Locarno & Ascona

Locarno and Ascona are located on the northern shore of Lago Maggiore — the warmest place in Switzerland. Here, camellias, palm trees, and bougainvillea bloom, the houses shine in pastel colors, and the pace of life noticeably slows down.

★★ Piazza Grande, Locarno

The Piazza Grande is one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland: Surrounded by Lombard arcaded houses with pastel-colored facades, lined with cafés and restaurants. In August, it transforms into the world's largest open-air cinema: The Locarno Film Festival (since 1946) projects films on a 26 × 14-meter screen in front of 8,000 spectators. One of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe.

★★ Madonna del Sasso

The pilgrimage church sits on a rock 200 meters above Locarno — accessible by funicular (7 CHF round trip) or on foot (30 min.). From the terrace: a dream view over Lago Maggiore, the Maggia estuary, and the surrounding mountains. The church (15th century) with its frescoes and ex-voto panels is atmospheric.

★★ Ascona — Pearl on the Lake

Just 3 km west of Locarno lies Ascona — artist colony, lakeside resort, and chic holiday destination in one. The lake promenade with its pastel-colored houses and view of the Brissago Islands is stunning at sunset. Ascona was a magnet for dropouts, artists, and life reformers in the early 20th century — on Monte Verità above the town, you can explore the history of this utopia movement (museum, 14 CHF).

★ Brissago Islands

The Isole di Brissago in Lago Maggiore host a botanical garden with over 1,700 plant species — subtropical and tropical flora that thrive thanks to the mild lake climate. Accessible by boat from Ascona or Locarno (free with Swiss Travel Pass). Admission: 10 CHF.