Places and activities to do

The Locarno Film Festival once again attracts arthouse cinema lovers and film industry insiders to the picturesque town in the Italian part of Switzerland.

The eclectic lineup of the 77th edition of the festival is full of independent films to discover and classics to revisit. And, of course, big names in cinema, from Indian megastar Shah Rukh Khan to French actress Mélanie Laurent and Erin Brockovich producer Stacey Sher and The piano And The power of the dog Director Jane Campion is among the guests who will receive special honors. They will mingle with the approximately 16,000 residents of Locarno, or about 56,000 including the surrounding area.

For those who need a break from watching all those new movies, discussing industry trends, learning from professionals or closing deals or networking, the city has plenty to offer.

Here’s a look at some of the things to do and see in Locarno when you’re not watching films at a film festival or attending its vast array of events.

Large square – the heart of the city
Festival-goers know the square that is the heart of Locarno as the screening venue, with 8,000 seats, of some of the festival’s most anticipated films.

But it is also a place for anyone who wants to do some shopping or refuel with a cup of coffee or other beverage and some food.

The Piazza Grande hosts a weekly market on Thursdays. And if you visit Locarno in July, before the August film festival, you can also enjoy the annual Moon & Stars festival, a series of 10 outdoor concerts that transform the square into a huge concert hall. Past performers include Sting, Bob Dylan, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo, Status Quo, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Christina Aguilera, Joe Cocker, Emeli Sandé, Jamiroquai and Lenny Kravitz.

Lake Maggiore, promenade, Lido and islands – water, water, water, anyone?
Locarno is located at the northeastern end of the shore of Lake Maggiore, which is divided between Switzerland and Italy and adds to the Mediterranean atmosphere of the region.

You can also indulge in activities tailored to your desires: walks along the lake promenade, boat trips, sailing, stand up paddle, wakeboarding, etc. The Lido of Locarno also offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an Olympic swimming pool, a thermal swimming pool, a fun pool and four water slides.

Those who enjoy crossing the water to find more land can explore the two islands of Brissago, Switzerland’s only botanical garden located on an island, with subtropical species from around the world.