Crystal-clear water, a fantastic mountain panorama and Italian cuisine… exactly… it’s time for a short trip to Italian-speaking Switzerland, also called Ticino 😍
I had already raved extensively about Ticino in the posts about Lugano, Bellinzona and Ascona 😍 It’s just the perfect travel destination to extend the summer a bit. So close and yet you have the feeling of being in a more southern country.
We can recommend the following activities in and around Locarno:
- enjoy the beautiful Lake Maggiore
- spend time at the Piazza Grande
- up to Locarno’s local mountain Cardada/Cimetta
- take a trip to the beautiful Verzasca Valley
- take a hike in the wild and romantic Maggia Valley
- spend an evening in nearby Ascona
Best travel time:
April to October, June to September for beach holidays
Hotel recommendation:
Hotel & Lounge Lago Maggiore (is right on the lake and the bus station is just around the corner)
Restaurant recommendations:
- Ristorante Pizzeria Al Torchio in Locarno
- Albergo Colmanicchio auf dem Cardada
- Perbacco – Ristorante Pizzeria in Locarno
- Ristorante Osteria Nostrana in Ascona
- Ristorante-Pizzeria Ai Piée in Brione (Verzasca Valley)
- Ristorante il Quadrifoglio Maggia Sagl in Maggia (Maggia Valley)
More tips & recommendations:
The best way to get from A to B in and around Locarno is by bus. Be it just a few stations within the city or for hikes in the Maggia Valley and the Verzasca Valley. The central starting point for this is the bus station Piazza Stazione. With the Ticino Ticket, bus rides are even free. You will receive this ticket as soon as you stay in a hotel, youth hostel or campsite.
The following sites may also be helpful when planning your trip:
https://www.ascona-locarno.com/en/explore/locarno
Tour description hike Maggia Valley:
https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/ascona-locarno/valle-del-salto-rundtour/15402144/
Tour description hike Verzasca Valley:
https://wegwandern.ch/listing/verzasca-lavertezzo-sonogno-wanderung-wandern-tessin/
