Locarno Film Festival
One of the oldest film festivals in the world, held annually in August since 1946. Its highlight is the open-air screenings on Piazza Grande on one of the world's largest outdoor screens before up to 8,000 viewers.
PlizioGo
Creamy risotto, often served with local saffron or mushrooms in the hillside villages.
Sample this famous local red wine in one of the many wine bars in town.
Traditional polenta with local sausage, best enjoyed in a typical 'Grotto' restaurant.
Every Thursday, this market features regional food and crafts on Piazza Grande.
Find exclusive clothing and local designs in the appealing narrow streets.
A beautiful park by the lake, especially striking during the camellia bloom in spring.
The path towards Muralto gives many quiet benches with views of the water.
Water temperature…
One of the oldest film festivals in the world, held annually in August since 1946. Its highlight is the open-air screenings on Piazza Grande on one of the world's largest outdoor screens before up to 8,000 viewers.
Open-air music festival held every July on Locarno's Piazza Grande, featuring national and international stars across eleven evenings. It is accompanied by free concerts and a street food strip down to Lake Maggiore.
Locarno is situated on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore in the Canton of Ticino and is renowned for its mild, nearly Mediterranean climate. The city looks back on a turbulent history dating back to Roman times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. During the Middle Ages, Locarno was a strategically important post contested between the Dukes of Milan and the Swiss Confederation. The city gained international fame through the Locarno Treaties in 1925, which initiated a phase of detente in Europe following World War I. A prominent landmark is the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church in Orselina, which towers over the city and is accessible by a funicular. Cultural life is significantly shaped by the annual Locarno Film Festival, which transforms the Piazza Grande into one of the world's largest open-air cinemas. The region's economy today relies primarily on tourism, the service sector, and viticulture in the surrounding valleys.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 59 | 70 | 102 | 139 | 120 | 107 | 129 | 99 | 112 | 147 | 73 |
See what it looks like near Locarno right now.
Orselina: Madonna del Sasso - Ascona Locarno · 1.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the heart of Locarno, at Piazza Grande, before exploring the baroque splendor of Sant'Antonio Abate and the medieval fortress of Castello Visconteo. The morning culminates with an ascent to the iconic Madonna del Sasso, offering breathtaking views. After a lakeside lunch, a leisurely stroll along the shore of Lake Maggiore will take you to the Parco delle Camelie. Admire the botanical diversity before heading to Lido Locarno, a modern oasis for relaxation and water fun. The afternoon is dedicated to pure relaxation at the Lido. Enjoy the sun, swim in the lake or the pools, and let your soul unwind. The well-equipped facility offers something for everyone. Conclude your day with dinner at a grotto in the hills above the city, where you can enjoy authentic Ticino cuisine. The walk back to the center under the starry sky is the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Start your morning under the protective Lombardy-style arcades of Piazza Grande. At noon, retreat into the sturdy walls of Visconteo Castle to stay dry while exploring history. In the afternoon, take the funicular up to Madonna del Sasso for a misty, atmospheric view. End the day soaking in the heated indoor pools of the Termali Salini & Spa at the Lido.
Enjoy a crisp winter morning on Piazza Grande with views of snow-capped Alpine peaks. At noon, warm up inside the Castle museum before taking the funicular uphill. Madonna del Sasso looks stunning in the low winter sun. As sunset arrives early around 5 PM, spend your late afternoon in the comforting warmth of the thermal baths by the lake.
Start your bike tour from the sunny Piazza Grande. From there, it's just a short ride to the historic Castello Visconteo, where you can immerse yourself in the past. The morning is rounded off with a visit to Falconeria Locarno for a breathtaking bird of prey show. After the show, a scenic route along the lake takes you to the Parco delle Camelie. Take a well-deserved lunch break here among the flowers and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the view of the lake. The afternoon is all about relaxing at the Lido di Locarno. After the bike tour, you can cool off in the cool waters of Lake Maggiore, relax on the sandy beach, or try the water slides. It's the perfect end to an active day. End your day with a leisurely ride back to the center. Treat yourself to a gelato on the lakeside promenade and watch the sun set behind the mountains. Dinner at one of the many restaurants in Piazza Grande completes the experience.
A damp start on two wheels through the cobblestone streets. Spend your morning at the Castle, where bikes can be parked safely. The ride to Falconeria requires caution on slippery paths, but the show area is covered. In the afternoon, cycle along the lakefront to the Lido to escape the rain in the warm thermal baths.
A crisp winter morning ride along the scenic lakefront. Piazza Grande is peaceful, ideal for a quick warm-up coffee. Midday is spent at the Castle and cycling to Falconeria, where the hawks perform even in winter. Finish your afternoon by the lake at the Lido, swapping the chilly breeze for the blissful warmth of the thermal pools.
Park centrally and start your day on foot with a coffee before exploring Piazza Grande and Castello Visconteo. This first cluster allows you to soak up the historic heart of Locarno. Then, get back in the car for the short drive up to Orselina. The second cluster focuses on altitude. Visit the magnificent Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of Orselina's panoramic restaurants, with stunning views of the lake and mountains, before heading back down into the valley. The third and final cluster is dedicated to lakeside relaxation. Drive to the Parco delle Camelie, park your car, and enjoy a walk through the gardens. A short walk takes you to the Lido di Locarno, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. Conclude your day with a scenic drive along the lake before stopping for dinner. The flexibility of the car allows you to discover a secluded grotto and end the day with authentic local cuisine.
A comfortable rainy day in Locarno by car. Park conveniently near Piazza Grande for a dry coffee under the arcades. Spend your morning at Visconteo Castle, then enjoy the dry drive up to Orselina for Madonna del Sasso. After a scenic lunch behind glass, finish your day at the exclusive thermal baths at the Lido.
Experience winter magic in Locarno by car. Start with a warm drink in the center before visiting the historic Castle. The drive to Orselina offers spectacular views of the wintry lake and Alps. After a cozy lunch, head to the Lido to crown your day in the steaming outdoor thermal waters against a snowy backdrop.
A historical manor in Locarno, now known as a special venue for tea culture.
