Lake Maggiore is vacation center of the Ticino with the flatter land and the larger lake not to mention the small and very charming lake side village of Ascona.

Lake Maggiore has lived from tourism for over a hundred years, thanks to the many varied attractions of the region. By the end of the nineteenth century, tourist began choosing the area for their holidays, or their "cures". Since then it has developed steadily.

In the beginning there was only the Grand Hotel of Locarno-Muralto, and there are more than 200 today. The Peace Treaty signed in Locarno in 1925 established the towns international reputation as the "Town of Peace". The "Monte Verita" cultural movement brought numerous famous artists to the village of Ascona. The area progressed rapidly as a tourist center after the Second World War and has continued ever since. It offeres its guests a peacful holiday as well as a cultural one with plenty of sporting activities as well.

But despite its popularity as a vacation center for over a century, don't think it is overwhelmed by hoards of dayglow dressed "tourists" with fanny packs and cheap digital cameras. The area is restrained and quiet. Peaceful and relaxing with hours passed in water front cafes or just reading a book on a park bench with a view over the lake and mountains while the kids play on the swings and sail boats meander on the lake waters is what this town is all about.

But while Dad can club his way around the work class golf course with its links extending right up to the shore of the lake, Mom can walk into town and find designer shops for that little something to wear at dinner and the kids can explore the winding little streets.

One of the main attractions is the remarkable beauty of the landscape, typically alpine but blessed by a mild Mediterranean climate and luxuriant vegetation. With over 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, Lake Maggiore is Switzerland's sunniest area, with an average yearly temperature of 12.5 degrees C.

Rare species of flora have found ideal growing conditions. Palms and camellias, already in blossom while the slopes of Cimetta (5600 ft) are still hosting skiers, thrive amongst pines, firs and chestnut trees. The panorama from Cardada is breathtaking, embracing the vast expanse of the Alps and stretching to the Italian plains. It is the starting point for many delightful walks in the mountains or for hang-gliders with steel nerves.

Each of the alpine valleys in the area has its own unique character, offering a wide range of activities: trekking, walking or horseback-riding through the woods, past gushing streams of crystal clear mountain water, or to the peak of one of the highest mountains. There are alpine huts for a relaxing break and cosy "grottos" to enjoy the local specialities.

The Maggia Valley, the Val Bovona, the Val Rovana and Lavizzare, the Val Verzasca, the Val Onsernone and the Centovalli are worthy of special mention.

None of the attractions, however, can rival the lake. One can stroll along its scenic shores, enjoy all sorts of water sports like wind-surfing, sailing, canoeing, swimming, or just letting a tour boat show you the sights from its deck.

One can also take the daily ferries to the charming Italian towns such as Stresa or Luino which adorn it shores to the famous Brissago Island and Borromeo Islands with their interesting botanical gardens.

The region Lago Maggiore offers all year round a rich program of cultural and traditional events. Among the most important ones are the International Film Festival of Locarno, the Classical Music Weeks of Ascona, the International Festival of Organ-Recitals in Magadino, the "New Orleans Jazz Scone", the Tuition Marathon in Tenner, the exhibition "Came lie a Lo car no", Tuition Music Master Classes, the international horses jumping contest CSI in Ascona and many smaller events of local character.

Hugging the banks of pristine Lake Lugano and ringed about by tall green mountains, lovely Lugano is a city to fall in love in—and with. It may beat with the efficient heart of Switzerland, but it glows with the vivacious soul of Italy. You'd be hard pressed not to enjoy every minute of a relaxing vacation here. This major city of Ticino, the only Swiss canton on the south side of the Alps, is only 10 minutes away from the nearest Italian border and possesses a temperate climate that is unlike any in the rest of Switzerland.

It's amazing what about 2,300 hours of sunshine per year can do! Here, lining the streets and dotting beautifully manicured parks, palm trees coexist with soaring, artistically trimmed cypress pines so stunningly shaped you'll be left wondering how on earth they got that way!

