Ticino packs an astonishing amount into a small area: a lake lined with palm trees, wild mountain valleys, stone villages, castles and towns with Italian flair. If you’re on holiday in Locarno or Ascona, you’ll often ask yourself: what are the best things to do in Ticino when you only have a few days? Here are 12 ideas for day trips in Ticino from Locarno, from relaxed to active, from free to something special. We pair a few of them with our roadsters, but most work just as well without.
Ticino day trips by roadster
1. The Verzasca Valley and the Verzasca Dam
The Verzasca Valley is the best-known side valley around Locarno: crystal-clear green water, the double-arched Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo and, at the valley entrance, the dam made famous by the bungee jump in GoldenEye. The road up to Sonogno at the head of the valley is about 25 km long and made for an open-top drive. Our Verzasca Valley route guide shows you how best to plan the trip.
2. The Maggia Valley to the Foroglio waterfall
Wider and more open than the Verzasca, the Maggia Valley leads via Ponte Brolla, Maggia and Cevio to Bignasco. There the Bavona Valley branches off, with huge granite boulders and the Foroglio waterfall as its highlight. You’ll find all the stops and the right rental duration in our Maggia Valley route guide.
3. Sunset in Ascona
Ascona’s lakeside promenade is one of the loveliest spots on Lake Maggiore, especially when the sun sinks lower and the light turns warm. Stroll, have an aperitivo, watch the boats: on a summer evening, that’s all you need. To start the evening in style, drive there on the Sunset Ride from 7 pm to 10 pm, available from April to August. You’ll find dates in the booking section.
4. Stop at a grotto
A grotto is a simple Ticino eatery, often with stone tables in the shade of chestnut trees or vines. The food is regional and no-frills, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You’ll find grotti in almost every valley and on many hillsides around Locarno. If you want to combine a drive and a meal, choose Roadster & Grotto: 4 hours in the Vanderhall plus a grotto voucher worth CHF 50.
Things to do in Locarno: town and lake
5. Piazza Grande and Locarno’s old town
Piazza Grande is the heart of Locarno and, in August, the stage for its famous film festival. The rest of the year, it’s a spacious square for a coffee and some people-watching. Behind the Piazza, the old town lanes with their arcades and courtyards are well worth a wander.
6. Madonna del Sasso
High above Locarno sits the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church, one of the region’s best-known landmarks. The climb on foot is steep but rewards you with sweeping views over the town and the lake. If you prefer an easier option, take the funicular up from town. Once at the top, linger a while: on a clear day, the terrace offers views far across Lake Maggiore.
7. Locarno’s lakeside promenade
One of the simplest and most beautiful outings costs nothing: a walk along Locarno’s lakeshore. Palm trees, flowerbeds, benches with views of the mountains on the far shore. Early in the morning or in the evening, it’s especially peaceful.
8. The Brissago Islands
The two Brissago Islands lie in Lake Maggiore and can only be reached by boat. The larger island is home to a botanical garden with plants from different climate zones around the world. The boat trip there is part of the experience. Allow plenty of time, as the garden invites you to wander slowly, and check the boat timetables beforehand.
Ticino day trips a little further afield
9. The castles of Bellinzona
The cantonal capital, Bellinzona, is famous for its three castles: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. They’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shape the look of the town. A tour combines history, views and a small, lively old town. Bellinzona isn’t far from Locarno, so it’s a good fit for a day when it’s cloudy in the mountains.
10. Lugano and Monte Brè
Lugano is Ticino’s largest city and, with its lake, promenade and shopping streets, feels much more urban than Locarno. A funicular takes you up Monte Brè, where sweeping views open up over Lake Lugano. A good plan for a day with changeable weather in the mountains.
11. Through the hundred valleys on the Centovalli Railway
The Centovalli Railway links Locarno with Domodossola in Italy, crossing bridges and viaducts through a wild, wooded valley. You can also ride just part of the way, get off in a village and go for a hike. A relaxed thing to do in Ticino for anyone who’d rather be driven.
12. Swimming in rivers and the lake, but with respect
The green water of the Verzasca and the Maggia is tempting, and Lake Maggiore has plenty of swimming spots. Rivers, however, are cold, the current is often underestimated and water levels can change quickly. Stay in calm, shallow spots, follow the signs and never jump from rocks or bridges. For a relaxed swim, the lake is usually the safer choice.
Which trip suits whom?
- For foodies and slow travellers: Locarno’s lakeside promenade in the morning, sunset in Ascona in the evening and a long lunch at a grotto in between.
- For nature lovers: The Verzasca Valley and the Maggia Valley, ideally early in the day while the villages are still quiet.
- For culture lovers: Madonna del Sasso, Locarno’s old town and the castles of Bellinzona combine well in a single day.
- For families: The Brissago Islands with the boat trip, a swimming spot on the lake and the Centovalli Railway offer variety without long car journeys.
- For couples: An open-top drive for two through a valley, followed by an evening by the lake. It’s hard to fit more holiday feeling into one day.
Planning tips
- Start early: Popular spots such as Lavertezzo or the lakeside promenades are much quieter in the morning.
- Keep an eye on the weather: The valleys react to thunderstorms faster than the lake. When the forecast is uncertain, the towns, the castles or the Brissago Islands are a better bet.
- Don’t cram too much in: Better to really enjoy two places than tick off five. Many Ticino sights only work their magic when you take your time.
- Mix and match: A morning in a valley, an afternoon by the lake, an evening at a grotto: that’s what a day in Ticino should feel like.
If you’d like to do one of these trips in a Vanderhall roadster: pick-up is in Minusio, daily between 9 am and 10 pm, with a personal briefing. You’ll find all packages and available dates in the booking section.
Frequently asked questions
Which day trips in Ticino are most worthwhile from Locarno?
Particularly popular are the Verzasca Valley with the Ponte dei Salti, the Maggia Valley up to Foroglio, Ascona’s lakeside promenade and Madonna del Sasso. For a day in town, Bellinzona or Lugano are a good fit.
What are things to do in Locarno when it rains?
On a rainy day, a stroll through the arcades of the old town or a trip to Bellinzona or Lugano work well. During thunderstorms, it’s best to avoid the mountain valleys.
Can you swim in the Verzasca Valley?
In calm spots, yes, but only with great caution: the water is cold, the current strong and water levels can change quickly. Follow the signs and never jump from rocks or bridges.
When is the Sunset Ride available?
We offer the Sunset Ride from 7 pm to 10 pm from April to August. It isn’t available from September to March.
What is a grotto?
A grotto is a simple Ticino eatery, often with outdoor stone tables and regional food. You’ll find grotti in many valleys around Locarno.