Melanie Bucher ~ European Freelance Writer
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  Ticino ~ The Swiss Riviera
by Melanie Bucher
 
With its balmy climate, sub-tropical flora, and glimmering turquoise lakes, it’s no wonder that the Swiss canton of Ticino is often dubbed the Swiss Riviera.  Yet Ticino has much more to offer than the characteristic sun and sand of the classic Mediterranean holiday spots.  From bustling cities, modern architectural splendours and superb shopping opportunities to languid lakeside villages, medieval churches and historical piazzas, there’s something to please everyone.  And just to remind you that you're still actually in Switzerland,  it's all showcased against a breathtaking backdrop of emerald hills,  rolling valleys and the famous Swiss Alps.
 
 
Where is it?

Ticino is the southern-most canton of Switzerland.  It's separated from the rest of the country by the Alps so takes a lot of its character from Italy, which surrounds it to the east, west and south.  Ticino's curious charm, however, is that it combines the best of both countries – the cleanliness and efficiency of the Swiss and the carefreeness and love of life of the Italians.

 
Where to stay 
 
Lugano is the largest city in Ticino and an ideal base for exploring the region.  Most of the hotels are located in the quiet Paradiso area of Lugano, which is only a ten-minute walk from the city centre.  Public transport links are also excellent. 
 
 
Best sightseeing

LUGANO Situated on the edge of Lago di Lugano, this vibrant city with its car-free centre is the perfect place to shop with everything from chic designer boutiques to mouth-watering pastry shops.  If the sun gets too hot, take a stroll through the shady gardens of the lakeside Parco Ciani with its colourful and fragrant display of sub-tropical vegetation. Villa Ciani next door exhibits works of art from the 15th to 20th centuries. 

 
SWISS MINIATUR This model village located in Melide shows the most picturesque features of Switzerland at a scale of 1:25.  It also boasts 18 working model railways that weave in and around the exhibition.  A fun day out for both kids and adults alike.
 
 
ASCONA With its languorous ambience, this former simple fishing town located on the shores of Lago Maggiore is the ideal place to recharge your batteries. Meander through the quaint, cobbled vias dotted with exclusive boutiques and craft shops before retreating to one of the outdoor restaurants on the lakeside piazza to simply enjoy watching life drift by. 
 
 
LAGO MAGGIORE There are numerous interesting boat trips that you can take on this enchanting lake, the north-east shores of which are located in Switzerland.  Don’t miss the botanical park on the Brissago Islands if you’re a nature lover. Boats also sail across into Italian waters as far as Stresa and the Borromean Islands.  Trips depart from Locarno and Ascona.
 
 
LOCARNO This charming town, parts of which were built in the Middle Ages, is famous for playing host to the annual International Film Festival.  The Piazza Grande is the heart of Locarno and it's here where the festival's open-air screenings take place every August.
 

Try it! 

Mountaineering!  Monte San Salvatore located in the Paradiso area of Lugano gives spectacular views of the lake, the Lombardic plain in Italy, the Savoy Alps in France and the famous Swiss Alps.  Fortunately, the clever Swiss have installed a funicular that whizzes you to the top of the 921m mountain within twelve minutes.  Sporty types can climb up the Via Ferrata on the cliff face (rock climbing using fixed metal aids), but remember to wear suitable footwear and protective clothing.
 
 
Beach life 
 
There are plenty of Lidos located along the shores of the two lakes, which are open from May to September.  If you’re travelling with children, check out the Lido of Lugano, which has not only an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a heated medium-sized pool, but two small kids’ pools too.  There’s also a bar and restaurant serving snacks, meals and refreshments.  Expect to pay around £2.50 entry fee.
 
 
Top nosh 

Ticinese gastronomy is typically Italian so you’ll find plenty of pasta and risotto dishes to tempt your palate.  For a taste of true Ticinese fare, visit a traditional Grotto - a simple, rural tavern where guests dine al fresco at stone tables under a pergola.  Each Grotto has its own specialities and although the menu is limited, the food is generally excellent. Try osso bucco, veal braised in a rich tomato sauce or polenta dal camino, polenta cooked in a big communal pot over an open fire.  The locally produced Merlot wine provides the perfect accompaniment. 

 
Don't go home without...
 
Designer clothes.  Pick up some great bargains at Foxtown, the factory outlet centre located in Mendrisio. It has 130 stores offering more than 200 international brands with all-year-round reductions from between 30% to 70%.   Choose from designer wear such as Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Versace and Prada amongst others. 


Your holiday 
 
Inghams Travel (020 8780 4433; www.inghams.co.uk) offers seven nights half-board at the Hotel International au Lac in the centre of the Paradiso area of Lugano from £667 per person.  Flights are from local airports to Zurich with a three-and-a-half-hour transfer by rail to Lugano.  Flight supplements may apply.
 
Alternatively, you can fly direct to Lugano airport with Darwin Airline (www.darwinairline.com) from London City Airport.  Expect to pay around £250 return including taxes. Accommodation in Lugano can also be booked via Darwin Airlines website or through Switzerland Tourism (00800 100 200 30; www.myswitzerland.com).
 
 
Five things to know 

1. The unit of currency is the Swiss Franc although Euro notes are widely accepted – change will be given in the local currency, however. 

2. The Swiss are multilingual – they have four national languages – and although Ticino’s local language is Italian, you can get by with English.

3. The Lugano Regional Pass offers unlimited travel for either three or seven days on local public transport, including discounted travel on cable lifts, trains and boat trips.  It can be bought at local tourist offices, train stations, travel agents and hotels.

4. Switzerland is not part of the EU so you can claim back VAT (7.6% in Switzerland) on your holiday purchases. You must buy goods to the value of Sfr.400 (£175) in one store in one day, however.  Ask for your Global Refund Cheque when making your purchases.

5. For information on Switzerland, log on to www.myswitzerland.com or call Switzerland Tourism on 00800 100 200 30.
 
* Prices correct at time of going to press.
 
 
© Melanie Bucher 2008