On the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, framed by palm trees and snow-capped mountains, lie two of Switzerland’s most beautiful towns: Ascona and Locarno.
They sit side by side, separated only by a few kilometres of lakeshore, yet each has its own personality.
Ascona is elegant, artistic, and tranquil; Locarno is lively, cultural, and full of Mediterranean energy.
Together, they form the beating heart of Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland — and they are among the most popular destinations for visitors staying around camping Lago Maggiore, or exploring the lake from nearby Cannobio in Italy.
Ascona – Elegance and Dolce Vita
A Town of Art, Style and Relaxation
With its pastel-coloured houses, chic cafés, and luxury boutiques, Ascona has often been called the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore.”
It’s a place where life moves slowly, where you sip espresso under palm trees and watch sailboats drift past.
The promenade along the lake, the Lungolago Ascona, is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland — lined with restaurants, art galleries, and small hotels.
In the evening, the light softens, the mountains turn pink, and locals gather for an aperitivo as music drifts from the open-air bars.
Ascona’s charm lies in its atmosphere — an effortless mix of elegance and intimacy.
There are no big resorts or skyscrapers, just winding streets, blooming balconies, and the scent of espresso and jasmine.
A Haven for Artists and Free Spirits
Ascona’s history is as colourful as its buildings.
In the early 1900s, it became a refuge for painters, writers, and thinkers seeking freedom from industrial Europe.
The Monte Verità (“Mountain of Truth”), just above the town, was a utopian community where artists and philosophers experimented with new ways of living — vegetarian diets, naturism, and free thought.
Today, Monte Verità remains a cultural landmark with exhibitions, gardens, and breathtaking views over the lake.
Its legacy lives on in Ascona’s many art galleries and music festivals, such as JazzAscona, which fills the town with live performances every summer.
Things to Do in Ascona
- Stroll the promenade: Relax by the lake, enjoy a gelato, or take a boat to the Brissago Islands, home to a lush botanical garden.
- Explore the old town: Small alleyways lead to boutiques, galleries, and cozy cafés.
- Visit Monte Verità: A short hike or bus ride up the hill for art exhibitions and panoramic views.
- Try local cuisine: Sample Ticino risotto, fresh lake fish, and Merlot wine in a lakeside restaurant.
Ascona is perfect for those who love refinement without rush — a destination for relaxation, culture, and quiet beauty.
Locarno – Culture, Energy, and Sunshine
The Gateway to the Alps
Just a few minutes east of Ascona lies Locarno, the largest town on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore.
With around 16,000 residents, Locarno feels more like a small city — lively, accessible, and buzzing with events year-round.
Locarno is famous for its sunshine: it’s statistically the warmest place in Switzerland, with more than 2,300 hours of sun per year.
Palm trees and lemon trees thrive here, giving the town a distinctly Mediterranean feel — even though snow-covered peaks rise in the background.
A City of Festivals and Culture
Locarno is best known for the Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious cinema events.
Every August, the Piazza Grande transforms into an open-air cinema for thousands of movie lovers, under a canopy of stars.
The city also hosts Moon and Stars, a summer music festival that attracts international artists, and the Camelie Flower Exhibition each spring, celebrating the area’s lush gardens.
Cultural life here thrives — but Locarno also appeals to nature lovers.
Just behind the town rise the valleys of Verzasca and Maggia, with emerald rivers and hiking trails leading into the Alps.
Things to Do in Locarno
- Explore Piazza Grande: The heart of the old town, surrounded by arcades, cafés, and boutiques.
- Ride the funicular: Take the Madonna del Sasso funicular to one of Ticino’s most beautiful sanctuaries, perched high above the town.
- Visit the Lido di Locarno: A modern lakefront complex with swimming pools, slides, and spa facilities — great for families.
- Take a boat trip: Ferries from Locarno connect to the Brissago Islands, Cannobio, and other Italian towns on Lake Maggiore.
Locarno feels dynamic — a place where city life, festivals, and nature coexist in perfect balance.
