A Beautiful Village On The Border Of Switzerland & Italy Offers Charming Lakefront Dining

You may know Switzerland for its Swiss-German cities like Zurich or Bern. Or perhaps the country's French-speaking hubs: Geneva, famous for the UN and CERN, or Montreux along Lake Geneva, a stunning resort town known for its manicured riviera and world-renowned jazz festival. But Switzerland's Italian region often goes unnoticed. Tucked near the southern border, Ticino is the country's Italian-speaking canton, a pint-sized region that blends the best of Italy and Switzerland: all the beauty of the Alps, combined with Mediterranean flair. Ticino offers Italian warmth — literally and figuratively. It has a mild microclimate that supports palm trees, paired with Swiss precision and evident in perfectly maintained gardens and architecture.

This Italian-Swiss charm is especially palpable in Morcote, perched at the tip of a peninsula that juts into Lake Lugano, a uniquely serpentine lake nestled between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como in Italy. Morcote has earned the title of "the most beautiful village in Switzerland," thanks to its narrow cobblestone streets, lush gardens, arcaded patrician houses, and charming lakeside promenade. Its cultural blend makes it a food lover's dream, from tender racks of ribs smoked in outdoor garden restaurants to lakeside homemade pasta and risotto. Cross the lake, and you're quickly in Italian waters, where you can savor slow-aged Parmesan, Italian salami, and other regional specialties.

Marcote is best reached on the EC train from Zurich — about 2.5 hours via Lugano, the largest city in Ticino. It's also possible to travel to Lugano from Milan Central Station, although these trains are sometimes delayed or canceled, so your best bet is to arrive from Zurich or rent a car in Milan. Even if you're journey is chaotic, Lake Lugano's calm waters will immediately relax you upon arrival.

In Switzerland, outdoor adventure and gourmet dining often go hand in hand. Morcote's port is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and afterward, you can indulge at Bar Ristorante Al Porto. Here, tables line the water, ideal for an aperitif before a plate of vitello tonnato (melt-in-your-mouth veal served with a silky, hollandaise-like sauce).

From the town center, a long stone staircase leads to a hiking path and finally to Ristorante Vicania, perched atop the mountain. The walk takes about an hour, with a few quick breaks included, and is mostly stairs, so bring water and wear sports shoes. The hike rewards you with breathtaking views of the Italian towns across the lake, vineyards, and several of Morcote's landmarks. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Sasso, a stunning church first built in 1319, offers a welcome pause. The Monumental Cemetery, filled with opulent tombs of Morcote's past residents, is awe-inspiring. Once you arrive at Ristorante Vicania, a fairy-lit garden, opt for fresh ravioli and tiramisu — the perfect reward after the climb. 

Ristorante Barcaioli is a favorite among locals in the heart of town. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of the water and inventive twists on Italian cuisine, such as pear risotto. The name Barcaioli, meaning "boatmen," nods to Morcote's history as a fishing village, and the restaurant's delightful seafood dishes live up to the legacy. Try the Spaghetti alle Vongole (with clams) or the salmon tagliatelle, and round out the meal with a selection of local Ticino wines for a truly authentic dining experience.

While not a traditional Ticinese specialty, Morcote has a few restaurants serving mouthwatering spare ribs. Grotto del Paolin, slightly inland, offers outdoor terrace seating with stunning valley and mountain views. Guests can watch the chef grill stacks of ribs while savoring polenta with gorgonzola as a starter. Just outside Morcote in Lugano, Ristorante Grotto del Pep is also famous for ribs, but it's very popular, so reservations are recommended.

Part of Morcote's charm is its proximity to Italy — most enchantingly reached by boat. Visitors can rent a boat at Club Nautico Morcote and cross over to the tiny Italian town of Lavena Ponte Tresa, or drive about 30 minutes. Locals flock to the Saturday market, where you can find cashmere sweaters and espresso makers. Enjoy an array of fresh Italian treats that will have you eating like a local: arancini (rice balls with savory filling), cannoli (tube-shaped fried dough with sweet ricotta), and maritozzi (brioche filled with whipped cream). Slow-aged Parmesan (up to three years) and high-quality salami may seem pricey at $30-plus, but they are worth it. These also make perfect gifts if you can get them past customs.