6 Stunning Spots on the Italian Side of Switzerland: A Perfect 2-Day Family Trip!
Enjoying Our Daughter’s First Birthday
Exploring the Italian side of Switzerland is an unforgettable experience, especially when you are traveling as a family. In October 2022, our daughter turned 1, and we decided to take a short trip to this beautiful region to mark the occasion. We were interested in exploring mostly Lugano and a little bit of Bellinzona. On Saturday evening, we drove from Zürich to our hotel in Lugano.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving at Lugano
- Via Train or Bus: Lugano is an easy ride away! Zip through Zurich, Milan, or Lucerne by rail or bus. Plan your route and grab your tickets on Busbud here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Milan Malpensa or Zurich Airport to head straight into our stunning lakeside paradise. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Day 1: Stunning Nature and Panoramic Views in Lugano
1. Parco Gole della Breggia
On the first day, after a good night’s sleep, we drove to Parco Gole della Breggia. This is a natural park where we spent 90 minutes. The park was extremely stunning with views of the breathtaking Breggia River and a mini-waterfall. We came across detailed natural rock formations that enhanced the beauty of the surroundings. The route that we took was stroller friendly, and we had a lot of fun walking around the park.
2. Monte San Salvatore
The next place on our agenda was Monte San Salvatore. We bought the return funicular tickets for 32 CHF and arrived at the top via the funicular.
As soon as we arrived, we spotted the panorama terrace and went to enjoy the view. We experienced the breathtaking views of Lake Lugano along with the Alps. We had lunch at Ristorante Vetta San Salvatore, which also provided a panoramic view of the lake. After lunch, we walked outside and came across a playground where our daughter played a little. Afterwards, we took the funicular down and went back to our hotel to rest a little.
3. Parco Ciani
After spending two hours at the hotel and letting our daughter take a nap, we drove to Parco Ciani. The park is a major tourist destination and provides stunning views of Lake Lugano. We walked along the lake and, on spotting playgrounds, let our daughter have some fun. We spent an hour at the park, had dinner, and went back to the hotel.
Day 2: The Historic Castles of Bellinzona
On the second day, we were supposed to drive back to Zürich in the afternoon. We had heard lots of good things about the three Castles of Bellinzona and obviously could not miss them. The castles are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are known for their stunning architecture, picturesque views, and intricate designs.
4. Castello di Sasso Corbaro
We started our exploration at Castello di Sasso Corbaro. We spent half an hour at the castle and enjoyed the architecture as well as the stunning views of the town offered from the top.
5. Castello di Montebello
Then, we drove to Castello di Montebello, where we only spent 10 minutes. We did not find it as beautiful as the first castle.
6. Castel Grande
Lastly, we drove to the best one of the three, which is Castel Grande. This was the most beautiful and biggest of them all. We spent 30 minutes exploring the exterior of the castle. After visiting all three castles, we were really glad we had not skipped this activity. From Castel Grande, we started our drive back home.
Final Remarks
Our exploration of Lugano and Bellinzona was extremely laid-back, and we took breaks to accommodate our daughter’s naps. Although our pace was slow, we still had a lot of fun and fell in love with the Castles of Bellinzona and the panoramic views offered by Monte San Salvatore.
Loved our exploration of the Italian side of Switzerland? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Italian side of Switzerland family friendly?
Yes. This region is highly accommodating for families. Parks like Parco Gole della Breggia and Parco Ciani offer stroller-friendly paths and excellent playgrounds for young children.
How much does the Monte San Salvatore funicular cost?
The return funicular ticket costs 32 CHF. It provides quick access to the top for panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the Alps.
Can you visit all three Castles of Bellinzona in one day?
Absolutely. The castles are located close to each other. You can easily explore the highlights of Castello di Sasso Corbaro, Castello di Montebello, and Castel Grande within a few hours.
