Losone lies on the banks of the Maggia and Melezza rivers. Above the village centre are the Parco del bosco di Maia nature reserve, the Monti di Losone alpine pastures and a steep, wooded mountain area below the Corona di Pinz viewpoint at 1,293 m above sea level. River landscapes, nature trails and historical landmarks offer different ways to shape a stay in Losone.

Rivers and nature in the Maia area

There are several publicly accessible beaches along the Maggia and Melezza, including Spiaggia del Meriggio. Access and local conditions can vary seasonally; check before visiting. The green spaces between the banks of the two rivers form natural riverside parks. They are suitable for walks towards Lake Maggiore and the Centovalli. This gives you a choice of beaches and walks through riverside landscapes when planning your visit.

The ponds and wet hollows of Maia are nationally significant habitats for the reproduction of frogs and other amphibians. They helped secure the park’s inclusion in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments. Schools, groups and individual visitors can follow an educational trail through the Bosco di Maia. Several stops with QR codes provide information along the way on historical, cultural and scientific topics. The Collina di Maia forest park is a forest reserve and is considered particularly easy to access from an urban centre in the southern Alps. Check trail conditions before visiting the educational trail.

Archaeological traces and historic sites

Archaeological finds indicate that the Losone area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Grave goods from the 1st to 4th centuries 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, which was part of Locarno’s defensive system.

The medieval centre of Arcegno features traditional stone houses, cobbled lanes and small, secluded squares. Its prehistoric sanctuary consists of a series of decorated stones with archaic engravings dating from protohistoric times. These features offer a different perspective on history from the archaeological traces that point to earlier settlement in the Losone area.

Città Morta is a small ruined village on the riverbank. In the past, grenadiers stationed at the Losone barracks used the site for military exercises; check its condition locally before including it in your plans. Grotta dei Pagani is a prehistoric cave in the hills of Losone. Confirm local access conditions before planning a visit to the cave.

Cycling, golf and horse riding

Losone, near Ascona, is a starting point for cycling tours that extend into the Maggia Valley and the Centovalli. For golfers, Golf Gerre Losone offers a clearly defined point of reference: its championship course has 18 holes, a par of 72 and a length of 6,309 metres. It is mostly flat and suitable for players of all skill levels. Booking conditions can change, so check them before making plans.

Horse riding is another possible activity: Losone has one of the few indoor riding arenas in the canton of Ticino. Routes through the green spaces along the Maggia and Melezza and through the hills of Losone are suitable for riding. The activities described differ in scope: cycling tours lead into the two larger landscape areas, while the riding routes mentioned are in the riverside landscapes and hills of Losone.

Local cuisine

At grotti and osterie, 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 forests of Arcegno. Availability and opening conditions may vary, so enquire in advance.

For the overview of the wider destination: Locarno.