I arrived in Muralto ready for a weekend that mixes sun-kissed lake days with the thrill of glamping under the stars. Located in the Locarno District of Ticino, Switzerland, Muralto is my go-to base for friends who want a girls’ trip that feels chic, lively, and a little bit flirty without sacrificing comfort. The lake breeze is always inviting, the streets are dotted with gelato stands and craft shops, and the nearby towns around Locarno District feel like a postcard you can step into at any hour. It’s the kind of place where vacation rentals and holiday rentals feel almost tailor-made for a squad—easy to reach, close to outdoor adventures, and filled with little luxuries that make every day feel a little more vacation. If you’re hunting for a dreamy home base with access to the entire Ticino experience, you’ll want to check searchandstay.com for a curated selection of Glamping Tent accommodation and other vacation rentals around Muralto.
Why Muralto is the perfect starting point for a lakeside escape
Muralto sits right on the edge of Lago Maggiore, with fast access to Locarno’s waterfront, ferries that glide to the Brissago Islands, and a seamless blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean warmth. The Locarno District is famous for its sun-drenched climate, golden hills, and easy, relaxed pace—ideal for a group of friends who want to stay active but also know how to pause for a long lunch or a sunset aperitivo. The town is compact enough to explore on foot or by bike, yet it offers enough variety to keep every day feeling fresh. I love the way the lakefront promenades shimmer at dusk, inviting little detours to a boutique wine bar, a lakeside cafe, or a hidden alley where a local pastry chef has just pulled a batch of croissants from the oven. For travelers seeking a mix of outdoor experiences and cultural moments, Muralto positions you to sample the best of Ticino without spending hours in transit.
Glamping Tent Getaways: Glamping tent accommodation in Muralto
My favorite way to combine adventure with comfort here is staying in a glamping tent—a chic twist on traditional camping that keeps the romance of the outdoors while offering proper beds, climate control, and private bathrooms. Glamping tent accommodation in Muralto and the surrounding areas can feel wonderfully secluded, yet you’re never far from the action. Canvas walls, wooden decks, and a canopy of stars give evenings a magical glow, perfect for friends who want to talk late into the night over a tray of local cheeses and a bottle of Merlot from nearby vineyards. Expect thoughtful touches like solar-powered lighting, cozy bedding, heatable blankets for cool Ticino nights, and outdoor seating with lake views. In many glamping sites, guests can wake up to birdsong, fresh air, and coffee brewing on a small stove or in a compact kitchenette—convenient for busy mornings before a day on the lake or a hike in the surrounding hills.
- Private terraces with lounge seating and views of Lago Maggiore
- Comfortable queen or twin beds with quality linens
- Eco-friendly amenities: solar power, water recycling, and responsible waste management
- Outdoor showers or en-suite facilities, depending on the site
- Near-lake access for swimming, paddle boarding, or a gentle boat ride
- Wi-Fi access in common areas for sharing vacation memories with friends
When you book a glamping tent, you’re not just securing a place to crash; you’re stepping into a holiday style that suits a modern, active traveler who wants a touch of glam. It’s a fantastic option for a group of friends who crave the thrill of outdoor adventures with the ease of vacation rentals. To explore a curated range of glamping tent options and other vacation rental types in Muralto, Locarno District, and Ticino, see searchandstay.com for a compiled list of Glamping Tent Accommodation and related holiday rentals.
Activities with friends: outdoor adventures and local experiences
The Locarno District is built for social weekends, with a blend of water-based fun, scenic hikes, and culture-rich moments that feel spontaneous and memorable. Here are some not-to-miss experiences that are perfect for a crew of friends:
- Lake Maggiore boat trips: A gentle cruise or a private boat rental lets you hop between towns along the lake, stopping for a beachside lunch with the kind of views you’ll want to photograph all afternoon. The calm, clear water is ideal for paddle boarding or a quick swim before a siesta back at the glamping site.
