Discover Locarno!
The sun and the palm trees, the mountains and the lakes, delicious food and excellent wines. That's Ticino. That's Locarno.
In the city of Locarno, Italian charm and Swiss solidity merge. Locarno is a safe, modern, open, and hospitable city with exceptional opportunities for cultural and recreational discoveries and experiences. Surrounded by the Ticino mountains, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is a wonderful destination for your holidays, your weekend, but of course also your business stay.
WALKING IN LOCARNO
Stroll along the lake or discover the old town of Locarno with its patrician houses, churches, and narrow alleys full of surprises. Or walk up the holy mountain and visit the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso with its breathtaking view over Locarno. The Orselina-Cardada cable car and the Cardada-Cimetta chair lift take you up to 1,670 m.a.s.l. in no time at all and also offer an indescribable view.
ART AND CULTURE IN LOCARNO
In Piazza Grande, in the heart of the city, most of the cultural events of Locarno take place from the internationally famous Locarno Film Festival to concerts like Moon and Stars, from the enchanting Locarno on Ice to local festivals and markets.
Lago Maggiore and the Ticino Valleys
Thanks to the special climate, the region around Lake Maggiore is rich in Mediterranean vegetation such as camellia, mimosa and jasmine, olive trees and even orange and lemon trees. The lake itself offers all possible activities from swimming and windsurfing to sailing and to excursions to the famous Brissago Islands.
The region is also rich in picturesque valleys with wild emerald rivers in which the roads wind up steep mountain slopes:
VALLEMAGGIA
The largest valley in Ticino, famous for its native white marble, which plays the main role in many exhibitions and excursions. The hiking and skiing resort Bosco Gurin, an old Walser village, can also be reached via Vallemaggia.
CENTOVALLI
The most diverse valley, where the small Centovalli railway goes up and down through "a hundred valleys". The railway offers the most comfortable and the most spectacular way to discover this romantically, wild and rugged valley.
VERZASCA
The most historic valley with many hiking and biking routes along rushing waters, an art trail that beautifully combines culture and nature, and the "Goldeneye" bungee jump on the Verzasca dam.
VALLE ONSERNONE
The wildest and most secluded Ticino valley with countless hiking routes and the historical thermal pools of Craveggia.
Excursions in Ticino and to Italy
EXCURSION TO THE LAVIZZARA AND BAVONA VALLEYS
Discover the treasures of these two valleys north of Cevio with the church of Mogno, built by Mario Botta, the village of Fusio, the waterfall of Foroglio and the wonderful landscape of the Bavona valley. It is possible to have lunch in a typical Grotto Ticinese. Return to Locarno at about 6.00 pm.
EXCURSION TO MILAN, ITALY
There are bus trips to Milan every Thursday from June to September. After a city tour you have the afternoon at your leisure and can explore Milan or go shopping. You will be back in Locarno at 6.00 pm.
Do you need more information or would you like one of our insider tips for your stay in Locarno? Just send us an email or call us at +41 (0)91 735 36 36.