Losone between river landscapes, forest and history

Losone combines the river landscapes along the Maggia and Melezza with the Maia woodland, historic sites and sports opportunities. This gives you a practical range of options for planning your trip: riverbanks and green spaces, woodland and wetlands, local history, or activities such as golf and cycling.

Riverbanks and the Maia woodland

Several publicly accessible beaches lie along the Maggia and Melezza, including Spiaggia del Meriggio. Access and local conditions can change seasonally; check them before your visit. The green spaces between the embankments form natural river parks and are ideal for walks towards Lake Maggiore and Centovalli.

Above the village centre of Losone are the Parco del bosco di Maia nature reserve and the Maiensässe (summer pastures) of Monti di Losone. Also above the village centre is a steep, forested mountain area below the Corona di Pinz viewpoint at 1,293 m above sea level. In the Maia area, the ponds and wet hollows are nationally significant habitats for the breeding of frogs and other amphibians. They helped secure the park’s inclusion in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments.

A nature trail in the Bosco di Maia is open to schools, groups and individual visitors. Several stations with QR codes provide information along the route on historical, cultural and scientific topics. If you plan to follow the trail, check the trail conditions beforehand.

On foot, by bike and on the golf course

On foot, the river parks offer paths towards Lake Maggiore and Centovalli. Losone, near Ascona, is a starting point for cycling tours that lead into the Maggia Valley and Centovalli. These options offer different starting points for planning: walks focus on the river parks, while cycling tours take you further into the valleys.

Golf Gerre Losone is an 18-hole championship course with a par of 72 and a length of 6,309 metres. It is mostly flat and suitable for players of all skill levels. Check the current booking conditions in advance if you plan to play a round.

Losone also offers opportunities for horse riding: it is home to one of the few indoor riding arenas in the canton of Ticino. The green spaces along the Maggia and Melezza, as well as the hills of Losone, are suitable for riding excursions.

Local history, culture and Ticino cuisine

Traditional stone houses, cobbled lanes and small, secluded squares characterise the medieval centre of Arcegno. The prehistoric sanctuary of Arcegno consists of a series of decorated stones bearing archaic carvings from protohistoric times.

The Grotta dei Pagani is a prehistoric cave in the hills of Losone. Check the local access conditions before visiting. Città Morta, a small ruined village, lies by the river embankment. In the past, grenadiers stationed at the Losone barracks used the site for military exercises. Check the condition of the site locally.

Archaeological finds indicate that the Losone area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Grave goods dating from the 1st to the 4th century suggest the presence of an ancient necropolis; the area was also inhabited during Roman times. The Losone coat of arms refers to an old tower, built in the 15th century, that formed part of Locarno’s defensive system.

At the grotti and osterie of Losone, you can sample local wines and traditional Ticino dishes. These establishments can be found in the historic centres of Losone, in the medieval centre of Arcegno and on the edge of the Arcegno woodlands. Availability and opening conditions may change; check them before planning a visit.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Indemini, Ronco Sopra Ascona, Intragna, Gresso, Vira, Ascona, Frasco, Cugnasco-Gerra

Back to the main travel overview: Locarno.