- Isola di Brissago: A short boat ride from Locarno brings you to a subtropical botanical garden on an island that feels delightfully far from Switzerland’s winter chill. Wander among exotic plants, then enjoy a picnic with lake views as the sun dips behind the pine trees.
- Cardada-Cimetta cable car and hikes: Take a scenic cable car ride up to Cardada and hike toward Cimetta for panoramic views that sweep across Locarno, the lake, and the alpine ridges. It’s the kind of day that balances soft adventure with photo-ready landscapes.
- Verzasca Valley adventures: For adrenaline enthusiasts, a run to the Verzasca Dam offers bungee jumping thrills, a dramatic river gorge, and the famous Verzasca River pools for a refreshing dip after your jump or a scenic stroll along the water.
- Old town strolls and gelato breaks: Locarno’s old towns and riverside promenades are dotted with charming cafes and gelaterias. A relaxed afternoon wandering through cobbled lanes, ending with a croissant and a caffeine fix, is quintessential Ticino.
- Wine tastings and local cuisine: Ticino is famous for Merlot and delicious Swiss-Italian cuisine. Plan a wine-tasting afternoon in nearby Gudo, or arrange a private food tour that pairs polenta, risotto, or fan-favorite locally produced cheeses with regional wines.
Staying in Muralto means you’re within easy reach of all these experiences, with flexible access to rental properties that suit your party’s pace—whether you want a quick morning dip, a long afternoon hike, or a sunset cruise. If you’re booking, searchandstay.com is a solid starting point for locating Glamping Tent Accommodation and other vacation rentals in the Locarno District that align with your travel vibe.
Three-day sample itinerary for a glamping weekend with friends
To help you visualize a fun, active escape, here’s a sample itinerary that blends glamping comfort with outdoor adventure and nightlife that Ticino does better than most places in Switzerland.
- Day 1: Arrival and lakeside welcome — Check into your glamping tent or chosen vacation rental near Muralto, settle in with a welcome board of local cheeses, bread, and a bottle of Merlot, then take an easy sunset walk along the lakefront. End the day with a casual dinner at a lakeside restaurant offering Italian-influenced Ticinese dishes and a view of the boats drifting along the water.
- Day 2: Lake adventures and Isola di Brissago — Morning paddle boarding or a stand-up paddle session on Lago Maggiore, followed by a boat transfer to Isola di Brissago for an afternoon of botanic exploration. Return for a sunset beach time and a barbecue or a cooking class at your glamping site, learning to make polenta or risotto with a local chef if your group loves hands-on experiences.
- Day 3: Cardada-Cimetta and local wine — Take the Cardada-Cimetta cable car in the morning, hike a gentle ridge trail, and capture the sweeping valley views. Afternoon wine tasting near Locarno, followed by a farewell dinner featuring Ticino specialties before a last stroll along the lake or a nightcap at a cozy bar in Locarno town.
This itinerary pairs active moments with relaxed, social evenings—precisely the balance I seek for a girls’ trip in Ticino. For arranging accommodations that fit this rhythm, searchandstay.com offers a curated selection of Glamping Tent Accommodation and vacation rentals in Muralto and the Locarno District.
Where to stay: vacation rentals and holiday rentals near Muralto
Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends or a longer escape with your crew, the Locarno District has a range of vacation rentals and holiday rentals to match your vibe. In Muralto itself you’ll find options that emphasize easy lake access and social spaces, alongside more secluded pockets where you can sip a glass of local wine under a canopy of stars. If you’re after a more structured glamping experience, glamping tent accommodations in or near Muralto can offer the best of both worlds: the drama of the outdoors with the comfort of a private bathroom, a real bed, and a small kitchen area. For a broader search, consider properties in Locarno, Minusio, Orselina, and Brione or the Verzasca valley—each area has its own character, from boutique lodges to family-friendly bungalows and stylish tents with modern amenities. For a comprehensive list of options across the Locarno District, visit searchandstay.com to discover Glamping Tent Accommodation, vacation rentals, and holiday rentals that will suit your exact dates and budget.
