Ascona and Locarno – Two Faces of the Lake Maggiore Dream

If paradise had a postcode, it might be between Ascona and Locarno — two towns that embody everything magical about Lake Maggiore.

Here in Ticino, Switzerland’s sunniest region, Alpine peaks meet palm trees, espresso replaces hot chocolate, and the air carries a hint of Italy.
Though separated by only a few kilometres, Ascona and Locarno offer two completely different moods: one artistic and serene, the other lively and full of culture.

For travellers staying around camping Lago Maggiore or exploring from nearby Cannobio (Italy), these lakeside gems are unmissable.

Ascona – The Elegant Soul of Ticino

Chic, Colourful, and Calm

Ascona sits quietly on a curved bay where sailboats drift between reflections of pastel houses.
The town’s lakefront promenade, the Lungolago Ascona, is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland — lined with palm trees, cafés, and small art galleries.
The rhythm here is unhurried: locals read newspapers on sunny terraces, artists paint by the harbour, and visitors linger over cappuccinos as church bells echo softly.

Compared to its energetic neighbour Locarno, Ascona is refined and intimate.
It’s a place for couples, dreamers, and anyone who loves the slower pleasures of travel — food, art, and long golden evenings by the water.

A Haven for Artists and Free Spirits

At the start of the 20th century, Ascona became a magnet for bohemians from across Europe.
Writers, dancers, and philosophers settled on the nearby Monte Verità, or “Mountain of Truth”, where they founded a community devoted to creativity and simple living.
They practised vegetarianism, yoga, and avant-garde art long before these ideas became fashionable.

Today, Monte Verità is a museum, garden, and conference centre — worth visiting not only for its history but also for its sweeping view over Lake Maggiore.
This heritage still shapes Ascona’s identity: every corner hides a gallery, and in summer the streets pulse with live music during JazzAscona, one of Europe’s leading open-air jazz festivals.

Things to Experience in Ascona

• Stroll the waterfront: Watch the sunset with a glass of Ticino Merlot or a creamy Italian gelato.
• Explore the old town: Cobblestone lanes reveal artisan shops, fashion boutiques, and cozy bistros.
• Boat trip to the Brissago Islands: Discover subtropical gardens floating in the lake.
• Hike to Monte Verità: Combine culture with panoramic views.
• Dine in a grotto: Rustic stone restaurants serve polenta, risotto, and grilled fish with local wine.

Everything in Ascona feels curated, elegant, and effortless — the Swiss Riviera in miniature.

Locarno – Energy, Culture, and Sunshine

The Beating Heart of Lake Maggiore

Just a short drive or bike ride east lies Locarno, the largest town in Ticino and a world away in personality.
While Ascona whispers, Locarno sings.
It’s a city that lives outdoors, blessed with more than 2 300 hours of sunshine per year, and famous for its Mediterranean flair.

Its central square, the Piazza Grande, is Locarno’s stage — a wide cobbled piazza surrounded by pastel arcades and bustling cafés.
Here, life happens in the open air: markets in the morning, concerts at night, and festivals that attract visitors from across Europe.

A City of Festivals and Contrasts

Every August, the Locarno Film Festival transforms the Piazza Grande into a giant open-air cinema. Thousands of movie lovers sit under the stars, watching international premieres framed by the Alps — an experience found nowhere else in Switzerland.

In July, Moon & Stars fills the same square with world-class music acts, while spring brings the Camellia Exhibition, celebrating the flowers that flourish in the region’s mild climate.

Yet beyond the events, Locarno remains a city of contrasts:
medieval alleys lead uphill to the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, while modern beach clubs stretch along the lake below.
It’s where tradition meets trend — always alive, never overwhelming.

Things to Do in Locarno

• Visit Piazza Grande: Sit at a café and soak in the lively atmosphere.
• Ride the funicular: The journey to Madonna del Sasso offers some of the best views in Ticino.
• Relax at Lido di Locarno: Pools, slides, and saunas right beside the lake — perfect for families.
• Take a boat tour: Ferries connect Locarno with Ascona, the Brissago Islands, and Italian towns.
• Explore local markets: Fresh fruit, cheeses, and crafts every Thursday in the old town.

