Lago Maggiore
Events and excursions
The region Lago Maggiore offers a rich programme of cultural and traditional events all year round. Among the most important ones are the International Film Festival of Locarno, the New Orleans Jazz Festival in Ascona, Moon & Stars in Locarno and the exhibition “Camelie a Locarno”. The symbol of Locarno is the flower “Camelia”. While you are visiting, take the chance to explore the New Camelias Park of Locarno.
Ascona is often called the Pearl of the Lake Maggiore” for its cultural heritage as well as for its touristic possibilities. It is situated near the delta of the river Maggia, on the shore of a splendid and sunny bay. This unique position, together with a wide variety of landscapes, its mediterranean climate, its touristic tradition and the wellknown hospitality of the Ticinese people, make Ascona a famous holiday resort, because it is the most ideally located holiday resort on the Lake Maggiore and has a wide choice of hotels including a dozen of luxury class.
While visiting Ascona, enjoy sitting in one of the many cafés in the sunshine, drinking an espresso or just take a splendid walk along the lake and enjoy the magical view of the natural bay.
What's on and what to see
The Lake Maggiore region has lived from tourism for over a hundred years thanks to the many varied attractions of the region. The tourism sector is of considerable importance and is favoured by the varied countryside, the mild climate, plenty of sunshine, places of historical interest and the friendliness of the people.
The area offers its guests a peaceful holiday as well as cultural and sporting activities.
The town of Locarno unites the splendour of the Alps with the serenity of the lakes, its mediterranean climate and luxuriant vegetation contrast dramatically with the ruggedness of the Alps.
The region enjoys the most hours of sunshine in Switzerland (2,300 hours yearly), with warm summers and mild winters. The proximity of the Alps makes Locarno a convenient starting point for a variety of excursions into the valleys and into the heart of the alpine chain. In addition the cultural life of the town is rich and varied, offering a programme of colourful events.
Ascona is often called the Pearl of the Lake Maggiore” for its cultural heritage as well as for its touristic possibilities. It is situated near the delta of the river Maggia, on the shore of a splendid and sunny bay. This unique position, together with a wide variety of landscapes, its mediterranean climate, its touristic tradition and the wellknown hospitality of the Ticinese people, make Ascona a famous holiday resort, because it is the most ideally located holiday resort on the Lake Maggiore and has a wide choice of hotels including a dozen of luxury class.
While visiting Ascona, enjoy sitting in one of the many cafés in the sunshine, drinking an espresso or just take a splendid walk along the lake and enjoy the magical view of the natural bay.
Leisure
Valleys
The region of Lake Maggiore offers multiple possibilities for hiking and walking on more than 1,000 miles of paths. They connect mountains, hills, valleys, plains and will take you from subalpine to mediterranean vegetation. While visiting the valleys, don’t forget to take a picture of the typical “Rustici” (stone houses) .There are many nice valleys in the Ticino; contact us and we can organise walks to suit your interests.
Botanical Gardens
Do you like flowers? We organise a lovely boat excursion, which will take you to one of the most famous botanical parks….you will discover there a rare nature refuge with a rich plant and animal life in unforgettable surroundings.
Sport
In recent years Lake Maggiore has become an important destination for golf. In addition to a fine driving range in Locarno, where one can practise or learn the rudiments of this excellent sport in beautiful surroundings, there are two 18-hole golf courses in the area, both open all year round. The course in Ascona, was recently voted the most attractive course in Switzerland and its clubhouse one of the most welcoming. This golf course, which opened in 1928, lies in a splendid position on the shore of Lake Maggiore in a very peaceful setting. The course also hosts important competitions at European level.
The second course is called “Gerre” and is situated in Losone, which is a short distance from Ascona. “Gerre” was opened in 2001 and has already won an excellent reputation for its challenge to every player, with its hills, ponds, streams and variable winds. The sporting facilities in the region are extremely varied and of the highest quality. You may choose to go jogging along the lakeside or go for an “e-bike” ride (electric bicycle); there are mountain bike routes, sailing cruises, horseback trekking, inline skating tracks and walking paths.
This region is also a paradise for those who seek pure adrenalin thrills with its bungee jumping at Intragna and at the Valle Verzasca Dam (the 220 metres jump was made famous in the James Bond film “Goldeneye”). There are other adventurous choices such as canyoning in wild gorges, wake-boarding, water skiing, scuba diving, free climbing, gliding and parachuting…
Choose your thrill!