A territory to explore

Situated at the southernmost tip of Switzerland, the Mendrisiotto region extends to the border with Italy. The important commercial and tourist transit area offers a vast hilly landscape away from the motorway, inviting you to go hiking or cycling. A well-deserved refreshment can be enjoyed in the traditional grotti.

Thanks to the development of transport infrastructure and its proximity to the main centres of northern Italy, the Mendrisiotto has become an important transit area. Away from the motorway, however, one comes across a lush natural paradisea green hilly landscape, partly planted with vineslarge natural parks and impressive gorges. In the middle of the rural region, picturesque villages contrast with the neighbouring, purely urban town of Chiasso.

The vast hilly area is particularly suitable for long cycling and walking tours. From Monte San Giorgio (1,097 m), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside. UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sitefrom Monte San Giorgio (1,097 m), which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, your gaze can wander freely, enjoying the spectacle offered by Lake Lugano and the Alps. On the nature trail, the geological and paleontological peculiarities are described (in the geological past a subtropical sea with a rich fauna stretched out here), as well as the flora and fauna that characterise the mountain. The best view, however, can be enjoyed from the Monte Generoso (1,704 m)the highest mountain around Lake Lugano, whose summit can be reached after a 40-minute trip by rack railway. The mountain offers a variety of leisure activities, including an educational nature trail and an astrovia.

. Breggia Gorge Geopark in the Muggio Valley an area of around 65 hectares and a length of more than 1.5 km, a wide variety of natural habitats can be observed: rapids, waterfalls, the most diverse types of rock and numerous protected species of animals and plants.

The lively towns of Chiasso and Mendrisio are home to numerous events and tourist attractions: churches, palaces and museums, but also music festivals and popular festivals such as the grape and chestnut festival. In Mendrisio there is FoxTown, the Temple of elegance and luxurywith 160 shops and 250 prestigious brands that offer discounted prices from 30 to 70% all year round.