A day in Ascona
A nice trip to the nearby Ticino to Ascona
Suitable for the whole family
Ascona (Ticino, CH)
Ascona is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore. The commune belongs to the canton of Ticino and to the district of Locarno and has 5430 inhabitants in an area of 5km2. Through artists and intellectuals Ascona became world famous, especially in the 20th century. Even today, the waterfront promenade Piazza Giuseppe Motta and its alleys and houses are largely preserved. These alleys invite you to tantalize your palate and always discover something new.
Every year Ascona hosts the Jazz Festival, a festival not only for jazz music lovers. During the summer and autumn months, every Wednesday in Piazza Giuseppe Motta there is an artisan market that offers many different artistic attractions.
In the summer months, the Piazza Giuseppe Motta is usually bustling with activity in the evenings. Clowns and other artists enchant not only the children, numerous painters and draughtsmen offer portraits in front of the dreamlike evening picture of Lake Maggiore and the many restaurants in Ascona entice with their fresh produce to an extensive dinner.
But also in the low season Ascona is worth seeing. The place is quieter and sleepier, more typical of the country, but still beautiful. Even in autumn and winter many restaurants are open along the piazza.
The port of Ascona is located directly on the piazza.
From here boats depart daily to the surrounding towns along Lake Maggiore.
Here you can also book excursions to the Isola di Brissago, take a speedboat on Wednesdays to the famous weekly market in Luino, book an excursion on Sundays to the market in Cannobio or simply organize a tour of the lake and admire its size and enchanting beauty. Of course, the perspective on the picturesque towns and villages of Lake Maggiore from the lake is quite different than on land, which is why we always strongly recommend a boat trip to all tourists.
Ascona also has a lot to offer in terms of sports. In addition to the large 18-hole golf course and a tennis court, there are also opportunities for mini-golf, surfing, sailing, cycling, and inline skating. In addition, there’s a public beach on Ascona’s shore that’s open daily until 10:00 p.m. The beach features a small bar serving light lunches, a diving board, and the option to rent lounge chairs for a small fee.
For sporty people, there are pedal boats to rent on the promenade of Ascona to view the beautiful Ticino village from the lake. More comfortable people reach for the small motorboat, which are also available for rent – also in a license-free version.
Ascona is outstanding when it comes to food. Everywhere there is the smell of fresh stone-baked pizza, various antipasti, good wine and delicious pasta. But also regional specialties from Ticino can be found in almost every restaurant on the menu. The wine region around Ascona is well-known and highly regarded among connoisseurs, and you’ll find a selection of these wines and grappas in every good bar.Our tip: During the winter months, try a delicious cheese fondue or fondue chinoise—it’s available at several restaurants in Ascona and pairs wonderfully with a good glass of wine and a view of the lake, especially on cold days!
Questions and answers
On the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, in the district of Locarno.
Ascona is known for its 20th-century artists and intellectuals. The lakeside promenade, with its historic alleyways, and Piazza Giuseppe Motta invite you to explore and enjoy the area.
Yes, Ascona is perfect for the whole family, with art activities, water sports, culinary offerings, and a public beach.
Highlights include Piazza Giuseppe Motta, the annual jazz festival, the harbor with boat tours to Isola di Brissago, an 18-hole golf course, and water sports such as surfing and sailing.
Summer and fall are particularly lively, with arts and crafts markets every Wednesday. The off-season in fall and winter is also worth a visit, with restaurants open.
Yes, there is a public beach with a bar that is open daily until 10:00 p.m. Beach chairs can be rented for a small fee.
Yes, there are boat services from the port of Ascona to nearby towns, as well as excursions to Isola di Brissago.