Shopping

Ascona doesn't place much emphasis on the sale of cutesy souvenirs, so you'll have to look hard for shops selling only handicrafts. You'll find postcards and a limited array of smaller, less impressive items imported directly from Italy at newsstands and kiosks in the town's pedestrian zone, which is centered around via Borgo and its offshoots. More prevalent, however, are stylish shops selling luxury goods, such as crystal at Baccarat, Carrà dei Nasi 22 (tel. 091/791-21-38). For upscale, Milan-inspired clothing for women, the best shop is Jiuditta, in the Galleria della Carrà (tel. 091/791-20-19). More intriguing are any of the town's roster of antiques dealers and art galleries. The town's most appealing antiques store, Monna Lisa, via Collegio 6 (tel. 091/791-45-52), is managed by Hans-Peter Lehmann and his English/Irish wife, Liz. Inside, you'll find a worthy collection of china, silver, paintings, and furniture.