Locarno: Swiss capital of cinema takes on dolce vita accents

Locarno, active and attractive city

Locarno is an ideal place to enjoy the mild climate of Italian Switzerland in a beautiful natural setting.

For a breath of fresh air

Benefiting from the mildest climate in Switzerland, Locarno offers above all a natural setting where lemon groves, palm trees, magnolias and other Mediterranean plants bloom. This extraordinary foliage can be admired in the many parks and gardens in the city, and beautifully complements the old town’s Italian-style architecture. Locarno’s picturesque streets all lead to the Piazza Grande. This famous piazza hosts a free ice-skating rink in winter, as well as numerous cultural and gastronomic events throughout the year. In August, during the International Film Festival of Locarno, the city turns into a giant open air screening room, offering viewers the opportunity to discover the works of aspiring film directors.

The "Ticino Discovery Card" allows you to travel across Ticino for 3 days and enjoy free access to ski lifts, boat crossing on lakes and numerous museums, swimming pools and tourist attractions. The card can be purchased from tourist information centres, in railway stations or boat ticket offices. One of the most beautiful views in Switzerland is from the top of the Cimetta, located minutes from Locarno. Take the funicular or bus, and then the cable car and scenic chairlift to the summit, 1,450 metres above Lake Maggiore. A magical panorama will unfold before your eyes in every direction: the Val Maggia, Val Onsernone and the Centovalli, with its authentic villages and sun-drenched plateaus. The place was built for the enjoyment of all with its "barefoot" path, Nordic walking course, fun rides for children and mountain bike trails.