Those who know and follow me know well how much I like to travel to discover Ticino's hidden corners, sharing my travel experiences with those who follow me and always suggesting new itineraries to those who want to visit this area.

There are well-known places and less touristy places, but Ticino is certainly much more than mountains, lakes, and elegant cities where time passes slowly. There are, for example, the many parks, which represent an ideal destination to spend a few hours or a whole day amidst nature, fun and history, suitable for families or for all those who are looking for the real Ticino.

Let us go on a virtual journey through the Ticino parks.

Sopraceneri

Camellia Park, Locarno

If you are in Locarno, you should not miss a tour to the Parco delle Camelie, also reachable on foot from the city center. It made me curious because I still did not know it, so I decided to visit it. The park was inaugurated in 2005 and quickly became an international attraction. Obviously, it is dedicated to different camellias species that bloom for most of the year, always offering a different show.

I was attracted by the silence and the colors of this place, enjoying a relaxed afternoon, and browsing among the camellias looking for my favorite. I was unable to choose, but I reached the amphitheater located in the highest part, and from there, I enjoyed the wonderful views.

www.ticino.ch

Gambarogno Park, San Nazzaro-Vairano

Starting from Vairano, I reached the Gambarogno Park, which I highly recommend if you love all kind of plants, even the winter ones, because you can visit it all year round. Obviously, if you go there in spring as I did, you will have a glimpse of many flowering species, including azaleas, camellias, oleanders, and citrus trees, to name a few.

The park has a huge surface, about 20’000 square meters and extends upwards with beautiful Lake Maggiore views, Locarno and the mountains. I have been there several times, and it is surprising each time. I highly recommend it, especially if you have children, as it is huge and uncrowded. Admission is subject to a fee, but it is worth it.

www.ticino.ch

Sottoceneri

Scherrer Park, Morcote

Reachable in a few minutes' walk from the center of Morcote, it offers a magnificent panoramic lake view and is spread over a series of terraces, each of which allowed me to have a different view.

Visiting this park, it seems to cross the world without leaving Morcote. You will find reproductions of oriental temples, Renaissance gardens and exotic plants from various continents. It is a real paradise corner, whose realization is due to the owner's passion for travel.

In fact, at the beginning of the twentieth century, Arthur Scherrer wanted to buy the land to create a park where to reproduce what he had seen and appreciated during his business trips. I walked along the paths towards the highest area without feeling tired, and I could admire hidden corners, statues, and fountains.

www.morcoteturismo.ch

San Grato Park, Lugano

I cannot fail to mention the San Grato Park, which has one of the largest azaleas, rhododendrons, and conifers collections in Europe.

The first thing that will strike you is the magnificent view, as happened to me, because the park is almost 700 m high and dominates the surrounding landscape, ranging up to the most important Alpine peaks. Strolling in the park almost seems to immerse yourself in a parallel world, out of everything and everyone. There are various thematic trails to follow, such as the panoramic one, the sensory one and the relaxing one. You may not believe it, but I made them all! There are well-equipped spaces for picnics and a play area for children. The sensory path is practiced barefoot and is a further possibility to stay in contact with nature. It is poorly signposted, so if you visit San Grato, do not forget to look for it. It is located right near the children's playground.

www.parcosangrato.ch

Ciani Park, Lugano

It is difficult to believe that just a few steps from Lugano's chaotic center, there can be such a quiet corner as the Parco Ciani, one of the most beautiful not only in Ticino but in all of Switzerland.

It is the city's reference point, a favorite destination for inhabitants and tourists who take relaxing moments walking among the trees and the greenery of this place that extends for over 63'000 square meters. I have been there many times in different seasons, and it is always wonderful; there is an area for children, benches, tools for sports and jogging paths.

Parco Ciani offers beautiful views of the lake and the villages that overlook it; it is preferable to stay until sunset when the landscapes become romantic.

www.ticino.ch

Park of Breggia Gorges, Morbio Inferiore

I want to end my review on the Ticino parks with the Parco delle Gole della Breggia, which is a bit different from those described above since it is a large part of the Muggio Valley and is extending for over 65 hectares between the territories of Morbio, Balerna and Castel San Pietro, following the course of the Breggia river, carved over millions of years.

In this case, the visit should be planned and organized because there is really a lot to see, both from a geological and historical perspective. You will have the opportunity to admire some evidence of ancient production activities and historic mills, or you can choose a geo- paleontological path in search of fossils and rocks or, again, dedicate yourself to food and wine tours. You can believe me, which is just the beginning because there is much more, and it will be a memorable day.

www.parcobreggia.ch