Ascona, what an absolute gem of the Ticino region! This postcard pleasant town is conveniently located adjacent to the transportation-heavy Locarno, but with far more charm, so it’s an excellent jumping off point for the region or hikes originating from Locarno. You feel like you are walking the streets lakeside in Italy, but with all the safety and cleanliness that Switzerland offers. Colorful buildings juxtapose the bright blue water, green hills, and snow capped mountains, making the town feel like an absolute dream. I’d highly recommend a few days here on your way to bigger towns like Lugano or the Como region – an absolute delight.