Ascona is a charming and picturesque town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy and Switzerland. With a mild climate, a rich history, and a vibrant culture, Ascona is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Whether you want to explore its scenic beauty, its cultural diversity, its artistic heritage, or its wellness and relaxation opportunities, Ascona has something for everyone. In this Ascona travel guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Swiss town of Lake Maggiore, including the best things to do, how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and when to visit.
Why Visit Ascona?
Ascona is one of the most popular and attractive destinations in Switzerland, and for good reasons. Here are some of the main reasons and benefits of visiting Ascona:
Ascona’s Scenic Beauty
Ascona is blessed with stunning natural scenery, thanks to its location on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, also known as Lago Verbàno in Italian and Lago Maggiore in German. The town has a beautiful lakefront promenade, where you can stroll along the water, admire the colorful houses, enjoy the views of the mountains and the lake, and watch the sunset. Ascona also has lush gardens, such as the Parco delle Camelie, where you can see over 900 varieties of camellias, and the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno, where you can discover exotic plants and flowers. If you want to see Ascona from a different perspective, you can take a cable car to the Cardada-Cimetta, a mountain peak that offers panoramic views of the town, the lake, and the surrounding valleys.
Ascona’s Cultural Diversity
Ascona is a town with a diverse and multicultural identity, influenced by its Italian, Swiss, and German roots, as well as its artistic and bohemian movements. Ascona is part of the Canton of Ticino, the only Italian-speaking canton in Switzerland, and it has a strong Italian flair, especially in its cuisine, architecture, and lifestyle. Ascona is also home to the Borgo, the old town center, where you can find narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares, such as the Piazza Giuseppe Motta, the main square of the town. Ascona is also known for its artistic and bohemian spirit, which dates back to the early 20th century, when it attracted many writers, painters, philosophers, and musicians, who formed a colony on the Monte Verità, a hill overlooking the town. The Monte Verità is now a cultural and historical center, where you can learn more about the history and legacy of Ascona’s artists and thinkers.
Ascona’s Artistic Heritage
Ascona has a rich and varied artistic heritage, featuring its museums, galleries, festivals, and monuments, that reflect its history and culture. One of the most important museums in Ascona is the Museo d’Arte Moderna, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Paul Klee, Alexej von Jawlensky, and Marianne Werefkin. Another museum worth visiting is the Museo Epper, which showcases the paintings and sculptures of the Epper family, a prominent artistic family in Ascona. Ascona also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the JazzAscona Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe, and the Festa delle Camelie, a celebration of the camellia flowers. Ascona also has some impressive monuments, such as the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, a 16th-century church with a Romanesque bell tower and a Baroque interior, and the Castello Seeschloss, a 19th-century castle that overlooks the lake.
Ascona’s Wellness and Relaxation
Ascona is a town that offers wellness and relaxation to its visitors, thanks to its mild climate, its spa hotels, and its activities. Ascona has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant destination all year round. Ascona also has many spa hotels, such as the Hotel Eden Roc, the Hotel Giardino Ascona, and the Hotel Ascona, where you can enjoy a range of spa services, such as massages, treatments, thermal baths, and saunas. Ascona also has many activities that can help you relax and rejuvenate, such as golf, tennis, yoga, and forest bathing. Ascona has a 18-hole golf course, the Golf Club Patriziale Ascona, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Switzerland. Ascona also has several tennis courts, where you can play or take lessons. Ascona also offers yoga classes, both indoors and outdoors, where you can practice your poses and breathing. Ascona also has a forest bathing trail, the Sentiero del Silenzio, where you can immerse yourself in nature and experience its healing effects.
Ascona’s Proximity to Other Attractions
Ascona is a town that is conveniently located and accessible to other attractions in the region, such as the Brissago Islands, the Maggia Valley, the Centovalli, Locarno, and Bellinzona. The Brissago Islands are two islands in Lake Maggiore, where you can visit the Botanical Park, which has over 1500 plant species from around the world.
