Explore the Area

Casa Lupo sits at the heart of Ticino — Switzerland's Italian-speaking canton, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. Lago Maggiore stretches before you, with Locarno and Ascona just minutes away by bike or boat. Here is everything you need to make the most of your stay.

Water Activities

Stand Up Paddleboarding
Rent SUP boards, inquire with the host.
Lake Swimming
Private beach access at Vira Lago centre, 250 m from the apartment.
Lido Locarno
High-tech lakeside swimming complex with pools, water slides & thermal baths, plus beach access. Via Gioacchino Respini 11, Locarno. Open 08:30–20:00. By car: 20 min. Tel: 091 759 90 00.
Boat Trips
Regular ferry connections to Locarno, Ascona, and the Brissago Islands.
Fishing
Lago Maggiore is renowned for its perch and pike — fishing permits available locally.

Outdoor & Sport

Cycling & E-Bikes
The lakeside promenade connects Vira to Locarno (12 km) — flat and scenic.
Hiking
Trails lead up to Monte Gambarogno with panoramic views over the lake and Alps.
Tennis
Courts can be booked at the Bar Tennis in Vira Centre, 250 m from the apartment or online — visit tennisvira.ch.
Fitness, Pool & Sauna
Free fitness room (open all year), free indoor pool (seasonal opening times) and sauna (seasonal opening times) against additional fee are available to Casa Lupo guests at the Vira Lago Residence, 250 m away.
Tandem Skydiving
Paracentro Locarno offers tandem skydiving with breathtaking freefall views over Lago Maggiore and the Alps. Visit paracentro.ch.
Mini Golf Magadino
Fun for all ages — 18-hole mini golf with a playground and restaurant. Via Cantonale 132, 6573 Magadino, approx. 1 km away. Open 9am–8pm. Tel: 079 573 94 31.
Go Kart Locarno-Magadino
Outdoor kart track celebrating 50 years — karts.ch. Adults (14+): CHF 25 per 10-min session. Children (8–13, 130 cm+): CHF 19. Open May–Aug daily 2–7pm (Wed & Sun from 3pm); Mar/Apr/Sep/Oct daily 2–6pm. Visit karts.ch.
American Bowling Quartino
Fun for all ages — 10-lane American bowling alley with neon lights and big screens, approx. 2 km away. Visit bowling-quartino.ch.
Golf Locarno
Scenic 9-hole golf course with breathtaking views over Lago Maggiore and the Alps. Via Gioacchino Respinì, 6600 Locarno. Open daily 8:30am–6:30pm. By car: 21 mins. Tel: 091 752 33 53.

Nearby Towns

Locarno
12 km south — famous for its film festival, Piazza Grande, and the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary.
Ascona
14 km south — charming lakeside village with galleries, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants.
Brissago Islands
Botanical garden on two islands in the lake — accessible by ferry from Ascona.
Lugano
45 km south — cosmopolitan city with world-class museums, shopping, and lake views.

Dining & Local Flavours

Grotto Restaurants
Traditional Ticinese grottos serve local dishes like risotto, polenta, and grilled meats in rustic settings.
Locarno Old Town
Piazza Grande is lined with cafés and restaurants — perfect for an evening aperitivo.
Ascona Waterfront
Elegant restaurants along the lakeside promenade with Italian-Swiss cuisine.
Local Markets
Weekly markets in Locarno and Ascona offer fresh produce, cheeses, and local wines.
Mercato di Cannobio
A wonderful Sunday market on the Italian side of the lake. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, Cannobio — 14 km away. Open Sundays from 8am.

Getting Here & Around

By Car

Casa Lupo is easily reached via the A2 motorway. Free parking is available at the property. Milan is 90 minutes away, Zurich around 2.5 hours.

By Train

The nearest train station is Vira-Magadino, a short walk away. Direct connections to Locarno (15 min) and Bellinzona (20 min). Locarno connects to Zurich via the Gotthard.

Getting Around

The lakeside cycle path is ideal for exploring. Regular ferry services connect the lake communities. A car is useful for day trips into the mountains.

Ready to explore?

Book Casa Lupo and discover the best of Ticino — lake, mountains, and la dolce vita.

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