Locarno

Locarno, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is a sun-soaked town in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Famous for its Mediterranean flair, historic sites, and film festival.

ABOUT

Nestled between the Alps and the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is Switzerland’s warmest and sunniest town.

Locarno is in the canton of Ticino, where Italian is the official language. The town is is small enough to feel intimate, yet rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural life.

Today, it’s known for its laid-back lifestyle, mild climate, and floral gardens, with palm trees and camellias giving it a subtropical feel rarely associated with Switzerland.

The town’s Piazza Grande is its vibrant core—both a gathering place and cultural stage. Each summer, the square transforms into a huge open-air cinema for the Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals, drawing cinephiles and filmmakers from around the world.

Above the town, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso offers not just spiritual reflection but also sweeping views of the lake.

LOCATION

Location

Locarno location on Lake Maggiore

Locarno is on the norther end of Lake Maggiore.

The town is close to the 13 motorway which connects to the E35 towards Milan and Lucerne.

SPORT, WALKS & CYCLING

IN THE LOCARNO AREA

Image: OutdoorActive

Hiking, Trail Running & Mountain Biking
With over 1,400 km of marked trails in Ticino, you can explore gentle lakeside paths or rugged alpine hikes

Paragliding & Hang Gliding
Tandem flights launch from Cardada‑Cimetta or nearby peaks,

Canyoning & Rafting
Options for beginners and families with certified guides available

Skydiving & Bungee Jumping
For adrenaline seekers: skydive locally (solo or tandem) and recreate the iconic 220 m bungee jump at Verzasca Dam (famous from the James Bond film GoldenEye)

Watersports
Many watersports are available locally.

Information

FERRY INFORMATION

Locarno has the local Swiss ferry service and is also connected to the rest of Lake Maggiore by the Italian lake ferry service.

View the Swiss Ferry Service here and the Italian one below.

VIEW FERRY PAGE

Things to see in Locarno

Madonna del Sasso

chrisaliv, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

THINGS TO SEE

Piazza Grande
The heart of Locarno, this spacious and lively square is lined with arcaded buildings, cafes, and boutiques. It’s the center of town life and the main venue for the Locarno Film Festival each August.

Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary
A beautiful pilgrimage site perched on a rocky hill above Locarno in Orselina. It offers breathtaking views over the lake and town, and is accessible by funicular or footpath.

Lido di Locarno
A modern lakeside complex with pools, thermal baths, slides, and lake access—a favorite for families and anyone wanting to relax by the water.

Cardada-Cimetta
Take the funicular and cable car up to Cardada and then Cimetta for panoramic views of the entire Lake Maggiore, the Magadino plain, and even the Matterhorn on clear days. Great for hiking and skiing (in winter).

Hotels

A selection of the most well-reviewed hotels in Locarno include the following

Hotel Lago Maggiore

****

Hotel Lago Maggiore – Welcome! is situated on the beautiful lake promenade of Locarno, a few steps from the city centre.

Hotel Lago Maggiore – Welcome! has a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness centre and bar in Locarno-Muralto. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel.

REVIEWS

From start to finish a great weekend, breakfast great selection, dinner as well. Rooms very clean, well designed and slept very well!

Very clean hotel at a good location. Nice atmosphere and each and every member of the staff was so kind and helpful!

Very large modern room with amazing balcony to see the stunning view. Spotlessly clean and extremely comfortable bed.

information from Booking.com

VIEW/BOOK

Boutique-HOTEL REMORINO

****

Boutique-HOTEL REMORINO, a Private Selection Hotel in Minusio is a 5-minute walk from Lake Maggiore. Guests can have breakfast on the terrace in the Mediterranean garden, which features palm trees and a heated outdoor pool (30°) open from April to October. Free WiFi is available.

All of the elegantly furnished rooms are air-conditioned and feature a large balcony. Most rooms offer lake views.

Within a 20-minute walk along the banks of Lake Maggiore, guests of Hotel Remorino can reach the centre of Locarno. By car, Locarno is accessible within 5 minutes.

REVIEWS

Very nice boutique hotel with a pleasant garden and pool. Perfect for a short relaxing stay.

Great location, breakfast and outdoor space with the park and pool. Very welcoming and attentionate staff. Will definitely come back!

Staff very attentive and friendly. Nice swimming pool in beautiful grounds. We’d visit again .

information from Booking.com

VIEW/BOOK