A sun-drenched town on the shore of Lake Maggiore
Locarno is located in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking south. Founded in the 12th century, the town has plenty of history and culture for you to delve into, including Roman artefacts housed in Castello Visconteo’s museum.
At the town’s heart is Piazza Grande, a cobbled square surrounded by colourful buildings. It’s a great place for you to grab a bite to eat and do a little people-watching in the sun. And throughout the year it hosts a local market, along with food and film festivals.
The town’s usually sunny climate and location at the northern end of Lake Maggiore have made it a popular spot for wellness over the centuries. It also has a swimming pool, some beaches and multiple small marinas dotted along the town’s lake shore.
From Locarno, you can hop aboard a funicular which will take you up to Madonna del Sasso, a 15th-century church.
The church occupies a commanding position overlooking Lake Maggiore and is decorated inside with colourful marble, intricate frescos and more. You can access a few scenic hiking trails from here too.
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