Ascona

Ascona was able to maintain its charm as a colony of artists and drop-out even as the touristy Locarno developed into a big tourist destination. Strict limitations for cars ensure that the main center of the town is car free. Its tranquil people make this town a calming and refreshing visit. The old buildings have been beautifully kept restored. Ascona is popular for day trips and boat tours to the Isolas Brissago. The Lago Maggiore cools the town in summer and ensures a Mediterranean feeling in winter.

It's possible to rent a bike in Locarno and ride over to Ascona but bus and car are the easiest was to get into the town.

By public transport

Two bus lines connect Ascona to Locarno which are run by the public transport system FART.

• Bus 1 goes from Locarno to Ascona every 15 minutes.
• Bus 316 goes to Brissago and stops at Ascona on the way. One trip per hour.

The town is best discovered on foot as small lanes are in general pedestrian only

• Lake promenade
  Dede454
• Bagno pubblico

• House Serodine

  address: Town Hall Square
  Facade on three floors (1620) in Baroque style with stucco decorations Serodine of John the Baptist (1587-1626).

• Museo Castello San Materno

  phone: +41 91 759 81 60
  address: via Losone 10
  The oldest still standing part of this castle goes back to the 6th-8th century. Today it is used as a art museum.

• Museo Comunale d'Arte Moderna

  phone: +41 91 759 81 40
  address: via Borgo 34
  Museum of modern arts.

• Brissago Islands

  phone: +41 91 791 43 61
  The Brissago Islands, the Botanic garden of Canton Ticino, give you the wonderful opportunity to escape from the noise and confusion of frenetic modern life.

• Ascona Locarno and the Magic ValleyRegional bicycle path n. 31: Tenero – Locarno – Losone – Avegno – Gordevio – Maggia.

Events

• JazzAscona

  address: 3, Luini St
  Jazz Ascona is one of the major world events dedicated to the classic jazz and New Orleans' Beat.

• Musical weeks of Ascona

  phone: +41 848 091 091
  address: Tourist Office Lake Maggiore
  Since the founding of the Settimane Musicali of Ascona in 1946 the event represents a recurring and very much appreciated date on the annual events calendar and therefore has become an integral part of the traditions and the music entertainment panorama of the Lake Maggiore region especially and the Canton of Ticino in general.

• Street Artists' Festival

  address: 3, Madonna della Fontana St

• Osteria Nostrana

  phone: +41 91 791 51 58
  address: Piazza G. Motta

• Hotel La Perla, Ascona

  phone: +41 91 791 35 77
  address: Via Collina 14

• Ville La Perla, Ascona

  phone: +41 91 791 35 77
  address: Via Collina 14

• Villa Veratum, Ascona

  phone: +41 91 791 35 77
  address: Viale Monte Verità 16

• Locarno is the next city, just across the river and offers all modes of transportation.