The Maggia Valley is a valley that stretches from Lake Maggiore to the Alps, where you can explore its villages, waterfalls, gorges, and trails. The Centovalli is a valley that connects Switzerland and Italy, where you can take a scenic train ride, the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, which passes through bridges, tunnels, and forests. Locarno is a city that is close to Ascona, where you can visit its attractions, such as the Piazza Grande, the Castello Visconteo, and the Madonna del Sasso. Bellinzona is a city that is the capital of the Canton of Ticino, where you can see its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the three castles of Bellinzona, the Sasso Corbaro, the Montebello, and the Castelgrande.
How to Get to Ascona
Ascona is a town that is easy to get to by different modes of transportation, such as car, train, bus, or plane. Here are some of the best ways to get to Ascona:
By car:
Ascona is well connected by road, and you can drive to Ascona from various cities in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. The main road that leads to Ascona is the A2 motorway, which connects Basel, Zurich, Lugano, and Chiasso. From the A2 motorway, you can take the exit 47, Locarno, and follow the signs to Ascona. The driving time from Zurich to Ascona is about 3 hours, from Milan to Ascona is about 2 hours, and from Munich to Ascona is about 5 hours.
By train:
Ascona is not directly served by train, but you can take a train to Locarno, which is the nearest train station to Ascona. Locarno is well connected by train, and you can take a train to Locarno from various cities in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. The main train company that operates in Locarno is the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which connects Locarno with Basel, Zurich, Bern, Geneva, and Lugano. From Locarno, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a bike to Ascona, which is about 4 km away. The bus line that goes to Ascona is the line 1, which runs every 15 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to reach Ascona. The taxi fare from Locarno to Ascona is about 20 CHF, and the bike ride from Locarno to Ascona is about 20 minutes.
By bus:
Ascona is also accessible by bus, and you can take a bus to Ascona from various cities in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. The main bus company that operates in Ascona is the PostBus, which connects Ascona with Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno, and other towns in the region. The bus stop in Ascona is the Ascona Posta, which is located in the center of the town. The bus fare from Lugano to Ascona is about 15 CHF, and the bus ride from Lugano to Ascona is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By plane:
Ascona does not have an airport, but you can fly to the nearest airports, such as Lugano Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, or Zurich Airport, and then take a train, a bus, or a car to Ascona. Lugano Airport is the closest airport to Ascona, about 40 km away, and it has flights from Zurich, Geneva, and some European cities. Milan Malpensa Airport is the second closest airport to Ascona, about 90 km away, and it has flights from many international destinations. Zurich Airport is the third closest airport to Ascona, about 220 km away, and it has flights from many international destinations. From the airports, you can take a train, a bus, or a car to Ascona, following the same routes and directions as mentioned above.
Where to Stay in Ascona
Ascona has a wide range of accommodation options, depending on your budget, preferences, and needs. You can choose from hotels, apartments, hostels, or campsites, as well as the best areas, amenities, and reviews. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ascona:
Hotels:
Ascona has many hotels, from luxury to budget, that offer comfort, convenience, and service. Some of the best hotels in Ascona are:
Hotel Eden Roc: A 5-star hotel that is located on the lakefront, with a private beach, a spa, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel has elegant and spacious rooms, with balconies, lake views, and modern amenities. The hotel also offers activities, such as golf, tennis, yoga, and boat trips. The price per night is about 500 CHF.
Hotel Giardino Ascona: A 5-star hotel that is located in a park, with a spa, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel has stylish and cozy rooms, with garden views, and modern amenities. The hotel also offers activities, such as golf, tennis, yoga, and forest bathing. The price per night is about 400 CHF.
Hotel Ascona: A 4-star hotel that is located on a hill, with a spa, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel has comfortable and bright rooms, with balconies, mountain views, and modern amenities. The hotel also offers activities, such as golf, tennis, yoga, and bike rental. The price per night is about 200 CHF.
Apartments:
Ascona has many apartments, from luxury to budget, that offer privacy, flexibility, and convenience. Some of the best apartments in Ascona are:
Residenza Palmanova: A luxury apartment that is located in the center of the town, with a terrace, a garden, a barbecue, and a parking. The apartment has a spacious and modern living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The apartment also offers a lake view, a fireplace, and a washing machine. The price per night is about 300 CHF.
