Locarno

Locarno, a town in Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. With its warm Mediterranean climate, you'll find palm trees and lemon groves throughout the area. The town's highlights include the historic Piazza Grande, the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary overlooking the lake, and the Cardada-Cimetta mountain with its panoramic views. Each August, Locarno transforms as it hosts one of Europe's major film festivals, screening hundreds of movies for locals and visitors alike.

Exploring Piazza Grande and the Old Town

Piazza Grande is the heart of Locarno's old town. This large cobblestone square has pastel-colored buildings with arcades that house cafes and shops. On Thursdays, local vendors fill the piazza with a market selling produce, cheeses, and handicrafts. From the square, narrow lanes lead to quieter areas of the old town. Near the historic center, you'll find the 12th century Castello Visconteo, which now contains an archaeological museum.

Attending the Locarno International Film Festival

For 10 days each August, Locarno becomes a center for cinema with one of Europe's major film festivals. The event includes nightly open-air screenings in Piazza Grande, where up to 8,000 people gather to watch films on a large outdoor screen. Other venues around town show hundreds of movies from established and emerging directors. The festival has helped launch the careers of acclaimed filmmakers like Spike Lee and Jim Jarmusch.

Taking in Views from Madonna del Sasso

The Madonna del Sasso sanctuary sits on a rocky outcrop above Locarno, offering views of the town, lake, and surrounding mountains. You can reach this 15th century church complex by walking up a steep path or taking the funicular railway from the town center. Inside the church, you'll see a decorated interior and a collection of religious artworks. The panoramic terrace is an excellent spot for photos of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoying Lake Maggiore

At Lake Maggiore, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the shoreline. For a more relaxed experience, take a boat cruise to visit lakeside villages or the Brissago Islands with their botanical gardens. In Locarno, you can walk along the lakefront promenade and sit on benches to admire views of the Alps across the water.

Ascending Cardada-Cimetta Mountain

Take the cable car from Orselina to reach Cardada-Cimetta mountain. At the summit, 1,670 meters (5,479 feet) high, you'll have 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see both Lake Maggiore (Switzerland's lowest point) and Dufourspitze peak (its highest). Several hiking trails start from the top, allowing you to explore the alpine landscape. In winter, this area becomes a small ski resort.

Sampling Local Cuisine

Locarno's cuisine combines Swiss and Italian influences. Try regional specialties like risotto with local cheeses or luganighe sausage. Many restaurants have outdoor seating for al fresco dining in the warm climate. For a casual meal, visit a grotto - a rustic tavern typically serving simple dishes made with local ingredients. On warm evenings, you might enjoy some gelato as you walk through town.

Getting to Locarno

You can reach Locarno by train from major Swiss cities. Direct trains from Zurich take about 2.5 hours. If you're coming from Milan, take a train to Bellinzona and change for a local connection to Locarno. The town is compact and walkable, but local buses can take you to nearby attractions. Boats also connect Locarno with other towns around Lake Maggiore.