Attractions And Activities
Explore the region of Ascona-Locarno
Pilgrimage church Madonna del Sasso
Located above Locarno, in Orselina, the sacred mountain of the Madonna del Sasso is a significant 16th-century pilgrimage church offering impressive views over the city and Lake Maggiore. The ascent can be made either on foot via the Way of the Cross or comfortably by funicular.
Cardada
Easily reachable via a funicular and a cable car, you find yourself in little time at an altitude of 1670 meters! Cardada offers magnificent views and various hiking trails.
Falconeria Locarno
Dive into the fascinating world of birds of prey at Falconeria Locarno. Get up close to falcons, eagles, owls, vultures, marabous, northern bald ibises, and storks - and admire their majestic flight. A show takes place daily, an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
Visconteo Castle
The Visconteo Castle is located right next to the Dell’Angelo and once served as the residence of the imperial loyal Capitanei Orelli. Today, it houses the archaeological museum, featuring an important collection of Roman glass. Two additional sections are dedicated to the 1925 Peace Conference, the Locarno Treaties, and the Reformation.
Lido Locarno
A perfect place to cool off on hot summer days - whether in the indoor and outdoor pools or in the lake. The heated outdoor pool, maintained at 34°C, is open all year-round. The large sunbathing lawn invites you to relax and unwind. Four water slides provide fun for young and old alike. The bistro offers delicious snacks, sandwiches, pizza, daily specials, and drinks.
Termali Salini & Spa
The facility offers natural saltwater pools with breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore, indoor pools, and an outdoor pool with bubble loungers for pure relaxation. The bistro serves sandwiches, healthy snacks, pizza, and drinks.
Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands are two picturesque islands on the Lake Maggiore, just a short distance from the village Brissago. The larger island, San Pancrazio, is famous for its stunning botanical garden and features a restaurant. The island is easily accessible by boat from Locarno or Ascona.
Boat trips on the Lake Maggiore
Experiencing Lake Maggiore and the Mediterranean landscape from the deck of a boat is truly something special. The water creates a fascinating contrast to the surroundings, while mirroring the majestic mountains, palm trees, and the charming villages along the shore and hillsides.
Markets of Locarno and Ascona
Every Thursday - and every two weeks during the winter - the weekly market takes place on Piazza Grande. Here you will find a diverse selection of regional products such as cheese, honey, eggs, fruit, pastries, cured meats, and vegetables. Beautifully crafted handmade items made of wood, stone, and ceramics are also offered. Along the lakeside in Ascona, a full-day market invites you to browse every Tuesday from April to mid-October. You can discover a wide variety of handcrafted products and regional specialties.
Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca valley is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating valleys in the region of Ticino. The cool green waters of the Verzasca river gently ripple over the smooth, rounded stones and flow beneath the famous Roman bridge in Lavertezzo, continuing towards the reservoir. Hike along the old mule path by the Verzasca or enjoy a walk across the impressive 220-meter-high dam.
Vallemaggia
Vallemaggia is an alpine valley of the Maggia river, dotted with small, charming villages featuring authentic stone houses, vineyards and dairy farms. An over 800 km network of well-maintained hiking trails takes you past picturesque waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, reaching peaks at 3000 meters. In the traditional Grotti, you can enjoy delicious Ticino specialties.
Centovalli
The Centovalli, named after its numerous side valleys, impresses with a natural landscape of exceptional beauty. It offers nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts a wealth of recreational opportunities. An ideal way to explore the Centovalli is the Lago Maggiore Express. This round trip, which passes through Domodossola and Stresa, combines a scenic train ride with a boat trip on Lake Maggiore.