Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and South America. The mild climate here makes this possible. Ferries run from Locarno
(35 minutes), Ascona (15 minutes) and other points at the Swiss end of Lake Maggiore.
The last one back to Ascona and Locano leaves at 6.10pm.
CABLE CAR
Cimetta
(
www.cardada.ch
;
one way/return from Orselina adult Sfr30/36, child Sfr15/18; 9.15am-12.30pm & 1.30-4.50pm
Mar-Nov)
A series of funiculars, cable cars and chairlifts whisks you high above Locarno.
Take the funicular (
Click here
)
to the Orselina funicular stop, from where a cable car goes
to
Cardada
(one way/return adult Sfr24/28, child Sfr12/14; 8am-8pm Jun-Sep, 9am-6pm Mon-Thu, 8am-8pm Fri-
Sun Mar-May, Oct & Nov)
, and then a chairlift soars to Cimetta at 1672m. You can engage in
some gentle hikes at Cardada and Cimetta. At the former, make for the promenade sus-
pended above the trees, at the end of which is a lookout point with 180-degree views over
the city, Lake Maggiore and the valleys beyond. The geological observation point at Ci-
metta goes one better, with 360-degree views. The mountain is sliced up by walking trails
(paths are marked) that can have you stomping along from 1½ to four or so hours, de-
pending on the trails you choose. Longer routes lead into the Valle Maggia and Val Verza-
sca.
Cimetta is a popular launch spot for paragliders. If you want to have a go with an in-
structor in a tandem flight, contact
Volo Libero Ticino
(
www.cvlt.ch
)
. On the web page is a list of
qualified instructors and details for contacting them; click on 'voli passeggeri' on the
home page. Locals get in a little ski practice up here in winter.
Festivals & Events
FILM
Festival Internazionale di Film
(International Film Festival;
www.pardo.ch
; Via Ciseri 23)
Locarno has hosted this prestigious two-week
film festival in August since 1948. Cinemas are used during the day but at night films are
screened on a giant screen in Piazza Grande.
Eating
Caffe dell Arte
CAFE
€
