Scenery and sports:
Locarno has a good public transport system and there is a bus stop in front of the apartment building. In addition, the famous Swiss postal buses can be used to explore the valleys formed by pristine rivers feeding into Lago Maggiore (e.g. Valle Maggia, Centovalli, Val Verzasca) where you can hike for hours or simply dream away the day under a chestnut tree in one of the many 'grotti'. Railway fans should not miss a ride on the Centovalli train to the Italian city of Domodossola through the 'hundred valleys' over dizzying viaducts. Boats take you e.g. to the Brissago Islands with their subtropical vegetation, to the famous Isola Bella or other islands in the Italian part of the lake. Lago Maggiore is ideal for sports lovers - in addition to all kinds of water sports and paragliding Locarno's small airport even has facilities for parachuting.
Leisure:
The best-known cultural events are the International Film Festival in Locarno and the Jazz Festival in Ascona. But there are special festivals and events throughout the year, there is carnival in February, the camellia show in March, a number of music festivals in summer, chestnut festivals in autumn and nativity scenes in the tiny villages of the Gambarogno around Christmas. This means that even in off season there is a lot to do and see. Why not make a trip to Milan (ca. 90 minutes by car) to see the famous cathedral or do some shopping? Bargain hunters will enjoy the factory outlet centre 'Foxtown' near Chiasso where Italian designer fashion is offered at a bargain 7 days a week. Or just take a stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city centre in Locarno or Ascona.
Eating out:
The Ticino region is full of contrasts, also when it comes to food. You can have a simple, hearty meal in an idyllic 'grotto' al fresco or treat yourself to some fresh fish or Italian haute cuisine in an elegant lakefront restaurant. Besides, pizza and pasta is available everywhere, so dining out with children is no problem. And in case you haven't been aware of the fact that Switzerland is 'wine country', why not try a Ticino Merlot with your meal?
Ski:
The unique location of Locarno, surrounded by mountains, makes it possible to enjoy skiing and an almost Mediterranean atmosphere all in one day. There is a cable car going up to the Cardada/Cimetta Mountain (1670 m), which can be reached in about ten minutes from the apartment by either bus or car. Whenever there is enough snow, skiing up there offers fantastic views over the lake. There are other ski facilities nearby in Alpe Foppa opposite Locarno and in the village of Bosco Gurin. The skiing region of Alto Ticino on the southern slopes of the Gotthard massif, which is open all winter, can be reached in 60-90 minutes.
Golf:
There are several golf courses in the Locarno/Ascona region, among them the well-known Golf Club Patriziale in Ascona, one of Switzerland's leading courses, and Golf Gerre Losone, site of the Ladies' Swiss Open 2008.
Other Activities:
miniature golf, ice skating, parachuting, outdoor kart, paragliding, aviation
