Last weekend I’ve spent two beautiful days surrounded by nature while discovering new places that I didn’t know before. Today I would like to share with you what has fascinated me during that weekend. Saturday was a wonderful day of sun and I went to Locarno.

City center in Ascona, Ticino, Switzerland

Church of San Pietro e Paolo in Ascona, Ticino, Switzerland

In the afternoon I went visiting the historical centre in Ascona.. I had never been in this characteristic town of the northern shore of Lago Maggiore and it left me amazed. The fascinating old town in Ascona enclose San Pietro and Paolo’s Church which is a basilica with a 16th century’s old colonnade and its high bell tower represent the symbol of the resort.

I’ve walked through the alley unto the lakefront where I’ve found numerous cafe directly on the lakeside. I really liked Ascona and I’m definitely going back from the 22nd of June when there will be JazzAscona, the biggest jazz festival of Europe. Artist internationally renowned perform every year framed by the beautiful lake, creating a connection with the city of New Orleans. A characteristic event that I cannot miss!

Lakeshore in Ascona, Ticino, Switzerland

Beach at Lido Ascona, Ticino, Switzerland

Adriana Broggini, Chef of Restaurant Stazione a Intragna, Ticino, Switzerland

In the evening I went to Lido Ascona (ca. 1km from the centre) for an aperitif with my friends. Lido Ascona is a Beach Club surrounded by green ancient trees. We relaxed for a bit and after we left our car at Locarno train station and took the legendary train “Centovalli” that in 15 minutes took us in front of Ristorante Stazione in Intragna’s door.

We were welcomed at the restaurant by Agnese and we had the opportunity to taste chef Adriana’s kitchen, which is a cuisine that follows the tradition with delicious regional meals that made us fell in love with her innovative dishes. A real pleasure for who loves a cuisine with farm-to-table products but still current.

Sunday, we decided to have a walk through the art path walk in Valle Verzasca. I had heard about this valley crossed by Verzasca’s river for a long time and I had seen lots of pictures of the blue like the sea and green water and I was pleasantly surprised by it... truly unique!

Even though the water was very cold, it’s so clear and limpid that some guys couldn’t help but to jump in!

Pamela Pintus at Valle Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland

“Sentiero per l’arte” (path walk to arts) in Lavertezzo is one of a kind because it brings beautiful artwork exposed through the path together with scenic view into nature and landscape since it’s right next to the river and the wonderful valley.

Pamela Pintus at Valle Maggia in Ticino, Switzerland

We left from Brione to get to Lavertezzo (ca. 4,5 km of promenade) and I’ve been able to admire around twenty artworks from swiss, Italian and german artist. An actual outdoor art exhibition.

The promenade is easy and at the end we got to the “Grotto al ponte”, close to the “ponte romano” (roman bridge), a small family-run restaurant in a typical Ticino way with fresh and local products and beer made from source water. It was a wonderful day that I will always remember with great pleasure… and that I will do again for sure!!