Pearls of the south
If you want to explore the region beyond your Sunstar shell, you’ll find numerous ways to indulge in the Ticino mindset. It doesn’t take long to get the holiday feeling in the south of Switzerland. With more than 2300 hours of sunshine per year, spring comes earlier here and summer stays for longer. Brissago is just 197 m above sea level and enjoys the mildest climate in Switzerland. All the colourful flowers alone will put you in a good mood from the moment you arrive.
Explore the lakeside promenade, stroll round the Italian markets just over the border or try a traditional Ticino wine grotto during a hike. An excursion into the remote and romantic Verzasca or Maggia valleys will leave a lasting impression. And nearby towns such as Locarno and Ascona offer a range of exciting events, inviting you to spend some time there, simply wandering around. Just a stone’s throw away are the Brissago Islands. After a short boat ride, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the over 1500 species of plants and flowers in the famous Botanical Gardens.
And you definitely mustn’t miss out on a delicious Italian ice cream from a traditional gelateria!
Summer Nights and Events 2025
That’s the sound of summer in Ticino!
This year, the popular summer events return once again to Lake Maggiore. Mild Ticino nights are made for unforgettable open-air festivals. Combine your event visit with an overnight stay at the Sunstar Hotel Brissago. With the Ticino Ticket, you can easily and freely return to Brissago by bus even after the festivals. If you prefer a stylish ride over the water, be sure to book a taxi boat to the hotel in advance.
Jazz Festival Ascona
June 26 – July 5, 2025
Experience the joy of life during the jazz days in Ascona. Around 200 concerts take place from noon until late at night across four lakeside stages, as well as in bars, restaurants, alleys, and squares of the picturesque Borgo. From New Orleans jazz to swing, blues, R&B, gospel, and soul – all genres are represented. Admission is free.
World Maxibasketball Championship
June 27 – July 6, 2025
This summer, the canton of Ticino welcomes over 6,000 participants to the 17th FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championship. Experience world-class basketball at the biggest basketball event in the world, taking place in Bellinzona, Lugano, and Locarno.
Moon & Stars Locarno
July 10 – 20, 2025
Once you’ve been there, you’ll never forget the magical atmosphere of Piazza Grande. Every year, world-famous stars attract festivalgoers to Locarno. This year’s line-up includes music icons such as Alvaro Soler, Nek, Scorpions, Kamrad, Samu Haber, Kygo, Gianna Nannini, Dabu Fantastic, and many more. Book your concert tickets and stay at the Sunstar Hotel Brissago.
Brissago Festival
July 18 & 19, 2025
Each year, the shores of Lake Maggiore come alive with the Brissago Festival – including fireworks, music, food stalls, boat rides, and children’s entertainment. Guests with a lake-view room at the Sunstar Hotel Brissago can admire the illuminated night sky right from their private terrace. Champagne and dessert can be served directly to your room for a truly special evening.
Locarno Film Festival
August 6 – 16, 2025
During these days, Piazza Grande in Locarno becomes the most beautiful open-air cinema in the world. Producers, directors, and actors walk the red carpet and present their latest films. Screenings are also held in 12 additional cinemas throughout the city
