Travelers can easily reach the old part of town by foot, known as Citta Vecchia. Here 13th century Visconti Castle can be seen while strolling around the picturesque, historical area through narrow alleys that lead to the famous Piazza Grande. Meandering even further, and the lakefront promenade appears in all its splendor.
When back ‘home’ to Belvedere Locarno Hotel, guests can grab a drink at the bar on the terrace next to the 200-year-old fountain dating back to 1815. La Fontana Ristorante & Bar with a show kitchen awarded 14 Gault & Millau points, offers breakfast with a hearty buffet as well as lunch and dinner. Wines can be selected from the hotel’s wonderful wine library. During summertime, Grotto al Sasso, a typical Ticino Grotto in the garden serves light local fare.
Health and wellness are at your doorstep at Belvedere Locarno Hotel. Their Oasi Spa offers a swimming pool, saunas, massages, fitness studio and beauty care. The outdoor gardens have sun loungers to relax and an assortment of games like pétanque. For bike enthusiasts, Hotel Belvedere is a certified bike hotel. Whether a casual cyclist, mountain biker or professional cyclist, Ticino offers trails for everyone at every level, all with amazing landscapes to enjoy. There are also three 18-hole golf courses nearby.
And if business before pleasure is calling, Belvedere Locarno is recognized as an “Inspiring Meeting Hotel.”
Locarno boasts 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, over 879 miles of hiking trails and more than 500 events annually. If that is not enough, well then, there is always the Italian side of Lake Maggiore with towns like Stresa and the three Borromean Islands. But we will save that for another day.