Locarno

Ascona-Locarno – Mediterranean flair between lake and mountains

Ascona-Locarno is a place of striking contrasts, where Mediterranean flair meets alpine scenery: lakefront promenades lined with palm trees and Lake Maggiore on one side, valleys and mountains on the other.

At the heart of the region lies Locarno, overlooking the lake and renowned for its connection with cinema. Every summer, the Locarno Film Festival transforms Piazza Grande into an open-air cinema, while Moon+Stars brings concerts by international artists to the centre of the city. The historic old town, with its narrow streets, boutiques and the Visconteo Castle, invites visitors to experience a blend of past and present.

Just a few minutes away, Ascona stands out for its lakeside promenade and its varied gastronomic and cultural offering. From an ancient fishing village, it has developed into a destination appreciated across Switzerland. Nearby, Monte Verità preserves the memory of a place closely linked to cultural and artistic movements.

The region offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities: a vast network of hiking trails, cycling routes, climbing areas and rivers.

Cycling holds a firmly established place here. Following the editions in 2017 and 2023, Locarno is once again hosting a stage of the Tour de Suisse. A special “closed-circuit” stage with both start and finish in Locarno, for both the women’s and men’s races, allowing everyone to enjoy a unique 360-degree experience, not only by following the race as it passes through the region and engaging spectators and visitors along the route, but also by experiencing the atmosphere of a true cycling hub at Largo Zorzi and Piazza Grande during the starts and finishes.

The region’s gastronomic offering also reflects the character of the area: local products and Ticinese cuisine, served in grotti and restaurants throughout the region, often accompanied by regional wines.

Ascona-Locarno is a destination of memorable experiences – where nature, culture and refined pleasures come together.

Impressions