Lugano also enjoys an social atmosphere markedly different from the rest of Switzerland. Italian influence is evident everywhere—in the art, culture, food, high fashion, friendliness, and, most conspicuously, the language. (You'll quickly find the street signs are in Italian and you'll be greeted by many hearty Bon Giorno's.) Although Switzerland's other two official languages, French and German, are widely understood and spoken when necessary, the region's official language is Italian, and it is spoken by 84% of the population. The good news is that due to the existence of several American schools and a high concentration of banking and international business ventures, most people also speak at least some English, so you'll get by no problem with an amusing hodge-podge of your native tongue, high-school French, and your extensive knowledge of Italian menu items.

Speaking of food... the dining experience in and around Lugano cannot be beat. If you love Italian food, you'll positively be in heaven; if you don't, you just may be converted. Aside from delectable fresh pasta and meat dishes, some would argue that the pizza here is better than in Italy. (Just don't tell that to the Italians!) Try a pizza quattro stagione, for a tempting plate-size pizza with different goodies in each of its four quadrants. Favorite foods from other regions of Switzerland can be had here, too, but with a lighter flair, and the international fare is great, too. The full-bodied Merlot del Ticino is a wonderful accompaniment to any meal, and this local wine is considered one of Switzerland's best.

The city is verdant year-round, but during the spring and summer, gem-like Lugano especially bustles in bright colors—emerald trees, cobalt water, amethyst flowers, and the rainbow of backpacks dotting the backs of the city's vibrant and and pleasant youth. The warm weather and lively lake breezes make a multitude of activities a special treat—from romantic walks to windsurfing, from pedal-boating to riding rented bikes, to. Spring arrives mid-March, but flowering trees and plants are not unusual to see in the winter months—nor palm trees covered in snow. If you're into shopping, you'll find that the best

designers have boutiques here. There's also great watches, shoes, eyeware, jewelry, and, of course, chocolates and intricate marzipan confections galore. In-between sprees you'll love sitting back with a steamy cappuccino and people-watching at one of the many cafés lining the city's main square, the Piazza della Riforma. The cafés are alive well into the evenings, after which point there's a host of cheerful or swanky bars and nightclubs to attend to the night owls among you.

The town's most important attraction is the Villa Favorita, home to the rich Thyssen-Bornemisza collection which focuses on European and American oil and watercolor paintings. The villa itself is a work of art, as are its lush gardens. There's also host of old churches in the region, many with medieval frescoes.

During the summer, Lugano is host to the increasingly acclaimed "Jazz Estival" (yes, no "F," but same idea), while nearby Locarno hosts an influential international film festival. Lugano was made for side trips, whether by bus, train, or ferry—all of which run on perfectly punctual Swiss time, are sparkling clean, and a pleasure to ride. Schedules are readily posted at the respective stops, and you can pick up copies of schedules at the main train station or on buses themselves.

A wonderful excursion destination is the unspoiled village of Gandria, literally built into the side of Monte Bre. Inaccessible to cars, you can either take a long walk all the way to this town of narrow cobblestone streets, ubiquitous stairs, charming shops, and excellent restaurants, or take a cab or a bus to just outside it. Other great spots to visit are the resort town of Melide, the traditional fishing village of Morcote, and Monte San Salvatore—Lugano's landmark 3000-foot mountain from whose summit you can enjoy an awesome panorama over Lugano, the lake, and a whole assortment of mountains.

Renting a car in this region is especially a pleasure, as the winding roads take you through town after little town of distinctive charm and picture-perfect beauty, either built into the vineyard-laden hills or spilling onto the banks of the lake. Mercedes taxis are also always quickly available at the several taxi stands in the city, and their knowledgeable drivers are more than happy to whisk you away in comfort and style to an attraction or restaurant in one of the many neighboring towns.

During your stay, definitely do take at least one boat trip on the lake by day. The scenery is breathtaking; don't forget your camera and you won't need to buy any postcards. The ferries have different itineraries; there are longer or shorter trips to suit your fancy, so while some hop from town to pretty town just on Lake Lugano, others continue on to the connecting Lake Como, whose gorgeous Italian towns explode into view with unforgettable blooms of fuschia and red.