We start the day with breakfast at one of the town’s many little cafés. Between the narrow streets that criss-cross it or by the lake, the breeze of Dolce Vita is always blowing, especially when you have a cappuccino in hand and a pastry on your plate. We cross the Old Town to the stairs that lead up to Monte Verità. The climb isn’t for everyone, but from here you can take a stunning photo of the view that makes the perfect souvenir. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive your own car.
The hill overlooking Ascona is known for its cultural and historical importance. This green park plays host, among other things, to the most northerly tea plantation in Europe, a museum complex that explains the history of the mountain and a hotel. Between 1902 and 1920, Monte Verità was home to a naturist colony, traces of which can still be seen both in the park and at the Museo di Casa Anatta. Over time, it attracted revolutionaries, philosophers, writers and artists. It now plays host to the Monte Verità Literary Events, during which international literary personalities discuss a different theme every year. If we are lucky, a tea ceremony might be taking place at the Loreley Teahouse, or we can enjoy a delicious lunch at the restaurant.