Locarno

Set on Lake Maggiore's northern shore, Locarno is a city of balmy climes, breezy palms, fragrant lemon trees and an uninterrupted view of the Swiss Alps. Its location close to Italy means that it comes with a touch of Mediterranean charm, yet it offers the best of both worlds. At the heart of this postcard-perfect lakeside town is the Piazza Grande, the city's largest square that is home to rows of pastel-tinted houses, the landmark Castello Visconteo, shops, and cafes. It also forms the backdrop for numerous festivals that the city hosts throughout the year. In Locarno, panoramic vistas abound, from the lively shores of Lake Maggiore, to the calm reach of the mountains, which one can view from the Cardada overlook, high above the city in Orselina.