Because the Canton of Ticino is located almost at sea level (at an altitude of 192 metres), it is possible to enjoy a Mediterranean climate from springtime until the end of November. It also means that a large part of life at the ‘Palagiovani’ is spent outdoors – for example at a ‘Grigliata’ in the inner courtyard surrounded by the building’s three wings. Naturally, nearly all the modern double and four-person rooms have a balcony. And it’s also pleasant to get together on the veranda or under the pergola. In addition to the Youth Hostel, the unique ‘Palace of Youth’ also houses Ticino’s local radio station, a youth bureau and the music school. There’s always something going on in this stately old house, once a boarding school for young ladies. The Palagiovani is also suitable for congresses, thanks to its various seminar rooms. Locarno is the starting point for a wide range of activities: whether sailing on Lake Maggiore – for example from Ascona to the Brissago islands – or energetic mountain bike excursions in the valleys of the Sopraceneri. The valleys of Ticino offer several hundred kilometres of hiking paths, there are 700 km of these in the Vallemaggia alone. For the adventurous, there is action such as bungee jumping or canyoning. Or how about a visit to the Teatro Dimitri in Verscio? Just past the Youth Hostel begins the old city centre of Locarno. Its centre is the Piazza Grande where in summer there are festivals and events almost every week. The most famous festival is the film festival in august. But there is even more in Locarno: the big arcades along the Piazza Grande that invite you for shopping, and the magnificent view over Locarno and the Lago Maggiore from the pilgrimage church Madonna del Sasso. You can reach the church easily by funicular or by foot taking the Via Crucis. Europe/Paris (+01:00) | 46.167892 | 8.787985
Menu
