Posted Mon Oct 27 13:48:00 UTC 2008

The Ticino cities of Ascona and Locarno, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore, are two of the most desirable locales of the Swiss Mediterranean region. Tourists and international homebuyers alike flock to this area for its exceptional climate and scenery, lively community events, fascinating architecture, and more. Ascona offers great shopping and dining along its bayside promenade, and the Centovalli (100 valleys) region behind the town is a paradise for those who love hiking and cycling among bridges and waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and quaint villages. Ascona is also a mecca for golf lovers; the town is home to the 18-hole Ascona Golf Club Patriziale, which has been frequently ranked as one of the best Switzerland golf courses. Locarno is well-known for its Piazza Grande town square, which is full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and plenty of historic ambience. Piazza Grande becomes a giant open-air cinema screen every August with the start of the highly popular Locarno International Film Festival, which brings thousands of people into the city from all over Switzerland. Also, just up the hill north of Locarno lies the exclusive Orselina Resort, one of the finest Swiss luxury resorts, offering breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and world-class amenities that are unforgettable.