Holiday Regions
Discover the most beautiful holiday regions
Rent a vacation apartment, vacation home, or rustico in Ticino on Lake Maggiore for the most beautiful time of the year, for example in Ascona, Brissago, Ronco sopra Ascona, Locarno, Muralto, Orselina, Brione, Cavigliano, or in Gambarogno in Caviano, Gerra, or Vairano. Ticino, with its southern charm, breathtaking nature, and Mediterranean climate, is synonymous with relaxing vacations and adventure holidays on Lake Maggiore.
Ascona
The pearl of Lake Maggiore
Sophisticated and charming at the same time – Ascona combines Mediterranean flair with the magic of a picturesque fishing village. In the narrow streets, stylish boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés line up, while the lakeside promenade invites you to stroll with a sparkling view of the bay.
With its mild climate, dream location, and rich cultural offerings, Ascona is a destination for connoisseurs. Whether it’s JazzAscona, Mediterranean cuisine in the “Grotti,” or simply sunbathing by the lake – holidays here are full of style. Nearby villages, Losone and Arcegno, offer authentic Ticino charm and nature-based relaxation.
Ascona – where elegance and Dolce Vita feel at home.
Bellinzona
Castle city & market square
The charming capital of Ticino is famous for its three medieval castles – a UNESCO World Heritage site and an impressive testimony of Alpine architecture. Behind the historic walls, modern life thrives: boutiques, cafés, and the colorful weekly market at Piazza Nosetto invite leisurely strolls.
The old town delights with patrician houses, wrought-iron balconies, and quaint streets. Thanks to its central location, Bellinzona is the perfect starting point for trips to Locarno, Ascona, Lugano, or the Ticino valleys.
Brissago
Ronco sopra Ascona
Brissago – where lake and mountains embrace
Situated at 196 m above sea level on Lake Maggiore, Brissago enjoys a mild, almost subtropical climate. Camellias, mimosas, oaks, and chestnuts grow side by side. From water sports to hiking – lake and hills are a paradise for relaxation seekers. Brissago is also famous for its cigar tradition and charming historic buildings.
Ronco sopra Ascona – The artist village with a dream setting
Ronco clings terraced to the hillside and impresses with narrow streets, historic houses, and breathtaking views. It’s no wonder artists and writers like Erich Maria Remarque found inspiration here.
Brissago Islands – exotic paradise on the lake
Accessible only by boat, the botanical garden features plants from around the world – from the Mediterranean to Australia. Palms, exotic flowers, and the charm of bygone times make this excursion unforgettable.
Gambarogno
Where the lake meets chestnut forests
The Riviera del Gambarogno stretches along the left shore of Lake Maggiore, from Contone to the Italian border. Mediterranean climate, green chestnut forests, and the lake’s deep blue or emerald colors depending on the light characterize this unique region.
Whether for leisurely walks, hikes on Monte Gambarogno and Monte Tamaro, or visiting the colorful Parco Botanico del Gambarogno – here, natural diversity meets Ticino charm. The Bolle di Magadino wetlands invite exploration of rare flora and fauna, while the lakeside villages with narrow streets and small restaurants entice visitors to linger.
Locarno
Sun, Lake & Joy of Life
Locarno – the sunniest town in Switzerland – is situated between Lake Maggiore and the gentle hills of the Prealps. With around 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, it attracts visitors year-round with its mild climate, Mediterranean flair, and stunning scenery.
In summer, the Film Festival in August and the Moon & Stars open-air concerts in July create unforgettable evenings on Piazza Grande. In winter, this square transforms into Locarno Winterland, a magical winter world under the starry sky and a festive ice-skating paradise.
The surrounding valleys, such as the Maggia Valley, Verzasca Valley, and Centovalli, invite hiking, trekking, and horseback riding – always accompanied by chestnut forests, waterfalls, and charming local “Grotti.”
Swimming at the Lido, boat trips on Lake Maggiore, or a visit to Locarno Falconry complete the perfect holiday. Here, nature, culture, and Dolce Vita come together – a place where you always want to stay a little longer.
Locarno – Area
Where Lake, Mountains & Culture Meet
Locarno on Lake Maggiore enchants with Mediterranean flair and southern charm. High above the town stands the famous Madonna del Sasso, a pilgrimage church with breathtaking views over the lake and the old town. From there, a cable car leads up to Cardada, Locarno’s local mountain, offering a unique panorama: deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore below and snow-capped Alps above.
Whether for leisurely walks through chestnut forests, scenic hikes, or simply soaking up the sun on a panoramic terrace – here, enjoyment of nature blends perfectly with Mediterranean joie de vivre. Locarno is the ideal place to experience culture, gastronomy, and landscape in perfect harmony.
Tenero – Gordola
Sport, lake & Dolce Vita
Tenero, located directly on Lake Maggiore, combines Mediterranean tranquility with diverse sports options. Sandy beaches, picturesque vineyards, and views of the surrounding mountains create a unique holiday atmosphere. The famous lakeside campsites offer comfort and activities for all ages – from sailing to tennis. Sports enthusiasts find paradise at the National Youth Sports Center, while culture lovers can explore the Fraccia pilgrimage church or Galleria Matasci with its wine museum. Markets, festivals, and concerts ensure lively entertainment all year round.
Ticino Valleys
Centovalli – the valley of a hundred valleys
Between Locarno and Italy’s Valle Vigezzo winds the Centovalli – a picture-book landscape. By car or aboard the legendary Centovallina train: curves, bridges, and tunnels always reveal breathtaking views.
The elegant bell tower of Intragna welcomes visitors at the valley entrance. Picturesque villages such as Verdasio and Palagnedra enchant with stone architecture, 16th-century frescoes, and the unmistakable Tuscan-sounding dialect of older residents.
Perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and explorers – Centovalli uniquely combines nature, history, and Mediterranean flair.
Ticino Valleys
Verzasca Valley – pure nature & thrills
Just minutes from Locarno, the Verzasca Valley takes visitors to a world out of time: emerald-clear river waters, centuries-old stone villages like Corippo and Lavertezzo, surrounded by untouched nature. A 300 km network of hiking trails leads from leisurely riverside paths to alpine summits. Thrill-seekers can try bungee jumping from the dam, canyoning, or river diving. Here, both peace-seekers and adventurers find paradise.
Ticino Valleys
Valle Onsernone – Natur, Tradition und Sonnenterrassen
The Onsernone Valley, carved by the romantic Isorno river gorges, enchants with emerald waters and natural swimming spots. Villages cling to sun-soaked terraces, surrounded by chestnut forests and historic stone houses with charming wooden balconies.
In Comologno, Russo & Co., traditional buildings meet magnificent 16th-century patrician houses – evidence of a culture that thrived on poor soil and straw weaving. A vast network of hiking trails ranges from gentle walks to challenging tours through nearly untouched nature.
Ticino Valleys
Maggia Valley – the wild heart of Ticino
Just minutes from Locarno, the Maggia Valley opens up with its rugged rocks, roaring waterfalls, and emerald natural pools. Traditional stone villages cling to the slopes, while local “Grotti” invite you to taste regional specialties. Whether swimming in natural basins, hiking to remote alpine pastures, or simply marveling at pristine nature, Maggia Valley combines authenticity and pure joie de vivre.