4km (2 1/2 miles) SW of Locarno; 42km (26 miles) NW of Lugano
Once a tiny fishing port, Ascona has swiftly developed into a resort to rival nearby Locarno. Located snugly on Lake Maggiore, it has long been a popular rendezvous point for painters, writers, and celebrities. Lenin found the place ideal, as did Isadora Duncan and Carl Jung. Rudolf Steiner, Hermann Hesse, and Paul Klee also lived here. Today, Ascona is one of the most popular destinations in the Ticino.
New developments have obscured much of the Old Town cherished by these famous people, but the heart of Ascona is still worth exploring -- although you'll use up a lot of shoe leather. It has colorful little shops, art galleries (some good, some of the souvenir variety), and antiques stores.
Because of its mild climate, Ascona has subtropical vegetation. Flowers bloom year-round. Facilities include a golf course, a lido (beach), and a Kursaal (casino).
