Looking For an Italian Lakeside Retreat Without the Crowds? Head to This Gorgeous European Alternative

Tucked behind the southern edge of the Swiss Alps lies Ticino, the only Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. As the sunniest and warmest of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, Ticino offers a panorama of palm-fringed lakeshores, stunning mountain vistas, and romantic seaside villages. Merging Swiss precision with Italian flair, the region presents an authentic Italian lakeside retreat without setting foot in Italy.

While Italy’s famed destinations like Milan and Lake Como garner much attention, the nearby Ticino region, a mere one-hour drive away, retains an understated, less-commercialized allure. From the gentle chime of Romanesque church bells to the tranquil waters of two glacial lakes shared with Italy — Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore — Ticino’s serene setting remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Among the region’s historical treasures are the centuries-old Ponte Romano, constructed in 1578, and the medieval fortresses of Bellinzona, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Ticino’s largest city, Lugano, travelers can relish its scenic waterfront promenade, verdant outdoor spaces like Parco Ciani, and its vibrant old town. The Piazza della Riforma — a hub for various local festivities — is an excellent starting point for exploring this historic area and its pedestrian streets lined with everything from high-end boutiques to Swiss watchmakers and chocolatiers.

A short journey from Lugano leads to Morcote, often hailed as the most beautiful village in Switzerland. Climb the stairway to the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, wander through the monumental cemetery, and admire the Captain’s Tower. Morcote is also home to quaint cafés and the whimsical Parco Scherrer, a botanical garden with various sculptures, architectural replicas, and an array of plant species.

Whether sailing across Lake Lugano, soaking in sweeping vistas from mountaintops, or plunging into the refreshing waters, the region is best experienced from the water or near it. During warmer months, Lido di Lugano becomes a recreational hotspot due to its coveted sandy beachfront, lively bars, and four swimming pools. Several cruise and ferry options exist, including to neighboring Italy.

Take a scenic boat ride to Paradiso, where you can ascend by funicular to the top of Monte San Salvatore for postcard-worthy aerial vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Have lunch at Ristorante Vetta San Salvatore, perched on the summit, for more picturesque views and fine Italian dining.

Ticino’s culinary landscape is deeply intertwined with its pre-alpine and Lombard roots, resulting in a delectable array of traditional dishes such as Ticinese risotto, polenta, cured meats, mountain cheeses, and merlot wines. These culinary delicacies often grace the menus of family-run grottos like Grotto San Rocco, which have evolved from their original roles as food and wine storage sites into rustic taverns serving local fare.

Set against the backdrop of its natural beauty, Ticino is also renowned for its winemaking, with nearly 80 percent of the canton’s vineyards devoted to merlot grapes. One of the region’s premier wineries is Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a 150-hectare estate known for its organic and biodynamic vineyards, olive groves, and a historic castle dating back to 1100. Managed by the Gianini family for four generations, the winery has earned a distinguished reputation for its rosé, chardonnay, and unique white merlot wines. In addition to sampling the vineyard’s exceptional wines, travelers can enrich their experience by participating in special events like wine dinners and staying at the family’s luxurious boutique hotel, Relais Castello di Morcote, elegantly housed in a former convent.

Lugano offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including The View Lugano, whose modern design evokes the feeling of being on a yacht, and Resort Collina D’Oro, which features apartment-style suites and an expansive luxury spa. At Hotel Splendide Royal and Hotel International au Lac, travelers can enjoy upscale baroque and classical-inspired interiors at a prime location overlooking the lake, just a short walk from Lugano’s historic old town.