Ascona-Ronco s/Ascona- Brissago

A beautiful excursion of just under three hours to enjoy the sun and take advantage of the winter in a Mediterranean atmosphere. The entire route is 9 km long with a difference in altitude of around 400 metres.

There is, however, the possibility of doing only half of the tour (coming from Ascona and Brissago) stopping in Ronco s/Ascona. From Ronco it is possible to return to Locarno with bus 314 (Ronco, Arcegno, Losone, Locarno), or to get off at Porto Ronco (about 15 minutes) and return to Brissago - or Locarno - with bus 316 (Brissago, Ascona, Locarno). From mid-March to mid-October there is also a small bus, line 8, which runs to and from Brissago 6 times a day.

From Ascona you have to climb up to Monte Verità, where a charming garden and a tea plantation is situated. In this pleasant spot you can also relax in the pavilion next to the Zen garden, taking advantage of the view of the sparkling lake. Continue to Ronco along an asphalt road and after about an hour you will arrive in the old centre of the medieval village. The term "Ronco" means terrace or hill. In fact, the municipality stands on a lush slope where viticulture played a very important role for many years. Of particular interest in Ronco are the two churches (San Martino and Madonna delle Grazie) and Casa Ciseri, the birthplace of the painter Antonio Ciseri (1821).

Starting from the latter historic building, you can enter the centre by following the narrow, romantic streets. Climbing upwards you will come to an asphalt road, called "Tagliafuoco", which will take you to the hamlet of Porta, above Brissago. At Porta you can admire the new oratory, a square building in reinforced concrete. From here, descending the stairs, you will arrive in about 15 minutes in the centre of Brissago, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view from the entirely pedestrianised and recently renovated lakeside promenade and visit the small old town.