We are big fans of Ascona. It’s a cute little town situated on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s got cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming narrow alleyways to explore. Both climate and culture feel noticeably warmer in this part of the country – it’s like the perfect blend of Switzerland and Italy! Keep on reading for everything you need to know to plan your trip to Ascona in this complete travel guide!
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Ascona, Switzerland
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Getting to Ascona
There are two options to get to Ascona:
- You can fly into Zürich Airport and take the train from there. Ascona is situated on the southern side of the alps, close to the Italian border, so with almost 3 hours the train ride is quite lengthy for Swiss standards, as you have to travel through the Gotthard tunnel through the alps.
- The closest airport to Ascona is Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy. From there you could take a rental car and get to your destination in about 1.5 hours. That said, there are no easy (or fast) connections using public transportation.
HOT TIP: Even though it’s a bit of a trip, we would suggest you fly into Zürich Airport, especially if you’re planning to visit other destinations in Switzerland. The Swiss public transportation system is just so much more convenient and reliable than the Italian one.
Arriving by train:
Ascona does not have its own railway station, so you would get off in the nearby town of Locarno and take a bus or taxi to Ascona. This sounds worse than it is – Locarno is just a 10 minute drive from Ascona.
Drive from major cities in Switzerland:
We did this and found it to be pretty easy. Ascona is easily accessible by car from major cities in Switzerland. From Zürich, the drive takes around 2.5 hours, while from Geneva, it takes around 4 hours.
Either way, keep in mind that Ascona is on the southern side of the Alps, meaning you’ll have to get through a long tunnel ride to get there. From Zürich you’ll travel through the Gotthard tunnel, whereas if you travel from Geneva and the western side of the country, you’ll actually have to load your car onto a train transport through the Simplon Tunnel. This is a pretty efficient process though, but important to keep in mind.
Take a ferry from nearby towns:
If you’re in a neighboring town (such as Locarno, Brissago, or Stresa) and want a different kind of experience, you can take a ferry!
Getting Around Ascona
Walking:
One of the best ways to explore Ascona is on foot. The town is very small and compact, with most of the main attractions located within walking distance of each other.
Public Transportation:
Ascona has a good public transportation system. The local bus network connects Ascona with other nearby towns and villages, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Better yet, the ferry service takes you to just about the same destinations all around the lake and is probably the better way to get around as a tourist.
HOT TIP: Pay attention to the schedules though – service can be limited on weekends and holidays so you could get stuck in a nearby village if you miss your ride. (We’ve been there 😉)
Taxis:
Taxis are also available in Ascona and can be a convenient way to get around town. You can hail a taxi on the street or arrange for a pick-up through a local taxi service. Taxis can be more expensive than other forms of transportation, so it’s important to confirm the price before getting in the car.
Best Areas To Stay In Ascona
The Waterfront:
The waterfront in Ascona is the most popular area for tourists to stay. It is located along the shores of Lake Maggiore and is home to a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and take part in a variety of water activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking.
The Old Town:
The old town of Ascona is another great area to stay in. It’s known for its charming cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Here, you can find a variety of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. The old town is also home to many of Ascona’s best restaurants and bars, making it a great place to explore and enjoy some of the local cuisine!
The Hills:
If you’re looking for a more secluded and tranquil setting, then staying in the hills around Ascona might be a good option. This area is located just outside of town and is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. There are a handful of luxury hotels and resorts, many of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Best Hotels In Ascona
Hotel Eden Roc: $$$
Hotel Eden Roc is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. This elegant hotel features a private beach, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, with many showing stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Hotel Giardino Ascona: $$$
Hotel Giardino Ascona is a 5-star hotel located in a beautiful park setting just outside of town. There’s a spa, an outdoor pool, and a variety of dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated – many have private balconies or terraces.
Hotel Casa Berno: $$
Hotel Casa Berno is a 4-star hotel located just outside of town on a hillside overlooking Lake Maggiore. It’s a lovely hotel with a spa, a pool, and a terrace with views of the lake and mountains. The rooms are comfortable and clean and some of them include private balconies or terraces.
Piazza Ascona Hotel: $
Directly situated on Ascona’s lakefront. We stayed here – the rooms are tiny but clean. It was fine for us since we don’t spend much time in the room anyway. We had a room facing the lake and got an amazing view of the fireworks on Swiss National Day!
