Discover the most scenic Ticino parks in autumn with golden forests and lakeside views!
Autumn in Ticino transforms this southern Swiss region into a painter’s palette of crimson, amber, and gold. As chestnut season begins and local harvest fairs pop up, Ticino’s parks offer a peaceful way to enjoy the mild weather and colourful landscapes. From the serene lakes of Lugano to the subtropical gardens of Lake Maggiore, here are some of the most beautiful parks to explore this season.
1. Tassino Park, Lugano
Why visit in autumn
Just a short walk from Lugano’s train station, Parco Tassino bursts into shades of gold and orange during autumn. Its century-old trees, quiet pathways, and panoramic pink tower make it one of the most photographed Ticino parks in autumn.
The pink tower and surrounding foliage at Tassino Park
What to see
- The 19th-century pink tower offers sweeping views of Monte Brè
- English-style lawns and Mediterranean plants create a unique seasonal contrast.
Travel Tip: Visit at sunset to watch the autumn light shimmer over the city and lake.
2. Villa Negroni & Parco Ciani, Lugano
Where nature meets elegance
At Villa Negroni Park, the refined Italian layout meets the relaxed English-garden style, ideal for a peaceful autumn walk. Nearby you can see Parco Ciani, Lugano’s most famous lakeside park, which glows with red and yellow foliage reflecting in the calm waters.
Highlight: Capture the city skyline mirrored in the lake framed by autumn leaves.
While you are at it, stroll through the centrally located yet serene Parco Ciani in the evening to see the luminescent city of Lugano reflected in the lake’s water.
3. Villa dei Cedri Park, Bellinzona
The 19th-century Villa dei Cedri is surrounded by oak, ash, and magnolia trees that turn the grounds into a golden canopy. Inside the villa, the contemporary art museum adds a cultural touch to your autumn escape.
Why visit in autumn
It’s one of the best places to combine heritage, nature, and tranquillity during autumn in Ticino.
4. Camellia Park, Locarno
An impressive 850 varieties of camellias and an even more impressive 9-month blooming period, along with labyrinthine paths and a stone amphitheatre with a calm naturalistic setting, definitely makes Camellia Park a gem to be discovered on your next visit to Locarno.
Camellia park, with its more than 800 varieties of camellias
5. Scherrer Park, Morcote
Located in the picturesque village of Morcote, this 20th-century park was carefully brought to life and expanded by Hermann Arther Scherrer. Numerous artefacts belonging to a variety of cultures and art periods, a dizzying variety of trees that are known to change their leaves into enchanting autumnal shades and intricately decorated facades at Scherrer Park make it an unmissable stop.
Exotic statues at Scherrer Park
6. Brissago Islands, Lake Maggiore
The last park on our list, but by no means the last one on your list to visit in Ticino, is the Brissago Islands near Ascona. Formed out of a combination of Isola Piccola and Isola Grande, the park is a total treat for exotic plant enthusiasts and is part of the Gardens of Switzerland network.
Azaleas, rhododendrons and more from East Asia, sage, rosemary and canarias from New Zealand as well as magnolias and agaves from Central America decorate this park near Ticino.
Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore
Summer lasts a little longer in this part of paradisiacal Switzerland, and the presence of the beautiful Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano gives Ticino a unique Mediterranean and an overall mild atmosphere for travellers to enjoy a vacation here any time of the year.
So, which little slice of heaven will you visit in Ticino next? Have a look at our best holiday homes near Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore.
