmen.

If, instead, you want to immerse yourself in the peasant culture of Ticino, it would be interesting to go to Vallemaggia to admire the peat or the typical stone and wood constructions used to preserve cereals. One of the most beautiful villages not only of Ticino, but of whole Switzerland, is Morcote characterized by a maze of narrow streets, elegant villas, monuments and arcades and surrounded by lush vegetation. But for those who love art and culture, surprises do not end there. Here are some more suggestions: a tour to the center of Locarno, a visit to the beautiful church of San Michele in Palagnedra, the Mulino of Bruzella, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Bellinzona, the Temple of Santa Croce in Riva San Vitale or the magnificent village of Mendrisio.

Sport in Ticino

Sport can be practiced among the main activities in Ticino during all seasons: in spring and summer there is an infinite range of possibilities to choose from. Experienced instructors lead the participants to the most panoramic and suggestive places. There are many excursions and walks in the valleys, between wild nature or the discovery of pleasant shelters. Among the most beautiful trails are those in the Verzasca Valley, Campra, Airolo, Campio Blenio, Cioss Prato, Bosco Gurin and Carì. Those who love skiing can try one of the several ski areas in Ticino such as Bedea-Novaggio or Airolo-Pescium. Spring and summer offer many other opportunities. In Canton Ticino, in fact, there are 160 km of coasts with beaches and equipped with every comfort.

Lake cruises

A fun and exciting way to learn about the beauty of this area could be during a cruise on Lake Lugano; there are different types and they allow you to know the other towns in Ticino. You can opt, for example, for a tour that touches Lugano, Gandria, Melide, Morcote and Capolago or for a shorter one that goes directly from Lugano to Gandria or for a ride that integrates a mini-cruise to a mountain route up to the Fiore di Pietra on Monte Generoso. There are so many opportunities, including making the Lugano - Porto Ceresio route with lunch on board. Another one of a thousand activities to do in Ticino, which will make adults and children happy.

And in order not to miss anything, a scenic helicopter flight leaving from the local Airport of Magadino over the valleys or over Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano is one of the most exciting activities I've experienced!

Have a nice summer start