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Ticino advice needed

Posted by (Albany, NY) on

Although I have been to Lugano Center and Monte Bre in the past, this August, I am staying for 4 nights based in Lugano to take advantage of the Ticino Ticket for free public transportation and discounts at attractions. I also love the mix of the Italian and Swiss culture in Ticino.

I will be arriving on a Thursday afternoon, around 15:30. I depart very early on a Monday morning. I will not rent a car. I am looking for suggestions on "must do" activities. I am traveling "solo" and am not in very good shape right now so hiking or steep inclines are probably not a good option for me. I love good food, wine. I have a list of possibilities but the people on these forums always have good advice and interesting opinions :-). I am not much into museums but I am a photographer so amazing scenery is always welcomed.

By the way...I am an early riser but not much of a night person. I will be renting a small apartment with a kitchenette. Thank you in advance for your help.

Posted by
27214 posts

I have twice enjoyed the Centovalli train from Locarno to Domodossola, Italy. I don't know whether you could figure out a loop trip or would need to double back. I first saw the train mentioned on a list of Europe's most scenic rail lines.

The postbus up the Valle Verzasca takes in very nice scenery. It departs from Locarno.

The small towns of Morcote and Gandria, both near Lugano, are picturesque. They were rather touristy even in the 1990s, however.

Posted by
3177 posts

You could visit the 3 castles in Bellinzona. Enjoy a pizza at the Croce Federale, stroll the Saturday morning market, enjoy a gelato across from the train station.

Posted by
50 posts

Or you could take cable cars and chairlifts from Locarno up to Cardada / Cimetta for great views.

Posted by
238 posts

Great suggestions! Definitely want to include most of those places, especially the Saturday market in Bellinzona. I was actually hoping to stay in Bellinzona but could not find a place with a kitchenette that also offered the Ticino Ticket. Only certain hotels and guest houses offer the ticket.

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