Locarno’s charm lies in its versatility — equal parts culture, sunshine, and adventure.

Ascona vs Locarno – Elegance Meets Energy

Visiting both towns gives the full Ticino experience — Ascona for serenity and Locarno for life.
You can walk or cycle between them in less than half an hour along the lakeside path.

Lake Maggiore – The Thread That Connects Them

The Lago Maggiore is the shared stage for both towns — a vast mirror of blue stretching from Switzerland into Italy.
Its microclimate allows palm trees to grow beside alpine peaks, creating one of Europe’s most striking landscapes.
Boats glide between the two shores, connecting not only towns but cultures.

Here, you can breakfast in Switzerland, lunch in Italy, and return for dinner at sunset — all within the same day.

Cannobio and Italy – Beauty at a Better Price

While Ascona and Locarno offer Swiss precision and comfort, many travellers cross the border to nearby Cannobio for a taste of Italy’s warmth and affordability.
Only 25–30 minutes by car from Locarno, Cannobio lies on the western shore of Lake Maggiore and feels instantly more Mediterranean.

Why Travellers Love Cannobio

• Lower prices: Restaurants, hotels, and camping cost 30–50 % less than in Switzerland.
• Authentic Italian vibe: Narrow streets, busy piazzas, and lively evening strolls.
• Markets: The Sunday Market is legendary — local cheese, wine, leather, clothes, and crafts right on the waterfront.
• Cuisine: Pizza, pasta, and gelato with lake views — generous portions, friendly prices.
• Camping freedom: The renowned Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort offers direct lake access, modern facilities, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Many Swiss visitors stay here and make day trips to Ascona and Locarno — enjoying Swiss scenery without Swiss prices.

Shopping and Lifestyle – Two Countries, Two Experiences

In Ascona and Locarno, shopping focuses on quality: Swiss watches, design boutiques, art, and fine gastronomy.
The atmosphere is calm and curated, but prices reflect Switzerland’s standard of living.

Just across the border, Italian markets burst with colour and life.
You’ll find handmade sandals for a fraction of boutique prices, olive oil from local farms, and the lively banter that defines Italian commerce.

For many travellers, this cross-border mix — Swiss order meets Italian passion — is the true charm of the Lake Maggiore region.

Camping Lago Maggiore – The Best of Both Worlds

Staying at a camping Lago Maggiore site gives you freedom, comfort, and unbeatable views.
From Tenero (near Locarno) to Cannobio (in Italy), campsites offer everything from simple tent pitches to luxury mobile homes.
You wake up with mountain reflections on the water, breakfast outdoors, and decide whether to explore Swiss towns or Italian markets.

Popular choices like Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort combine both worlds: modern facilities, private beaches, water sports, and quick access to Ascona, Locarno, and the nearby valleys.

Practical Tips

• Getting here: Fly to Zurich or Milan Malpensa; trains connect directly to Locarno.
• Transport: Boats, buses, and bike paths link all lakeside towns.
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) in Ticino; Euro (€) in Italy.
• Best season: April–October for warm weather, July–August for festivals.
• Don’t miss:
  • The Verzasca Valley with its emerald river and Roman bridge.
  • The Maggia Valley with waterfalls and stone villages.
  • A ferry trip to the Brissago Islands botanical gardens.

Conclusion – Two Shores, One Spirit

Between Ascona’s quiet beauty and Locarno’s lively pulse, you’ll find everything that makes Lake Maggiore unforgettable.
In a single weekend, you can stroll through Ascona’s art galleries, dance at a Locarno concert, and dine across the border in Cannobio — three worlds united by one lake.

From your camping Lago Maggiore base, the possibilities are endless: Swiss precision by day, Italian passion by night, and nature’s masterpiece in between.

Few places in Europe offer such harmony between cultures, climates, and lifestyles.
Ascona and Locarno are more than destinations — they’re the meeting point of elegance, adventure, and affordability, where every sunrise glitters on the lake and every sunset reminds you that paradise can indeed be shared.