The most beautiful parks in Ticino

Magadino Plain Park

A paradise for nature lovers

The park stretches across the widest plain in the canton of Ticino and connects Bellinzona with Lake Maggiore. It covers an area of 2,350 hectares and is the only largely unspoiled estuary of the River Ticino on the southern edge of the Alps. The park area is divided between agricultural land and purely natural areas, including the famous and protected marshes of the Bolle di Magadino. Rare bird species such as the marsh warbler, hoopoe and little owl live here. The diverse park area is of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity in the canton and can be easily reached and traversed on foot or by bike. The southern part of the Bolle is accessible from Magadino, the northern part from Gordola on marked trails.

Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo to Cadenazzo and on to Magadino-Vira

Park Villa dei Cedri

Pure romance

The Villa dei Cedri, the municipal museum of modern and contemporary art in Bellinzona, is surrounded by a picturesque park. The “English Garden” with its predominantly evergreen tree species in the middle of the city is a classic example of the 18th century's penchant for symmetry. The park-like garden with its sculptures of modern art is an ideal extension of the museum grounds. The “Italian Garden” at the rear of the building blossoms around its fountain, while the red and white Merlot grapes of the city of Bellinzona thrive in the extensive vineyard.

Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo to Bellinzona

Gardens of Locarno/Muralto and walk to Tenero

Enchanting lakeshore

The colorful and lush garden with plants and enchanting flower beds from all over the world is located directly on the lake. If you walk in a northerly direction, the garden ends after about 500 meters. However, it is worth continuing along the lakeshore, initially accompanied by various types of palm trees and exotic trees, until you reach Via alla Riva. There, the path briefly separates from the lake and then leads back into the natural shore area with huge, ancient plane trees to the northern end of Lake Maggiore. A small road, some of which leads past charming rustic farmhouses, continues to Tenero (approx. 3.6 km).

Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo to Locarno

Lake promenade of Locarno

Jewel on the lake

Anyone arriving in Locarno on the Treno Gottardo immediately breathes southern flair and feels the call of Lake Maggiore. It is easy to overlook the well-kept parks of the Lungolago, such as the Giardini Rusca above the boat landing stage with its numerous palm beds. Almost next door, behind the casino, is the magnolia-rich Giardini Pioda. Along the lakeside promenade to the south, the shady lime trees accompany us, leading us after about a kilometer to a small jewel directly on the lake, the Giardini Jean Arp, where sensual sculptures are spread across the wide lawn.

Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo to Locarno

Camellia Park

Splendor of color

The Parco delle Camelie in Locarno was opened in March 2005 on the occasion of the congress of the International Camellia Society and extends over 10,000 square meters directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore. More than 1100 camellia species thrive in this botanical jewel, blooming for many months and transforming the park into a colorful paradise.

The amphitheater built with stones from the Maggia Valley, which offers a magnificent view of the lake, is a particular eye-catcher. It frames the park's largest flowerbed, which is dedicated to fragrant camellias.

Every year, the “Camelie Locarno” event attracts numerous plant lovers - one of the most important camellia exhibitions in Europe, where over 200 varieties are presented. The next edition will take place from March 19 to 23, 2025.

Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo to Locarno

Monte Verità

Hills of true idyll

Monte Verità (Hill of Truth) with its extensive woodland and parkland extends over 7 hectares above Ascona and offers an enchanting view of the Ticino valleys and Lake Maggiore. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century by an alternative scene, it attracted artists, philosophers, politicians and thinkers who wanted to translate the unity of soul, spirit and body into lived “truth”. It has since become a modern hotel with an ETH conference center. The extensive, well-kept park is open to the public, has a museum and cultural trail and features exotic plants along the park paths. The “Arcobaleno di Chiara” course, designed in the shape of a rainbow, is spectacular.

How to get there: take the Treno Gottardo to Locarno and continue to Ascona by bus (or boat in summer)