IN LAGGO MAGGIORE….
Just came back from visiting the southern region of Switzerland, TICINO! Everyone was right! It is beautiful. Even our drive had awesome views. Check it out! We first stopped here on our way to Locarno! Gorgeous views!
It was such a sweet ride all the way to Locarno…until you have to return back and must take the Gotthard Tunnel…ahhhh, we were stuck there for more than 2 hours. This tunnel is a 2 way (1 lane each) road…coming and going traffic. But you’re coming from bigger lanes so when it merges into 1 on each side….you get the picture. You wait for your turn to go when the lights change to green and that’s how it goes. So, during the “ferien” in Switzerland, keep in mind that unless you take alternative routes, be prepared to be stuck for hours…for hours…I said hours…see what I mean?
We stayed at the Ramada Palma au Lac, right in Muralto and in front of Laggo Maggiore. The hotel is considered (I guess for European standards???) a 4 star hotel. For my American standards, it’s a 3 star hotel. A little bit run down, but the hospitality was impeccable, at least for us it was. We also had the lake view room which made it even better, especially in the evening….see for yourself…
Since it was pretty hot, we decided to go for a swim at the Lake. Instead of going to the Lido in Locarno, we decided to go to Ascona. Just as in Locarno, there are private and public “beaches”. Since it made no difference to us, we went to the public beach or as locals call it…”Il Bagno Pubblico” and to be honest, it made everything worth it. What an OASIS!!!! Gorgeous views, friendly atmosphere…at total ease! Plus, if you’re hungry, no worries, they have a café/restaurant at your service, but mind you….ONLY $$$, no credit cards!
The next day we decided to pay tribute to La Madonna dal Sasso on the Sacred Mount of Orselina. By walking or taking the funicular, once you get there you can step down and visit the sanctuary or continue up to Cardada and Cimetta peaks, where you can trek, lounge or just relax watching some spectacular sceneries of Laggo Maggiore and its surroundings. We got off to see La Madonna dal Sasso Sanctuary which is any pilgrim’s journey to a holy place. I definitely said my prayers when I got there! That’s how inviting and welcoming this place is. If you can, take the funicular and stop by for a short visit and scenery.
Afterwards, we visited the Visconti Castle. If you ask me, I’m into castles, big time! Unfortunately I only got the chance to visit the one in Locarno. There are 3 very important castles/fortifications in this Alpine region located in Bellinzona (UNESCO World Heritage), a 25 minute drive from Locarno (or a 15 minute commute train ride). Besides, every Saturday they have their local market as well! That means I must make another visit to Ticino and do a little bit of touring as well in Bellinzona.
Now, if shopping is your calling I would head out to Mendrisio which is about 45-50 minutes away from Locarno. There you can go to FoxTown Outlets for some serious shopping galore!!!
Nearby places to visit:
ASCONA (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!)
LOVE HAVING AN ADRENALINE RUSH??? OK OK…
For those that feel an urge to take a leap of faith???? Go to Valle Verzasca and bungee jump from the Verzasca Dam. THIS is the famous Dam where James Bond jumps off from in the movie “Goldeneye”. It’s only minutes away from Locarno, so think about it! It’s possible! No fears! Hey……! Piece of cake!
Major events happening during the Summer in Locarno:
International Film Festival in Locarno
For more pictures of Locarno, visit my page of Travel Snapshots of Locarno. My Next Post? ASCONA!
I leave you with a youtube video of this song that was playing on the radio upon arrival to Locarno!
