A Day in Ascona on Lake Maggiore
A beautiful trip to nearby Ascona in Ticino – perfect for the whole family
Ascona in Ticino (Switzerland)
Ascona is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore, just ten kilometers beyond the Italian-Swiss border. Even though Italian is spoken here, Ascona belongs to Switzerland, more precisely to the canton of Ticino and the district of Locarno. The municipality has around 5,400 inhabitants spread over an area of just under 5 km² and is considered the lowest-lying town in Switzerland. Ascona gained worldwide fame, especially in the 20th century, through artists and intellectuals. Even today, the lakeside promenade Piazza Giuseppe Motta and its associated alleys and houses are largely preserved. These alleys invite you to indulge your palate and constantly discover something new.
Every year between late June and early July, Ascona hosts JazzAscona, a festival not just for jazz music lovers. From April to October, there's also a market every Tuesday on the lakeside promenade, featuring handicrafts, regional specialties, and many stalls to browse.
Ascona at a glance
- Location: Western shore of Lake Maggiore, Canton Ticino (Switzerland)
- From Cannobio: approx. 20 minutes by car, also by boat during the season
- Market: Tuesdays from April to October on the lakeside promenade
- Festival: JazzAscona from late June to early July
- Swimming: Bagno Pubblico (free entry) and Lido di Ascona
- Currency: Swiss Francs
Piazza Giuseppe Motta and Lakeside Promenade
In the summer months, Piazza Giuseppe Motta is usually bustling with activity in the evenings. Clowns and other artists enchant not only children, numerous painters and sketch artists offer portraits against the dreamlike evening backdrop of Lake Maggiore, and the many restaurants in Ascona entice with their fresh produce for an extensive dinner.
But Ascona is also worth seeing in the off-season. The town is quieter and sleepier, more typical of the region, yet still beautiful. Many restaurants along the Piazza are also open in autumn and winter.
Sights in Ascona
What can you do in Ascona besides sitting in the Piazza? Quite a lot:
- Monte Verità: At the beginning of the 20th century, the hill above the town was a meeting place for dropouts, artists, and life reformers. Today, it houses a museum, a park with a tea house, and offers a beautiful view over the lake.
- Collegio Papio: This 16th-century school building boasts one of Switzerland's most beautiful Renaissance cloisters.
- Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo: The main church in the old town is known for its paintings by Giovanni Serodine.
- Castello dei Griglioni: Of Ascona's four castles, only this one on the lakeside promenade remains.
- Museo comunale d'arte moderna: The art museum showcases works by the artists who made Ascona famous.
Harbor and Boat Trips
The harbor of Ascona is located directly on the Piazza. From here, boats depart daily to the surrounding towns along Lake Maggiore. You can also book trips to Isola di Brissago, take a speedboat on Wednesdays to the famous weekly market in Luino, book a trip to the market in Cannobio on Sundays, or simply organize a tour across the lake to admire its size and beauty. The perspective of the towns and villages on Lake Maggiore from the lake is completely different from that on land, which is why we highly recommend a boat trip to all our guests.
For active people, pedal boats can be rented on the promenade of Ascona to view the beautiful Ticino village from the lake. Those who prefer more comfort can opt for a small motorboat, also available for rent – including license-free versions.
Swimming and Sports
Ascona also has a lot to offer for sports enthusiasts. Besides the large 18-hole golf course and a tennis court, there are opportunities for mini-golf, surfing, sailing, cycling, and inline skating. Additionally, there is a public beach, the Bagno Pubblico, on the beach of Ascona: admission is free, and during the swimming season, it is open daily until 10:00 PM. The beach offers a small bar for lunch snacks, a swimming raft, and the option to rent sun loungers for a small fee. If you're looking for a long sandy beach and diving platforms, you can pay admission and go to Lido di Ascona.
Food and Drink in Ascona
Culinary-wise, Ascona is outstanding. The air is filled with the aroma of fresh stone-baked pizza, antipasti, good wine, and delicious pasta. Regional specialties from Ticino can also be found on almost every restaurant menu. The wine region around Ascona is well-known and appreciated by connoisseurs, and a selection of these wines and grappas can be found in every good bar. Our tip: In winter, try a good cheese fondue or fondue chinoise. It is offered in several restaurants in Ascona and pairs wonderfully with a good glass of wine and a view of the lake, especially on cold days!
However, Ascona is not cheap; Swiss price levels apply. But a stroll through the Piazza, the Tuesday market, and the Bagno Pubblico cost nothing.
Getting to Ascona from Cannobio
Ascona is quickly reached from our location: By car, you drive along the lake shore via Brissago, which takes about 20 minutes. It's best to park in one of the multi-story car parks on the edge of the old town, as the lakeside promenade itself is a pedestrian zone. From approximately April to early October, the regular ferry also runs from Cannobio to Ascona – you couldn't arrive more comfortably. Since Ascona is in Switzerland, remember your ID. Payment is in Swiss Francs, but Euros are usually accepted.
Your starting point for Ascona can be found right here with us in Cannobio on the lake: stay in a mobile home in Cannobio, in a holiday apartment on Lake Maggiore, or at a pitch for motorhome, caravan, or tent.
Questions and answers
On the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino, meaning in Switzerland and not in Italy. Ascona belongs to the district of Locarno and can be reached from Cannobio by car in about 20 minutes.