The Magic Valley Ascona Lago Acquedotto Vallemaggia Nature and climate in Ascona and Ticino Ticino means mild climate, unique natural contrasts and varied landscapes. The Ticino River, which gives its name to the Canton, begins in the Gotthard Region amid steep gorges and deeply carved valleys. Each region offers different and special scenery, and deserves to be explored. Ticino's flora is typified by the coexistence of plants of both Alpine and Mediterranean origin. It is the most interesting botanical region in Switzerland, for its subtropical climate.
Spring arrives earlier in Ticino and autumn lingers longer than in the rest of Switzerland.
The Ticino lakes are the work of gigantic receding glaciers. Both the Maggiore and Lugano Lakes are shared with Italy. Ticino's mountains are characterized by steep ascents and sharp angles. Granite and, in some places, marble are quarried out of the cliffs. Water is an important element especially in the northern valleys where alpine springs and lakes are the source of great waterfalls and torrents.