Discover why this sunny Swiss region is packed with adventure

Sitting on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Maggiore, surrounded by picturesque mountains and valleys, Ascona-Locarno may not be on many tourists’ radars — but it should be. Blessed with an irresistible Alpine-meets-Mediterranean charm, its balmy summers and mild winters that make outdoor pursuits possible all year round. In this region of Ticino, Switzerland's southernmost canton, visitors can take in sweeping Maggia Valley vistas before concluding the day with an invigorating dip in Lake Maggiore's sparkling waters. From scenic bike rides to thrilling paragliding flights, these outdoor adventures show off this sun-kissed Swiss region at its best.

Hike through local history

Trace millennia of Ticinese culture on the Giro delle Rovine del Castelliere, a four-mile trail that climbs up to the prehistoric ruins of Castelliere castle via the Oratorio Sant’Anna, a 17th-century chapel whose terrace overlooks a gleaming Lake Maggiore. Continue alongside the smooth granite rock formations of the Orrido di Ponte Brolla gorge, passing historic shrines, tumbledown rustici (stone houses) and grotti — tavern-style restaurants that were once rock-cut cellars used to store food. Stop at one for some shade and luganighetta (grilled sausage), then follow the Maggia river to Ponte Brolla and jump in.

Lace up your running shoes

Runners can really pound the pavement in Ascona-Locarno, where everything from lakeside jogs to challenging mountain ascents is on offer. Those who want to go the distance should check out the RunThrough Trails Ascona-Locarno event on 31 October and 1 November 2025. The 24km and 42km courses take in Locarno’s cobblestoned Piazza Grande before blazing through autumnal mountain forests and rocketing up 5,200ft to the Pizzo Leone summit. There’s also a two-mile race up the 400 steps to the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary — Italian Switzerland’s most famous site of pilgrimage, perched on a wooded crag with expansive views of the lake and mountains below.

Clamber to the top of an Alpine crag

The south-facing gneiss rock at Balladrum is perfect for climbers looking for a quiet route, with Lake Maggiore glittering at their feet. Just a short walk from Monte Verità, the area features a wide array of options: the Panoramico segment offers easily-accessible routes that are great for beginners and families, while the Lusertol section features shorter, more physically demanding routes — ideal for advanced climbers. Equipment can be rented from Rock-Ways climbing school in the Maggia Valley, whose owner — professional climber Egon Bernasconi — also offers lessons in Balladrum.

Float above the mountains

The best way to take in Ascona-Locarno’s Alpine scenes? From above — visitors can paraglide over the region’s lakes and mountains, including Switzerland’s highest point, the towering Dufourspitze. Mountaingliders has a multilingual team of professional local pilots to help you take advantage of the updrafts and thermal lifts while aloft, allowing you to twist and turn in a display of airborne acrobatics. This exhilarating experience takes off at 5,500ft and concludes at the Maggia delta — fittingly Switzerland’s lowest point, where you can pad down to its sandy beach and into the cooling lake.

Cycle through the Maggia Valley

Discover all of Ascono-Locarno's charms on a leisurely 15.5 mile cycle along the Maggia River. Commence either in Ponte Brolla or Locarno, which adds six scenic miles to the journey. Either way, you'll be weaving through cobblestoned villages, green fields and shaded woodland paths teeming with wild garlic. Once you hit Maggia, it’s a brief uphill to the baroque church of San Maurizio, then onto Cevio to check out the Valmaggia Museum and the local cheese and charcuterie. Take a moment to dip your toes in the pool beneath the spectacular Bignasco waterfall, then cap off the ride at the peaceful village of Cavergno.

Try your hand at bouldering

Brione Verzasca may attract elite boulderers training for competitions, but the natural routes found in this valley appeal to climbers of all levels. Ticino's coarse stone offers superb grip, ideal for those tackling giant boulders without ropes or harnesses. There are more than 700 routes on offer — some winding through the forest, its lofty spruce trees offering shade from the sun, while others are directly on the Verzasca River, so don’t forget your swimmers.

Take in top vistas

For some of the most awe-inspiring views in Switzerland, take the bright-blue funicular from Locarno to Orselina, then hop on a sleek cable car to Cardada, perched at nearly 4,400ft. If you’re still not high enough, there’s an optional chairlift up to Cimetta, a whopping 5,482ft above sea level. From here or Cardada, you have your pick of hiking paths: from Nordic walking and orienteering trails to pleasantly hilly rambles and breathtaking descents into the Maggia and Verzasca valleys. Steely types can tackle the scramble to Cima della Trosa — the first stage of the 125-mile Via Alta Vallemaggia trail, which features mountain ridges, scree slopes and icy Alpine lakes.

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