Locarno is a southern Swiss town located on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore, which separates Switzerland from Italy. The town boasts the most hours of sunshine anywhere in the country and its mild climate attracts many vacationers. There is a cable car, which will take you quickly to the top of Locarno's closest mountain for great hiking in summer and winter sports in winter. The lake offers a good selection of watersports in summer and boat trips all year round. If you are interested in history, you can take a walking tour of the Old Town's cobbled lanes, all of which lead to a central piazza and medieval castle. Towering above the city is the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso, a spiritual place that also offers excellent views.