OK, let me tell you about a region that has completely stolen my heart for weekend getaways: Canton Ticino. And within Ticino, the Bellinzona region is an absolute standout. It’s literally the perfect destination if you’re looking for a mix of history, stunning nature and incredible food!
All wrapped up in that gorgeous Swiss-Italian charm and here is your guide to planning your next adventure!
Getting There: Easier Than You Think!
One of the best parts? It’s super accessible! From Zurich, you can zip down to Bellinzona in just about 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.
If you prefer a scenic drive, it’s roughly a 2-hour journey by car. Either way, you’ll be trading cityscapes for palm trees and castles before you know it!
Your Perfect Bellinzona Weekend Itinerary: My Personal Picks!
Here’s how I’d plan a fantastic 2-4 days to soak it all in! Icluding local hidden gems, the famous castle, regional delicacies and nature escapes. 2 days if you’re more into the fast travel pace and 4 if you prefer slow tourism. And of course you can mix and match the activities according to your preference.
Saturday: Castles, Culture & Culinary Delights in Bellinzona
If you visit on a Saturday I warmly recommend visiting the local market! (Its also there on most Wednesdays). But otherwise consider the first day planned all around immersing yourself in Bellinzona itself – and trust me, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason!
Morning Market & Ticinese Treats
Start your day by diving straight into the local market. This is where the magic happens! You’ll find all sorts of incredible Ticinese delicacies. Think hearty polenta, delicious local salumi, risotto, and of course, fantastic local wine. It’s the perfect way to taste the region and get a feel for the vibrant local life. The prices are super affordable and you can either eat your way through or grab lunch.
For example we saw stands that sell freshly made polenta (yes like right on the spot) and sell a portion starting at 4.- CHF which is seriously a steal! We went for a more “fancy” option with Porcini Mushrooms and it costed us 15.- for 2 people.
Castle Hopping (The UNESCO Trio!)
Bellinzona is famous for its three magnificent castles, and you absolutely must explore them. Visiting the castle is largely FREE of charge and you’ll only need a ticket if you’re visiting the museums. For the museums there is a combined ticket that cost 28.- for all the 3 castles together. (Free with Raiffeisen memberplus)
- Castelgrande: This is the grand dame, right in the heart of the city. It’s super impressive and easy to access. If you are struggling doing the short hike you can always take the lift right to the castle. At the castle you’ll find this breathtaking famous path and fantastic views.
- Montebello Castle: A short, lovely walk up from Castelgrande, this one feels straight out of a fairytale.
- Sasso Corbaro Castle: This one is even higher, Sasso Corbaro gives you those truly panoramic views of the valley.
Each castle has its own unique charm and history, so take your time to wander and imagine the stories within their ancient walls. Additionally I saw a little touristic train in case you don’t feel like hiking to the different castles that can bring you to the main attractions.
Calm Dinner
After a day of exploring, settle into one of Bellinzona’s charming restaurants for a relaxed dinner. Hyere are some restaurants you can try: Agape Lounge Bistrot, Pizzeria Audia or Ristorante Locanda Orico da Albrici for a fancier meal.
Sunday: Scenic Valleys & Hidden Gems
The next day is for venturing out of the city center into the stunning valleys surrounding Bellinzona. And I’m going to spill the beans on hidden gems, some serious natural beauty and unique experiences!
Breakfast at Your Base
Starting your day with breakfast at your hotel. When I went, I stayed at Hotel Internazionale Bellinzona. It’s located next to the train station and the old town which made it ideal and from my room I could even get view to the castle.
The breakfast was nice and we even had dinner there (which we enjoyed). They also have a nice rooftop where you can grab and Aperol spritz and chill.
Santa Petronilla Waterfall Hike
Grab your suimsuit and head to Biasca. From there you can embark on a short hike to the Santa Petronilla waterfall. This place is breathtaking! You’ll be treated to a powerful waterfall and a picturesque stone bridge that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
When we were there the sun only arrived to the waterfall at around 11:00 so it might be something to consider when visiting.
Lunch with a View (and a Swim!)
For lunch, you have to experience Grotto al Pozzon. This is a super traditional restaurant uniquely located right on top of a waterfall! The place is a hidden gem only known by local and they don’t even have social media. The food is super traditional so dont expect fancy things. It’s more like real mountain and regional products.
And here’s a pro tip: bring your swimsuit! You can actually go for a refreshing swim right there. How cool is that?!
Giornico Walking Trail
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a calm, easy hike on the Giornico walking trail (it’s about 45 minutes). Giornico is a charming village nestled by the river, known for its two beautiful stone bridges. It’s a peaceful way to wind down the afternoon.
Dinner on a Tree (Yes, Really!)
For your final dinner, head into the Blenio Valley for a truly unique experience. There’s a local Grotto restaurant where you can actually have dinner on a tree! It’s called Grotto Milani, and they literally have table on top of a chestnut tree. Make sure to book in advance if you want to snag this unforgettable spot.
A Few More Bellinzona Region Must-Dos!
If you have extra time, or want to swap out an activity, here are some other fantastic options:
Curzutt and the Tibetan Bridge: This is an epic adventure! From Monte Carasso, take a cable car ride up to Curzútt (definitely reserve your cable car spot in advance!). From there, it’s about a 1-hour hike to an incredible Tibetan bridge that hangs dramatically between two cliffs. It’s an adrenaline rush with amazing views!
Pozzone di Iragna: Another stunning waterfall where you can chill by the water. It’s super accessible, just about 10 minutes from Osogna.
Castello di Serravalle: If you’re still craving more history, visit this castle in the Blenio Valley.
Sweet Treats at Al porto confiserie: And for all my fellow pastry lovers, you absolutely must visit Al Porto confiserie for some super delicious pastries.
This region truly offers some of the best weekend getaways right here in Switzerland. It’s a place where history, nature, and incredible food come together to create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, get ready for some serious charm, and prepare to fall in love with Bellinzona!
Have you been to Bellinzona? What were your favorite spots? Share your tips in the comments below!
