Switzerland trip | Car trip Ticino at its best

Located on the northern shore of the stunning Lake Maggiore, the Italian-speaking resort town of Locarno is famous for its remarkably sunny weather. The town is blessed with a veritable treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. These include the Piazza Grande, the heart of the town centre and also the main shopping area; Castello Visconteo, a twelfth-century castle housing the fascinating Museo Civico, which showcases Roman antiquities; and a charming old town, Città Vecchia, complete with narrow cobbled streets, lovely boutiques, excellent restaurants and cafés, and some quaint old buildings and churches. But the city’s most notable attraction is undoubtedly the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso, founded following an apparent apparition of the Virgin Mary. Situated above Locarno, in Orselina, it can be reached by a funicular railway and offers panoramic views of the city and the lake.

An enchanting mountain region that embodies the classic Swiss landscape, the Swiss Alps are characterised by snow-capped peaks towering over rolling valleys, glistening glacial lakes and charming small villages in the alpine landscape. As the ultimate winter destination, the Swiss Alps are synonymous with skiing in the numerous ski resorts, snowboarding and night markets illuminated by fairy lights. An unmissable highlight is the Matterhorn, a pyramid-shaped peak with almost symmetrical features that attract the admiring gaze of countless photographers. In summer, you can hike, cycle and hike along many trails, or enjoy the dramatic scenery with a much more relaxing excursion on the Gornergrat Bahn rack-and-pinion train. Socialise and enjoy in the restaurants, cafés and taverns of the many idyllic villages, including the popular Interlaken, Lucerne, Zermatt and Grindelwald for the ultimate postcard-perfect getaway.

Sandwiched between Germany, France, Italy and Austria, small, impressive Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, watches and, above all, its remarkably beautiful, natural landscapes. The towering snow-capped Swiss Alps make up 60 per cent of the country and offer visitors to the country a wide range of activities. Besides being a beautiful winter sports country with mostly exclusive ski resorts, Switzerland is also home to a host of beautiful cities. Consider the capital Bern, with its quaint medieval old town and ultramodern art; the chic city of Geneva, a sophisticated shopping paradise on Europe's largest lake; and, of course, uber-cool Zurich with its funky rooftop bars. Whatever your preference, Switzerland is the ultimate destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Morcote is situated on the southern shores of Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland and is a small lakeside village with a peaceful, refined atmosphere. Its character is defined by steep hills, waterside arcades and pastel-coloured houses reflected in the water. Visitors are drawn to the monumental stone staircase leading up to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, to leisurely strolls through the subtropical gardens of Parco Scherrer, and to peaceful boat trips across the lake. Church bells ring out across the water, boats lap gently against the quay and warm southern light rests on terracotta roofs. Local grottos (traditional, rustic restaurants) serve polenta and Ticino wine, adding a touch of regional warmth. Morcote is quiet and compact, offering beauty, history and serenity rather than nightlife or metropolitan energy.

Carona lies in Switzerland’s Ticino canton, within the municipality of Lugano, and overlooks Lake Lugano. This tranquil and laid-back town is relatively secluded and boasts an extraordinary wealth of history. Highlights include St George’s Church, an incredible example of Baroque architecture with its striking façade and gorgeous frescoes. This picture-postcard town is characterised by colourful houses, charming street cafés and ancient sundials. Be sure to spend an idyllic day in the sun at the enchanting Parco San Grato botanical garden. Travellers visiting between June and October will be able to experience the spectacular CaronaImmagina open-air photography festival, when images adorn the ancient buildings.

The large and vibrant city of Lugano is situated in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, nestled in a beautiful bay on the northern shore of Lake Lugano. The city offers visitors an impressive selection of chic boutiques, trendy bars and bustling terraces lining the steep, cobbled streets. A maze of narrow alleyways winds through the historic centre, with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, down to the lakeshore and along the beautiful, flower-lined promenade. As the largest of Switzerland’s three leading lakeside resorts, Lugano surpasses Ascona and Locarno in terms of architecture, sophistication and the stunning surrounding landscape. With its Mediterranean charm, car-free historic centre and buildings in the Italian Lombard style (which house numerous exclusive museums), Lugano combines all the advantages of a cosmopolitan city with the charming atmosphere of a small historic town.

Bellinzona lies at the crossroads of several Alpine valleys in the southern canton of Ticino in Switzerland and is an impressive town that remains relatively free from mass tourism. The town’s main attractions are undoubtedly the three medieval castles built of grey stone that tower high above the historic centre. Montebello Castle, perhaps the most beautiful of the three, houses a fascinating municipal and archaeological museum. A stroll along the old city wall takes you to the Piazza della Collegiata, from where you can follow the San Michele path to Castelgrande, which features a spiral ramp allowing visitors to reach the summit directly from the square. Contrary to what its appearance might suggest, this Lombard town is anything but austere. The town’s lively market and the region’s most exuberant carnival are sure to delight even the most seasoned traveller.

Set against a majestic mountain backdrop on the sparkling shores of Lake Maggiore lies Minusio, a charming Italian-speaking town with a relaxed glamour and serene beauty in the district of Locarno. Begin your exploration with a visit to Minusio’s landmarks, which include the Ca’ Di Ferro and the Oratorio della Vergine dei Sette Dolori a Rivaplana, listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along a magnificent panoramic route from Minusio along Lake Maggiore, ending at the stunning Camellia Park. Other options include people-watching from the quaint cafés and restaurants in the Piazza Grande town square, or, for history enthusiasts, visiting the iconic Madonna del Sasso, a 15th-century sanctuary perched on a scenic rocky outcrop with awe-inspiring views of Lake Maggiore. Outdoor enthusiasts are inevitably drawn to the steep slopes and verdant beauty of the Verzasca Valley, adorned by sparkling waterfalls and the emerald-green waters of the Verzasca River.