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Essentials
Why not try...
- Local food - have a traditional lunch in the fishing village of Gandria - rabbit with polenta is a local favourite
- Culture - delve into the medieval castles of Bellinzona and Renaissance frescoes in Lugano
- Hire a bike - it's a popular destination for road and mountain biking
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So what's it like?
Walking
The Ticino region is a great walking destination, the varied terrain and the warm sunny climate equal more than the sum of the parts. Take a cruise on Lake Lugano to Gandria, a quaint fishing village and walk back to Lugano along the scenic Olive Tree Path. As the path climbs through the narrow streets you will weave your way out of the village before the path reveals the beauty of Lake Lugano and the surrounding woodland. From Locarno use the lift system to reach the summit and enjoy spectacular views as you walk back down to the top Cardada cable car station. Enticing mountain restaurants offering rustic cuisine and superb views will turn this hour walk into a whole afternoon of leisure.
Why not try -- lunch in a lakeside restaurant in Gandria - polenta is the peasant classic
- take a trip on the Centovalli line, discover lush green woodland walks
- walking in the Verzasca Valley, check out the towering dam before travelling up the valley for peaceful walks and a medieval style bridge
Culture
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fresh Italian coffee and homemade ice cream in one of the many cafés.
If art is your thing, Lugano will appeal, with various sculptures staring out to the lake and an expansive art museum. The star attraction, however, has to be the church of 'Santa Maria degli Angeli'. With 500 year old fresco paintings by Leonardo da Vinci's protégé, Bernardino Luini, you'll be amazed by the magnitude and quality of his version of Christ's Passion and his interpretation of the Last Supper. Make use of the fantastic sunny climate and join the locals in one of the many relaxing lidos around the lakes. The Locarno Lido has been given a makeover, offering you an enticing lawn to lay your towel and a safe swimming area in the lake. If the lake water is a bit on the nippy side for you, there are heated swimming pools with relaxing bubbles and jets - plus water slides for the big kid in you. Why not try -- a visit to the botanical gardens on the island of Brissago
- a trip to Bellinzona, the region's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site
- a guided tour around Locarno on an electric bike or a Segaway