'''Ticino''' [http://www.ticino.ch] is an italian speaking region in Switzerland.
It's in the south of the country, it bords on Valais, Uri, Graubunden ant on the north of Italy
Cities
Bellinzona - the capital of the canton.
Lugano- is the only real city in the canton, with a pleasant waterfront, stunning lake views and steep hillsides. thumb|150px|Arial view of Lake Lugano
Locarno
Ascona- known sometimes as the swiss riviera.
Mendrisio
Chiasso -the last town in Switzerland, is surrounded on three sides by Italy
Touristic regions
Bellinzona e alto Ticino [http://bellinzonaealto.ticino.ch/?lang=en]
The regions of Bellinzona and Upper Ticino are worth more than just a fleeting visit. For the receptive and curious traveller there is so much to discover: steep and winding valleys, high blue skies and famous peaks stretching to infinity.Then there is the river, snaking its way across the green valley floor, sometimes peaceful, sometimes like a tiger in a gilded cage.This treasure casket of natural beauty is there for the taking only if you are able to conjure up the key by breathing in the fragrance of the earth. With almost female fickleness, this region, so rich in history and tradition if only one reaches out to touch it, provides a tranquil haven for the spirit, whilst shamelessly accommodating futuristic civil engineering construction sites.
<br>It is a region that is serious enough to be home to cutting-edge scientific research, but frivolous enough to let its hair down during the centuries old Carnival celebrations, when colourful costumes and masks fill the streets or animate the Ambrosian processions. Each season brings with it some new delight: hiking along ancient paths, skiing down immaculate white slopes, the awakening of nature in spring and the warm and bountiful autumns. A region to savour seated at wooden tables under ancient chestnut trees at a traditional "grotto", where the rocky hillside affords some cool respite from the sun and where the proprietor will serve you locally produced cold cuts and wines, and jealously guarded specialities.
<br>A region, however, where a more noble culinary tradition also flourishes for the delectation of more refined palates.A region whose earth is bathed by thousands of streams and produces the precious liquid nectar that makes its way into the wine cellars Bellinzona and upper Ticino, where it feels good to be alive.
Lago di Lugano [http://lagolugano.ticino.ch/?lang=en]
Lugano lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints.
<br>The traffic-free historic town centre, the numerous buildings in Italianate Lombardy style, the exclusive museums, the mountains, lake and a packed calendar of events all invite visitors to see the sights, soak up the atmosphere ? and enjoy "dolce far niente". Thanks to its mild climate, Lugano is a popular tourist destination in the spring when the camellias are in bloom.
<br>The town centre with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, and numerous parks with sub-tropical plants such as the Parco Civico on the shores of the lake invite you to laze around, enjoying the atmosphere. By the lakeside promenade are the Belvedere Gardens, where the parkland boasts not only camellias and magnolias but also countless sub-tropical plants and modern works of art.
<br>Art connoisseurs are attracted to this city of art and architecture by the high standard of the exhibitions it hosts.
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Lago Maggiore e valli [http://maggioreevalli.ticino.ch/?lang=en]
Lake Maggiore and its valleys are alpine landscapes that merge into typically Mediterranean scenery, where popular traditions are combined with internationally renowned events, and villages, in which time seems to have stood still, peep down from their lofty peaks on towns that are looking to the future.
<br><br>A microcosmos with thousands of opportunities to spend a unique holiday or a long vacation - for all those who descend from up north or arrive from the south.
<br>Fascinating contrasts that make this a unique region.
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Accomodation
'''Hotels''' [http://www.ticino.ch/3/hotel_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1100]
Whether it's a five star hotel by the lakeside, or a little pension at the bottom of the valley, a modern establishment with every possible luxury or an old renovated inn, an exclusive hotel or a simple guesthouse: the choice is huge. What doesn't change is the willingness to help and the warm welcome, because guests are always welcome in Ticino!
'''Holiday houses''' [http://www.ticino.ch/5/house_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1200]
A holiday in a house or apartment: the perfect solution for anyone looking for a very independent holiday! The ''rustici'', traditional, tastefully refurbished Ticinese houses, are particularly sought after. They can be found in the most convenient locations, especially in the traditional villages and valleys (book early!).
'''Campsites ''' [http://www.ticino.ch/7/campground_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1300]
Tourists on a camping holiday in Ticino will find convenience and quality, peace and fun. Various campsites are located right next to the lakes, while others can be found in the valleys (up to Acquacalda at 1750 metres in the Blenio Valley). Ticino has around fifty campsites, including several that have been judged to be among the best in Switzerland by international guidebooks. In particular, Tenero on Lake Maggiore is well-known for its high-class campsites.
'''Hostels''' [http://www.ticino.ch/11/youthhostel_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1400]
Hostels are ideal for groups, students, and large families, but also for anyone looking for a holiday that is a little out of the ordinary. You opt for simplicity and spend little, without missing out on the warm Ticinese welcome! In Bellinzona, Locarno (Lake Maggiore), Figino (Lake Lugano) and Savosa (Lugano), you will find the official Youth Hostels, members of the Swiss Youth Hostel Association (Youth Hostelling International).