Best Restaurants In Ascona
Grotto Baldoria:
If we give you one piece of advice for your visit to Ascona, it’s that you MUST go here! This was one of the highlights of our visit, and honestly one of our favorite dining experiences EVER. We sat at a long table with a bunch of other people and they brought us multiple courses of the most delicious Italian food. It was so fun and you feel like you’re in Italy!
Ristorante Seven:
Seven is an Italian restaurant located in the center of town and includes an outdoor terrace. If you’re looking for that chic, trendy vibe, this place is for you.
Osteria Nostrana:
Super charming Italian restaurant located in a historic building in the town center. They serve classic Italian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We love the restaurant’s welcoming and cozy interior.
Things To Do In Ascona
SHOPPING
Via Borgo:
This is Ascona’s premier shopping street, known for its luxury fashion boutiques. The street is lined with stylish shops and cafés, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and people-watching.
Ascona has a lot of boutique shops with handmade jewelry and also art galleries that are fun to browse. Definitely explore all the cute little alleyways!
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES
Explore the Old Town:
Ascona’s old town is essentially where the Borgo is (as mentioned above). It is a charming maze of narrow streets, lined with pastel-colored buildings and flower-filled balconies. Stroll through the town’s streets and admire the beautiful architecture, or sit at one of the cozy cafés and watch the world go by.
Visit the church of San Pietro e Paulo:
The main church of Ascona. It was built in the 19th century and has a tall bell tower and beautiful facade and interior.
Go hiking:
There are plenty of scenic hiking trails to explore. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy walks through the forest to more challenging climbs that offer breathtaking views of the lake and countryside.
Take a boat tour:
Lake Maggiore is one of the largest lakes in Italy (and Switzerland), and Ascona is the perfect place to explore it. Take a boat tour and enjoy amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can also go for a swim or have a picnic on the boat.
Relax at a spa:
Ascona is also known for its luxurious spas, which offer a range of treatments designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. Many of the town’s hotels have their own spas, and there are also several standalone spas in the area. We opted for a massage at Hotel Eden Roc and it was such a treat!
Visit the Brissago Islands:
The Brissago Islands are a pair of small islands located in Lake Maggiore, just off the coast of Ascona. The islands are home to a botanical garden with over 1,500 plant species from around the world, as well as numerous walking trails and picnic areas. We took a ferry there and had a lot of fun exploring the island and taking photos!
CULTURE
Municipal Museum of Modern Art Ascona:
Exhibits a collection of modern and contemporary art from local and international artists. You can take a guided tour.
The Castello San Materno:
The Castello San Materno is a historic fortress located on a hill overlooking Ascona. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has fantastic views of the town and lake. They also offer guided tours.
Hidden Gems In Ascona
Ascona Market:
Held on Tuesdays (April-October). You’ll find local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Explore the surrounding countryside:
The area around Ascona is home to a beautiful countryside that is perfect for hiking or cycling. You’ll get to see a different side of the region that most tourists don’t get to experience.
Take a cooking class:
If you’re into cooking, there are several cooking schools in the area that offer classes in Swiss-Italian cuisine, as well as other international cuisines.
Attend a local festival:
Throughout the year, Ascona hosts a number of local festivals and events that celebrate the town’s culture and traditions. From a Street Arts Festival to the Ascona Jazz Festival, there’s always something going on in town.
You can also hop over to Locarno for their annual film festival!
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FAQ
How many days should you spend in Ascona?
We spent 3 days in Ascona and felt it was the perfect amount of time!
How expensive is Ascona?
As is the case with all of Switzerland, Ascona is not cheap, and as usual it depends on your preferences. You can definitely find affordable hotels and restaurants, especially if you venture away from the waterfront, but if you dine and stay at the prime location you’ll feel it in the wallet.
When is the best time to visit Ascona?
Summer time (June-August) is the best time to visit. The weather is warm and there are a lot of outdoor festivals and activities to enjoy. They also do an amazing firework display for Swiss Independence Day (August 1st) that we were lucky enough to enjoy!
We would probably advise against a visit in the winter. This region gets very quiet and rainy during the winter months and you’ll be better off heading up to the mountains.
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
