These Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Ascona, Switzerland

things to do in ascona switzerland
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 3 min read

Situated in the southern part of Switzerland, Ascona is another jewel that is worth visiting. Don’t be surprised that when you arrive in Ascona, you may feel that it is not a Swiss town, but an Italian town. You are not alone, a lot of people feel that way too. This is because Ascona is located on Lake Maggiore. So, what can you enjoy if you visit Ascona? The town can offer plenty of amazing things. Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Ascona, Switzerland.

1. Drop by the symbol of Ascona, Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Posted by Orest Snape on Sunday, 11 September 2016

The very first thing that you have to do upon arrival in Ascona is to drop by the Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, an amazing church that is the symbol of Ascona. Located in the center of Ascona, the church is actively used for worship. Tall and slender are the characteristics of this church. You don’t need to spend a long time at the landmark, just marvel at it then move on to the next activity.

Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Address: Piazza San Pietro 4, 6612 Ascona, Switzerland

Website: Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (in Italian)

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2. Visit the enchanting Centovalli

Lago di Palagnedra, Centovalli
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gabrielle Merk used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The valleys of Centovalli are more than happy to welcome you and amaze you during your time at Centovalli. Yes, there are one hundred beautiful valleys at Centovalli (Centovalli literally means Hundred Valleys). That’s why when you are in Ascona, you should pay a visit to this site. You can take the train to get to Centovalli. Along the way, you will be presented with the magnificent views of the valleys.

Centovalli

Website: Centovalli

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3. Be entertained by Europe’s largest jazz festival, JazzAscona


JazzAscona is a really great event for jazz lovers. Get ready to be entertained by Europe’s largest jazz festival that is held annually in Ascona, on the shores of Lake Maggiore to be exact. The festival is only held for 10 days, so make sure that you mark your calendar if you’re looking forward to this music festival. For 2017, JazzAscona will be held from June 22 to July 1.

JazzAscona

Website: JazzAscona

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4. Explore the charming Old Town of Ascona

Ascona Historic Center Village
Source: Pixabay

The Old Town of Ascona is forever a charm. A large number of tourists have come to the Old Town of Ascona and have been enchanted by its beauty. Explore the quiet Old Town and admire the old buildings that have been restored. Absorb every beautiful thing you can absorb in the Old Town, do not miss a thing.

Ascona Old Town

Website: Ascona Old Town

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5. Enjoy the panorama of Lake Maggiore

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Lake Maggiore</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Isabella Rick used under CC BY 3.0

Situated between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Maggiore is the largest lake in southern Switzerland and is one of the most breathtaking lakes in the whole of Europe. Take your time and enjoy the panorama of Lake Maggiore. The climate here is always mild, which makes it a perfect destination to be visited all year round. You will be able to see the Meditteranean vegetation, such as palm trees, along the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Lake Maggiore

Website: Lake Maggiore

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6. Take a boat ride to Brissago Islands

Grandeisolabrissago
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Acp used under CC BY 3.0

Consisting of two amazing islands, with one island located near Lake Maggiore and another one in Brissago, the Brissago Islands house a botanical park that belongs to the Canton of Ticino. The Brissago Islands are covered with exotic subtropical vegetation, which makes an excellent place for relaxation. Take a boat ride to the Brissago Islands and enjoy the pleasant trip along the way.

Brissago Islands

Website: Brissago Islands

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7. Observe the collection at The Museum of Modern Art


Without art, life would be a little boring. The same with your vacation, it will be more amazing when you see some artworks during your stay. As such, you should head to the Museum of Modern Art and observe both temporary and permanent collections of artworks from artists such as Paul Klee, Alexei von Jawlensky and Marianne Verevkin.

The Museum of Modern Art

Address: Via Borgo 34, 6612 Ascona, Switzerland

Website: The Museum of Modern Art (in Italian)

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8. Attend a most prestigious classical music festival; Settimane Musicali di Ascona

72esima edizione - Settimane Musicali Ascona | 4.09 - 17.10.2017 🎵 Guardate un po' che bello il nostro nuovo sito...

Posted by Settimane Musicali di Ascona on Thursday, 27 April 2017

Besides JazzAscona, there is another music festival held in Ascona called the Settimane Musciali di Ascona, which is a most prestigious classical music festival in Switzerland. Enjoy superb symphonic concerts and recital music evenings of individual instruments. This international-standard music festival is going to impress every audience!

Settimane Musicali di Ascona

Website: Settimane Musicali di Ascona

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9. Visit Lungolago Di Ascona


Lungolago di Ascona (or the Lakefront of Ascona in English) is located at 196 meters (643 feet) above sea level on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakefront of Ascona, which overlooks the lake. Also, the beautiful colorful flowers along the lakefront are going to add color to your vacation in Ascona, so be sure to snap some photos while you’re here.

Lungolago Di Ascona

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Motta, 6612 Ascona, Switzerland

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10. Head to Piazza Giuseppe Motta


Cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops, galleries; the town is very much alive around the Piazza Giuseppe Motta. Enjoy a meal or a drink in a restaurant or a cafe and at the same time enjoy the fantastic views of the lake, the mountains and the buildings.

Piazza Giuseppe Motta

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Motta, 6612 Ascona, Switzerland

Website: Piazza Giuseppe Motta

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Get lost in Ascona!

When you come to a beautiful place, it stays forever in your mind and in your heart. And, when you leave that beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go. That’s what Ascona is going to do to you. Get lost in Ascona, and when it’s time to leave, you will carry Ascona with you forever.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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