Ticino: the sunny canton of Switzerland

Ticino, this unique region in Switzerland, is quite different from the usual image of the country with its high mountains. Located in the southern part of the country, it is surrounded by Italian lands, which shapes its atmosphere, language, and culture, making it entirely Italian-speaking. The canton is divided into eight districts, including Lugano and Locarno, which have occasionally served as administrative centers.

History and Environment

The territory of Ticino was acquired by Switzerland in the 15th century, and since then the region has developed under the influence of Italian culture and the Mediterranean climate. influenced by Italian culture and the Mediterranean climate. This is reflected in its gastronomy, its way of life and its extensive railroad network, which facilitates travel between cities such as Bellinzona and Locarno.

How to get there

For traveling to Ticino from Russia, the most convenient option is to fly with a layover in Zurich, after which you can reach Lugano. It's important to note that Ticino is the sunniest canton in Switzerland due to its Mediterranean climate, making it attractive to tourists year-round.

Ticino Canton: A Unique Swiss Region

The canton of Ticino, located in the southernmost region of Switzerland, is distinguished by its unique geography. This land is considered one of the most picturesque due to its diverse landscapes: mountains, hills, and valleys covered in lush greenery. Every corner of the canton is infused with Alpine charm, yet the climate here is significantly milder compared to other Swiss regions.

Ticino is famous for its sunny days - about 2300 hours a year, which significantly exceeds the average for other places, such as Zurich.

Switzerland's Sun Room

This canton is also known as Sonnenstube ("the sunniest room") for its warm and sunny climate. The extraordinary number of sunny hours makes this area particularly attractive for living and recreation. In Ticino, one can observe frequent storms and lightning, which are considered some of the most intense in Europe.

High-Quality Education and Wonderful Cuisine

Education in this canton is of a high standard due to the numerous international schools and universities, making it attractive for families with children.

The cuisine of Ticino, cucina ticinese, is truly unique and full of Italian influences. From minestrone to risotto and polenta with meat, local dishes delight with the freshness of ingredients and the preservation of natural flavors. The wines produced here are renowned worldwide for their quality and taste, with the famous Merlot leading the way.

The paradise of Lake Maggiore

The Lake Maggiore region attracts affluent Europeans with its picturesque and luxurious appearance. Locarno and Ascona, which are major resorts by the lake, are true gems of this amazing corner of Switzerland.

Attractive cities by the lakeside

The picturesque towns on the shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano offer unique opportunities for living and recreation, thanks to their stunning landscapes and mild climate. Real estate in these areas is in high demand, especially homes with views of the water. Prices for luxury mansions in the famous resort town of Ascona can reach up to €20.1 million, while the best apartments are sold for €13,700 to €22,800 per square meter. Currently, new residential projects are actively being developed in Ascona to meet international demand.

Ideal options for investments

Locarno County is an excellent choice for investors, as local real estate will always be in demand and prices will continue to rise. will always be in demand and prices will continue to rise. Many Russians prefer the city of Lugano and its surroundings. neighborhoods. The real estate market in the Lake Lugano area is booming due to low interest rates, which creates unique opportunities for investors. rates, which creates a unique opportunity to buy a second home in this beautiful region.

Trends in the real estate market

According to Engel & Völkers, premium properties in Lugano are trending towards becoming more affordable, while similar properties in Ascona are expected to increase in value in the coming years. It is worth noting that real estate market specialists in Ticino set their own rates for services. Local agents charge a commission of 5-6% of the property's value, while developers rarely indicate the final price in new constructions.

Challenges of buying real estate in Switzerland

It is important to know that the process of purchasing real estate in Switzerland is complicated by the need to obtain housing quotas, which foreigners can only acquire in certain areas of the country.

Buying real estate in the canton of Ticino

Every year, about 195 quotas are allocated for purchasing real estate in the canton of Ticino. If they run out, potential buyers will have to wait until the next distribution. The notary submits an application for purchase permission after the property is selected and a deposit is made.

Purchasing real estate in Ticino will cost the buyer between 4 and 4.5% of the value in taxes and and related expenses. Operating costs are approximately 1 to 1.5% per year, including taxes.

Locarno District

The Locarno region is attractive for investments, especially the cities of Locarno and Ascona. Locarno is famous for its camellias and other plants that bloom from early spring. There are nine national heritage sites here, including three churches.

Life in Locarno and Ascona

The international film festival brings life to Locarno, while Ascona is known for its annual jazz festival. With 2300 hours of sunshine a year, Ascona is one of the sunniest cities in the canton. The city has 11 national heritage sites, including religious buildings.

Real estate market in Locarno and Ascona

Most residential properties in Locarno and Ascona consist of three-room apartments. The price of standard villas ranges from 1 to 2 million Swiss francs in Ascona and from 4 to 8 million for premium class.

• Prices for apartments start from 5000 to 7000 francs per square meter.
• Land prices range from 1000 to 3500 francs.
• The secondary market offers apartments starting from 550,000 francs in Ascona.

Lugano

Lugano, the administrative center of the canton of Lugano, is in high demand. The picturesque city, with its Mediterranean climate and exotic vegetation, creates a unique atmosphere of Southern Europe.

Lugano and Its Surroundings: Italian Charm and Quality of Life

Lugano and its surroundings offer the perfect blend of Italian charm, safety, and stability, making this region attractive for living and leisure. One of the most appealing cities here is Lugano, known for its developed infrastructure and stunning views of the lake.

Another gem of the region is Morcote, where you can enjoy stunning panoramas of the of the lake. Montagnola is considered an equally prestigious neighborhood, thanks to its proximity to the prestigious American school of Tasis. The area offers exceptionally expensive premium real estate.

Prestigious Areas in Lugano and Surroundings

The Castagnola area, located on the northern shore of Lake Lugano at the foot of Mount Brè, is also renowned for its appeal. Housing prices here start at 10,500 Swiss francs per square meter, which is on par with Locarno. Villas are slightly cheaper than in Ascona, while apartments are a bit more expensive. Luxury villas range from 4 to 15 million Swiss francs.

Diversity of Offers in the Real Estate Market

The variety of offerings in the real estate market includes studios on the secondary market, with prices starting at 600,000 francs. The rent for an apartment of about 200 square meters with four bedrooms near the Tasis school is 4,800 per month.

Benefits of Lugano and its surroundings

Lugano is a place where you can enjoy comfort, nature, and appreciate the safety and stability of life, making it an ideal choice for both permanent residence and vacation.

Conclusions

After studying the Ticino region, I concluded that it is a unique place where Swiss precision and Italian passion merge. This sunny canton, with its emerald rivers and warm climate, impresses with its vibrant colors and diverse natural landscapes. The pride of this mountainous region includes lakes, palm trees, and orange trees that can be found alongside snow-capped peaks.

When talking about a trip to Ticino, it's worth noting the well-developed transportation infrastructure, comfortable train routes, and suggesting possible options for traveling to this amazing corner of Switzerland to your readers. Comfortable flights from Moscow to Lugano will make the journey accessible and convenient, while the local cuisine will delight with its freshness and variety of flavors.

It is also worth mentioning the various opportunities for children's education in international schools and prestigious universities. The incredible combination of nature and culture makes Ticino an attractive place for living, vacationing, and investing in real estate. I recommend this amazing canton in the heart of Europe to anyone looking for a holiday spot amidst picturesque landscapes and a comfortable climate.