I'm travelling to Ticino and am wondering which is the prettiest / most romantic town to stay in for the countryside, ancient architecture, hotels, shops, walking, restaurants, etc? I've heard Lugano is beautiful - is this better than Locarno or vice versa? Or is there somewhere else?!?
Welcoming your ideas!
Starburst
Ascona's countryside and the lake are wonderful, but for ancient architecture have a look at the Unesco world Heritage town Bellinzona:
http://www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
Edited by: Alpen
True Alpen, but I would stay in Ascona and day trip to Bellinzona. Not stay in Bellinzona and day trip to Ascona. Would you agree?
The countryside is great everywhere in southern Ticino. It doesn't matter wheter you stay in a town (Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno or in one of the many romantic villages like Gandria, Morcote, Carona, Cademario, Caslano, Ponte Tresa, Brissago, Ronco sopa Ascona, Ascona, Piazzogna, Intragna, Tegna, Verscio ......
They all have excellent train or bus connections to the 3 towns.
Have a look at:
http://www.ticino.ch/
http://www.maggiore.ch/
http://www.mendrisioturismo.ch/
http://www.lugano.ch/en/