Switzerland trip | Self-drive through beautiful Ticino

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ascona is situated in the south of Switzerland and is the country’s lowest-lying town. The town is known for its café-lined promenade along Lake Maggiore and its beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture. Explore the old town, visit the 16th-century Church of Saints Peter and Paul, or view works by Paul Klee and Alexej von Jawlensky at the Museum of Modern Art. Be sure to visit Monte Verità, where a colony of artists and intellectuals settled in the early 20th century; today it is a historic park and museum. Other highlights include sampling locally produced quality wines from the region, playing a round of golf on the beautiful 18-hole course at the Ascona Resort, and enjoying excellent shopping opportunities in the elegant boutiques lining the streets.

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.