The former fishing village of Ascona is situated beside a charming, sunny bay on Lake Maggiore, and, with its Old Town and lakeside promenade, is a popular yet exclusive holiday destination, with some of the most famous hotels in Switzerland. While Lake Maggiore offers a wide range of water sports, the unspoilt valleys in the hinterland are ideal for excursions and walks.

Ascona is on the north-west shore of Lake Maggiore, on the large delta created by the River Maggia. At an altitude of just 196 m, Ascona is the lowest town in Switzerland.

The old town centre, called Borgo, huddles round the church of San Pietro e Paolo, a columned basilica dating from the 16th century, whose high bell-tower or campanile is the symbol of Ascona. The dense network of alleyways, with shops of all kinds, leads directly down to the Piazza by the lakeside promenade, from where there is a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore.

Full story: myswitzerland.com