When choosing your base, think about how you want to divide your days: a central Muralto spot for easy lake access and nightlife, or a more tranquil lakeside site that feels like a private retreat after a day of adventures. Either way, you’ll be within short drives or scenic ferries of Locarno’s exhibitions, markets, and the gentle charm of Ticino’s Italian-speaking culture. Booking platforms like searchandstay.com help you compare properties by proximity to the lake, number of bedrooms, and the kind of amenities you want—private balconies, hot tubs, wood-fired ovens, or a private garden for late-night chats with friends.
Seasonality, best times to visit Ticino, and packing tips
Ticino has a longer outdoor season than many other Swiss regions, thanks to its milder climate. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are ideal for those who want to beat the peak-season crowds but still enjoy pleasant temperatures for hiking and lakeside strolls. Summer in Muralto can be bustling and sunny, perfect for swimming, boat trips, and lively evenings along the promenade. If your trip centers on glamping, consider late spring or early autumn when nights are cool enough for a cozy outdoor campfire, yet days remain bright for outdoor adventures. Pack versatile clothing: light layers for daytime activities, a swimwear set for the lake, a light jacket for breeze along the water, and comfortable footwear for cobblestones, trails, and boat decks. Don’t forget a universal adaptor for Swiss outlets, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera—Muralto offers spectacular vantage points that deserve to be captured.
Practical tips for planning your Ticino getaway
Travelers visiting Muralto and the Locarno District should keep a few practical pointers in mind to streamline the experience. The region is Italian-speaking, with strong Italian cultural influence in cuisine and daily life, so some basic Italian phrases can be very helpful. Public transport in Ticino is efficient and convenient, with trains and ferries connecting Locarno, Ascona, and the Brissago Islands, as well as the surrounding valleys. If you’re renting a car, you’ll find scenic routes that wind along the lake and up into the surrounding hills—perfect for a scenic drive after a day of adventures. For families or larger groups, check if your chosen vacation rental offers a parking solution, and confirm pet policies if you’re traveling with four-legged friends who want to join the trip. When in doubt, contacting the host or the vacation rental manager in advance can make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Whenever you’re ready to book, remember to explore a wide range of options to suit your group’s energy level and style. A site like searchandstay.com provides a curated inventory of accommodations in Muralto, Locarno District, Ticino, including glamping tent options and other vacation rentals, so you can compare locations, amenities, and price all in one place before you commit to a plan.
Local experiences and sustainable travel
Ticino is a region that invites sustainable travel and meaningful local experiences. Choose accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices and partner with local businesses for activities and meals. Consider a day or two of slow travel where you walk through tree-lined streets, stop at a family-owned bakery for a morning pastry, or join a cooking class that teaches you how to craft polenta and risotto in an authentic Ticinese kitchen. The area around Muralto rewards a gentle, human pace: you can watch boat traffic on Lago Maggiore from a sunny terrace, strike up conversations with locals in the morning markets, and savor seasonal ingredients that highlight the region’s Italian influence. Glamping tent sites in the area often emphasize sustainability, offering practical ways to minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and social interaction with your friends. If you’re planning a trip focusing on these experiences, searchandstay.com can guide you toward vacation rentals and Glamping Tent Accommodation that align with a low-impact, high-enjoyment itinerary.
Conclusion: book your Muralto getaway
From the moment I step onto the Muralto shore, I know I’m in a place that makes holiday rentals feel extra special. The Locarno District’s blend of lake life, alpine scenery, and Italian-influenced tastes makes it a dream for any group seeking a vibrant, active vacation with friends. Glamping tent accommodations provide a stylish, comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors, while vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Muralto and the surrounding towns deliver versatility for groups of all sizes. Ready to plan your own escape? Visit searchandstay.com to discover a curated selection of Glamping Tent Accommodation and other vacation rentals around Muralto, Locarno District, Ticino. Compare locations, check availability for your travel dates, and book the perfect home base for your Ticino adventure. The lake is waiting, the sunsets are unforgettable, and your best Ticino memories are just a booking away.