Photo: Aliman5040 · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Bellinzona
Three hillside castles and a calm Ticino town, ideal as a base for the south.
Bellinzona is the compact capital of Ticino, known for three medieval castles and a long fortified wall that together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is small, walkable and has a train station at the foot of the old town, so it works well as a cheap base or a day stop between the Alps and the lakes.
Places to see
- CastelgrandeSight · A large fortress on a rocky hill right above the old town, with thick walls, towers and…Free
Defensive Wall and RampartsWalk · A long stone wall that runs down from the castle across the valley floor.Free
Montebello CastleSight · A castle on a rocky spur east of the old town, joined to the town wall.≈ A$19
Torre Bianca
When to go
- Jan5° / -2°Mostly dryQuiet
- Feb8° / -1°Mostly dryQuiet
- Mar13° / 2°Some rainQuiet
- Apr17° / 6°Some rainQuiet
- May21° / 10°Often wetBusy
- Jun25° / 14°Some rainBusy
- Jul28° / 16°Some rainBusy
- Aug27° / 16°Some rainBusy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Old Town. Piazzas, arcades and the base of Castelgrande, a few minutes from the station.
Flying in
Milan Malpensa (MXP): Airport shuttle bus or train to Milan or Gallarate, then a regional train via…, about 2 h 30 min, ≈ A$74.
Milan Linate (LIN): City bus or metro into Milan Centrale, then a direct train to Bellinzona via…, about 2 h 30 min, ≈ A$65.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Bellinzona; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$5. The old town and the three castles are compact and walkable, though the castle paths are steep. The station is close to the centre. Regional trains and buses connect to the rest of Ticino. A Ticino guest ticket may offer free or cheaper…
Tourist tax
Ticino towns usually charge a small per-night tax, often around CHF 2 to 3.50 per person. Bellinzona's exact rate and age limit may differ, and many hosts add it to the bill. Some stays give a guest…
