About
Locarno is a town in Switzerland, set on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the south of the country. It is a place many visitors associate with sunshine, and its mild, Mediterranean-style climate gives it a relaxed, southern feel that sets it apart from much of the rest of Switzerland.
What to expect
The lake is the centre of life here. A walk along the waterfront offers views across the water toward the surrounding hills, and the town's streets and squares invite a slow pace. Locarno is a good choice for a visitor who wants a gentle stay rather than a packed itinerary.
Film and festivals
Locarno is best known for its film festival, which brings cinema lovers to the town each year. Even outside festival time, the event shapes the town's character and gives it a lively, cultural side. If your visit coincides with the festival, expect the town to be busier and its evenings more animated.
- Setting: a lakeside town on Lake Maggiore, in Switzerland
- Climate: sunny and Mediterranean in feel
- Known for: its film festival
- Suits: a relaxed trip, lake walks, and cultural visitors
Whether you come for the festival or simply for the sun and the water, Locarno offers a warm and easy break in the Swiss south.