Casa Sorengo: A budget apartment that is located in a quiet area, with a balcony, a garden, and a parking. The apartment has a cozy and simple living room, a kitchenette, a dining area, one bedroom, and one bathroom. The apartment also offers a mountain view, a TV, and a microwave. The price per night is about 100 CHF.
Hostels:
Ascona has a few hostels, that offer affordability, sociability, and fun. Some of the best hostels in Ascona are:
Youth Hostel Ascona: A hostel that is located near the lake, with a terrace, a garden, a restaurant, and a bar. The hostel has dorms and private rooms, with shared bathrooms, and basic amenities. The hostel also offers activities, such as table tennis, billiards, and board games. The price per night is about 50 CHF.
Osteria Ticino: A hostel that is located in the old town, with a restaurant, and a bar. The hostel has private rooms, with shared bathrooms, and basic amenities. The hostel also offers a traditional and delicious cuisine, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The price per night is about 40 CHF.
Campsites:
Ascona has a few campsites, that offer nature, adventure, and fun. Some of the best campsites in Ascona are:
Camping Melezzole: A campsite that is located on the lake, with a beach, a playground, a restaurant, and a shop. The campsite has pitches and bungalows, with electricity, water, and wifi. The campsite also offers activities, such as surfing, sailing, fishing, and hiking. The price per night is about 30 CHF.
Camping Delta: A campsite that is located on the river, with a pool, a playground, a restaurant, and a shop. The campsite has pitches and mobile homes, with electricity, water, and wifi. The campsite also offers activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and climbing. The price per night is about 20 CHF.
What to Eat and Drink in Ascona
Ascona is a town that offers a delicious and varied cuisine and drinks, influenced by its Italian, Swiss, and German traditions. You can find a range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and markets, where you can taste the local specialties, as well as international dishes. Here are some of the best things to eat and drink in Ascona:
Risotto: Risotto is a creamy rice dish, cooked with broth, butter, cheese, and various ingredients, such as mushrooms, vegetables, meat, or seafood. Risotto is one of the most typical and popular dishes in Ascona, as well as in the Canton of Ticino, and you can find it in many restaurants, such as the Ristorante Osteria Nostrana, the Ristorante Albergo Carcani, and the Ristorante Seven.
Polenta: Polenta is a cornmeal porridge, cooked with water, butter, cheese, and salt, and served with different toppings, such as meat, cheese, mushrooms, or vegetables. Polenta is another traditional and common dish in Ascona, as well as in the Canton of Ticino, and you can find it in many restaurants, such as the Grotto Baldoria, the Grotto Broggini, and the Grotto La Campagnola.
Merlot: Merlot is a red wine, made from the merlot grape, which is widely grown in the Canton of Ticino. Merlot is the most famous and appreciated wine in Ascona, as well as in the Canton of Ticino, and you can find it in many bars, cafes, and shops, such as the Enoteca Ticino, the Bar Eden Roc, and the Vini & Distillati Angelo Delea.
Gelato: Gelato is a frozen dessert, made from milk, cream, sugar, and various flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, fruit, or nuts. Gelato is one of the most delicious and refreshing treats in Ascona, especially in the summer, and you can find it in many gelaterias, such as the Gelateria Centrale, the Gelateria Veneta, and the Gelateria La Fontana.
Coffee: Coffee is a hot drink, made from roasted and ground coffee beans, and brewed with water, milk, or cream. Coffee is one of the most popular and enjoyable drinks in Ascona, especially in the morning, and you can find it in many cafes, such as the Caffè Bar Piazza, the Caffè Bar Ascona, and the Caffè Bar La Chiatta.
Ascona is a town that has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. With its scenic beauty, its cultural diversity, its artistic heritage, its wellness and relaxation opportunities, and its proximity to other attractions, Ascona is a destination that will not disappoint you. Whether you want to explore its natural scenery, its historical and cultural sites, its culinary and artistic delights, or its activities and events, Ascona has something for everyone.
In this Ascona travel guide, you have learned everything you need to know about the Swiss town of Lake Maggiore, and we hope that you will visit Ascona and experience its charm and beauty for yourself.