'''Huts''' [http://www.ticino.ch/6/alpinehut_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1500]
The starting and/or finishing point for excursions into the mountains, and a very useful place to stop when trekking, the Alpine huts of Ticino, numbering around eighty, offer you accommodation at high altitudes in a unique atmosphere. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the mountains of Ticino to the full.
Because of the unusual nature of this type of accommodation, we recommend that you always obtain information in good time about the conditions of your stay (keys, availability of beds).
'''Agritourism''' [http://www.ticino.ch/agriturismo/agriturismo.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_1600]
Nature, gastronomy, rural culture: the country guest houses and farms (agriturismi) offer relaxing, yet stimulating and unusual holidays, in touch with the agricultural world. Local produce is served (milk, butter, cheese, cold meats, vegetables, fruit and honey) and you can watch the seasonal work being carried out. It is a way of finding out about the traditional farming lifestyle and experiencing a holiday surrounded by nature and animals.
Gastronomy
'''Restaurants''' [http://www.ticino.ch/4/restaurant_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_4100]
Ticino pays tribute to Mediterranean style cuisine: proof of this is the number of restaurants that have been awarded stars, chef's hats and forks by the top restaurant guides. Its tradition of great chefs dates back to the Middle Ages (in the 15th century, Martino from Blenio was the chef for the Sforza family of Milan). Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Josef Favre (founder of the Academie Culinaire de France) commanded the kitchens of the Park Hotel at Lugano. In recent decades, we have witnessed the success of Angelo Conti Rossini and other excellent chefs who have received various awards. Not just haute cuisine, though: it is mainly local dishes that are served in the typical inns and taverns of Ticino. These dishes make the most of the region's produce, and are hard to find anywhere else.
'''Wines and cellars ''' [http://www.ticino.ch/ricette/viniCantine.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_4300]
Ticino, a land of vineyards lying on sunny hillsides that produce great wines.
Merlot del Ticino is becoming a top name in the global spectrum of quality wines. This is partly due to careful, experienced producers and to an age-old tradition. Merlot del Ticino will actually celebrate its centenary in 2006.
'''Agro-product''' [http://www.ticino.ch/ricette/agroalimentare.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_4500]
A tree with real fruit: characteristic products...In a distance of just over one hundred kilometers, the Canton of Ticino spans the entirety of European climates and landscapes and offers a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity. With its roots in such fertile ground, authenticity is the life force of this luxuriant tree. On its leaves, succulent and mature fruits hang, able to satisfy not only the tourists.
Indeed, to the modern traveler, there appears a basket full of wonderful surprises: "The succulent fruit of the Ticino tree".
Experience in Ticino
Ticino is a landmark for culture and sport, with events on an international scale. Throughout the year, various types of events are held in the region: music and film festivals, concerts, sporting events and shows enliven the cultural life of Ticino and add an extra dimension to visitors' holidays.
Top events [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/topEvents.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5100]
Events [http://www.ticino.ch/9/event_search.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5300]
Theatres and Concerts [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/teatri.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5310]
Routes [http://www.ticino.ch/sentieri/sentieri.jsp]
Sports [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/sport.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5500]
Museums [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/musei.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5600]
Architecture [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/architettura.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5700]
Other things that Ticino offers [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/altro.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5800]
Markets and shopping [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/mercatiShopping.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5850]
Tourist transport [http://www.ticino.ch/viviTicino/trasporti.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_5900]
Webcams
A look of Ticino with webcam's eyes.
Ascona [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=AS]
Bellinzona [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=BE]
Catto [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=CT]
Comano [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=Tv]
Locarno [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=LC]
Lugano [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=LU]
Monte Generoso [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=MG]
Vernate [http://www.ticino.ch/guardaTicino/webcam.jsp?lang=en&menuId=_3100&cam=VE]
Informations and contacts
Principals
'''Ticino Turismo'''
<br>Via Lugano 12
<br>P.O. Box 1441
<br>CH - 6501 Bellinzona
<br>Tel: +41 (0)91 825 70 56
<br>Fax: +41 (0)91 825 36 14
<br>email: info@ticino.ch
<br>Website:[http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24352&index=1&menuId=_7300<small>www.ticino.ch</small>]
'''Ticinoinfo SA'''
<br>Via Lugano 12
<br>6500 Bellinzona
<br>Tel: +41 91 821 53 33
<br>Fax: +41 91 825 36 14
<br>email: info@ticinoinfo.ch
<br>Website:[http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=73674&index=1&menuId=_7200<small>www.ticino.ch</small>]
More
Bellinzona Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24353&index=0&menuId=_7400]
Biasca e Riviera Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24354&index=1&menuId=_7400]
Blenio Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24355&index=2&menuId=_7400]
Ente Turistico Lago Maggiore [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24359&index=3&menuId=_7400]
Ente Turistico Tenero e Valle Verzasca [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24363&index=4&menuId=_7400]
Gambarogno Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24356&index=5&menuId=_7400]
Leventina Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24358&index=6&menuId=_7400]
Lugano Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24360&index=7&menuId=_7400]
Malcantone Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24361&index=8&menuId=_7400]
Mendrisiotto Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24362&index=9&menuId=_7400]
Vallemaggia Turismo [http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?lang=en&id=24364&index=11&menuId=_7400]
Data source
Ticino Turismo:[http://www.ticino.ch <small>Sito del turismo ticinese</small>]