7 Must-Visit Villages in Ticino, Switzerland

Looking for the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, but with a touch of Italian charm? Welcome to Ticino, the sunniest region in the country, where mountain landscapes, lakeside villages, and Mediterranean culture come together in one beautiful destination.

While most visitors head straight to Lugano or Locarno, it’s the small villages of Ticino that offer something truly special. Scattered between lakes, hills, and remote valleys, these peaceful places invite you to slow down and soak in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and. If you’re planning a trip to southern Switzerland, these 7 must-visit villages in Ticino are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Morcote

Morcote

Let’s start with a classic: Morcote. Once voted the most beautiful village in Switzerland, it’s easy to see why. Set on the shores of Lake Lugano, it boasts a dreamy lakeside promenade, narrow cobbled alleys, and the stunning Santa Maria del Sasso Church perched high above the village.

You’ll also find a scenic swing overlooking the lake and the Parco Scherrer, a botanical garden with architecture from around the world.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Morcote is about 30 minutes from Lugano and easily reachable by public transport or car. Take the train to Melide, then continue by bus (line 431). In warmer months, boats also connect Lugano to Morcote. There’s a public parking area near the historic center, and the village is well connected for both drivers and non-drivers.

Gandria, Lugano

Gandria

A charming fishing village clinging to the mountain, Gandria looks like a postcard brought to life. It sits right on Lake Lugano, and getting there by boat is part of the magic. Once you arrive, lose yourself in the labyrinth of stone alleys, and enjoy a quick snack at Bouganville or an aperitivo at Bottega di Gandria.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Gandria is just 15 minutes from Lugano by bus (line 490), but the most scenic option is by boat: it gives you the best first impression of the village from the water. You can also walk back along the Olive Trail, a panoramic lakeside path starting in Castagnola.
      Our tip: arrive by boat, return on foot.

Foroglio, heart of the village

Foroglio

Tucked away in the wild Bavona Valley, Foroglio is one of Ticino’s most fairytale-like villages. Its old stone houses, narrow paths, and lush setting are magical,  and the roaring Foroglio waterfall adds a dramatic backdrop.

Best photo spot: Frame the waterfall with the Romanesque church for that perfect mountain moment.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Foroglio is located in the Bavona Valley and is best reached by car (there's a big parking lot). In summer, there’s also a PostBus service: Bus 315 from Locarno, towards Bignasco + Bus 333 from Bignasco, towards San Carlo, though schedules are limited — check ahead.

Giornico

Giornico

History lovers, take note: Giornico is full of medieval charm. Located in the Leventina Valley, this village features seven Romanesque churches, two 16th-century stone bridges, and vineyards that hug the hillsides.

Visit the beautiful Casa Stanga, home to the Leventina Museum, and enjoy a walk across the old bridges to a little island in the middle of the Ticino River.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Giornico lies in the Leventina Valley and is easy to reach by train. From Bellinzona, take the regional train to Bodio or Lavorgo, then walk or take a short bus ride (line 120).

Moghegno

In the lower Maggia Valley, Moghegno is an authentic Ticino village known for its seasonal charm. In autumn, locals gather for the traditional “scarico della grà”, when chestnuts are removed from the stone structures once used to dry them. Chestnuts were once a vital food source in Ticino and Moghegno celebrates that history with rustic charm.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Moghegno is in the lower Maggia Valley, about 15 minutes by car or PostBus from Locarno (line 315). It's a good base for exploring nearby villages or going on autumn hikes.

Brontallo

Brontallo is the first village in the Lavizzara Valley, a lesser-known side valley of Vallemaggia. Its houses are built in terraces on the steep mountainside, offering breathtaking views and a timeless atmosphere. It’s a peaceful spot to experience rural traditions and slow down.

Nearby highlight: Visit the Ponte della Merla, an ancient Roman bridge hidden in the nearby forest.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Brontallo is quite remote and best reached by car, though it’s also accessible by public transport in summer. Take the PostBus from Bignasco (line 315), then transfer to line 334 for the final stretch to the village. The road winds through the mountains — expect narrow curves and great views along the way.

Meride

Nestled at the foot of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fossils, Meride is a beautifully restored village surrounded by vineyards. Stop for a glass of wine or a bite at the Locanda San Silvestro, and don’t miss the Fossil Museum, designed by famed Swiss architect Mario Botta.

  • 📍How to get there

    • Meride is located near Mendrisio and is accessible by bus (line 524) from the Mendrisio train station. If you’re driving, there’s parking at the village entrance. Combine the visit with a walk on Monte San Giorgio

Ticino’s villages offer more than just scenic beauty, hey’re vibrant snapshots of Swiss-Italian culture, where you can wander through centuries of history, savor local traditions, and take in a landscape where the Alps meet the Mediterranean.

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