Ascona vs. Locarno – Two Different Worlds on the Same Lake
| Feature | Ascona | Locarno |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Elegant, quiet, romantic | Energetic, cultural, urban |
| Best for | Relaxation, art, fine dining | Festivals, events, family fun |
| Style | Boutique and bohemian | Cosmopolitan and lively |
| Highlights | Monte Verità, JazzAscona, old town | Film Festival, Piazza Grande, Madonna del Sasso |
| Vibe | “La dolce vita” in miniature | “Small city with big soul” |
Visiting both towns is easy — they’re connected by a lakeside promenade, a scenic cycling route, and frequent public transport.
Many travellers enjoy staying in Ascona for its calm and visiting Locarno for shopping, nightlife, or cultural events.
Lake Maggiore – The Bridge Between Switzerland and Italy
The Lago Maggiore is what unites Ascona and Locarno — and separates them from Italy just a few kilometres to the south.
The lake stretches across the border: two-thirds in Italy, one-third in Switzerland.
Its northern tip, where Ascona and Locarno sit, feels refined and orderly, with Swiss precision in every detail.
But just 20–30 minutes away, on the Italian side in Cannobio, Cannero, and Verbania, the mood shifts: lively markets, bustling cafés, and a touch of Mediterranean chaos.
This cross-border contrast is one of the lake’s greatest charms.
Why Many Travelers Stay in Italy
While Ascona and Locarno are undeniably beautiful, Switzerland is known for high prices.
Many visitors choose to stay just across the border, in Cannobio or Cannero Riviera, where hotels, restaurants, and camping options are significantly cheaper — often 30–40% less than in Ticino.
For example:
- A lakeside espresso in Cannobio might cost €2.00, compared to CHF 5.00 in Ascona.
- A full dinner for two in Italy often costs less than a single main course in Switzerland.
- Camping Lago Maggiore sites on the Italian side, such as Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort, offer lake access, modern facilities, and panoramic views at a fraction of Swiss hotel rates.
This makes Cannobio the perfect base for exploring both sides of the lake.
In the morning, you can drive or take a ferry to Ascona or Locarno for sightseeing; in the evening, return to Italy for dinner on the beach.
Shopping and Markets
Locarno and Ascona both have charming shops — but serious shoppers head south.
In Locarno, you’ll find Swiss watches, luxury fashion, and local delicacies like chocolate or grappa.
However, for bargains and variety, the Italian markets are unbeatable.
- Cannobio Sunday Market: famous for local cheese, leather goods, clothes, and handmade crafts.
- Verbania (Intra) Market: every Saturday, a huge lakeside market with hundreds of stalls.
- Luino Market: one of the largest in northern Italy, held every Wednesday, attracting shoppers from all over Switzerland.
Crossing the border for a day of shopping is quick and easy — the drive from Ascona or Locarno to Cannobio takes about 25–30 minutes, with scenic views all along the lake.
Camping Lago Maggiore – The Best of Both Worlds
For travellers who love freedom and nature, camping Lago Maggiore is the perfect solution.
From the Swiss side near Tenero to the Italian shores around Cannobio, campsites combine modern comfort with breathtaking scenery.
Many guests choose the Italian side for its relaxed atmosphere and better value.
Sites like Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort offer direct lake access, private beaches, mobile homes, and restaurants — all surrounded by mountains and palm trees.
From here, you can:
- Visit Ascona and Locarno as easy day trips
- Explore the Verzasca and Maggia Valleys nearby
- Enjoy water sports, hiking, and Italian cuisine — all in one place
It’s no wonder so many Swiss and European visitors make Cannobio their home base for exploring Ticino and Lake Maggiore.
Conclusion – Where Swiss Charm Meets Italian Soul
Ascona and Locarno are the jewels of Switzerland’s Lake Maggiore — elegant, sun-drenched, and full of life.
Their promenades, festivals, and views are unforgettable. But part of their magic lies in their proximity to Italy — just across the lake, where the culture shifts, the language softens, and the prices drop.
Whether you stay in a luxury hotel in Ascona, a boutique guesthouse in Locarno, or a camping Lago Maggiore site in Cannobio, you’re in the heart of one of Europe’s most fascinating border regions.
Here, Switzerland meets Italy, mountains meet palms, and every sunrise over the lake feels like a new invitation to explore both worlds — elegant and affordable, refined and relaxed, all within a short drive of one another.
That’s the magic of Lake Maggiore — one lake, two nations, and endless ways to fall in love.
