Straddling the border between southern Switzerland and northern Italy, Lago di Lugano is one of those rare lakes that feels at once luxuriant and unspoilt. Its emerald waters wind between steep alpine slopes and densely forested hills, creating a semi-Mediterranean landscape that’s markedly different from the larger, more polished lakes like Como or Maggiore. The air here feels softer, touched by olive trees, camellias, and lemon groves that thrive thanks to the lake’s mild microclimate. What makes it truly special is the blend of Swiss precision and Italian flair: orderly lakeside promenades lined with elegant villas contrast with the lively warmth of the cafés and trattorie where Italian is the dominant tongue.
Lugano itself, the lake’s main town, is the obvious starting point. Its old centre curls around Piazza della Riforma, full of pastel façades and shaded arcades. The waterfront promenade is a joy for a gentle evening walk, especially as the mountains of San Salvatore and Brè reflect in the water at sunset. Art lovers gravitate to the MASI – the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana – while the Parco Ciani offers lush greenery right beside the lake. For a different perspective, a funicular ride up Monte San Salvatore rewards you with sweeping views that stretch well into Italy, while Monte Brè provides equally captivating scenery and a picturesque village ambience.
Across the lake lies Morcote, often hailed as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful villages. Its narrow cobbled lanes and arcaded houses rise steeply from the water, crowned by the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, whose terrace offers a picture-perfect panorama. The gardens of Scherrer Park nearby transport visitors with their eclectic mix of Mediterranean and Asian-inspired landscapes. Another stop worth making is Gandria, a lakeside hamlet that appears almost frozen in time – best reached by a leisurely boat from Lugano or even on foot along the Olive Trail that hugs the shoreline through terraces of silver-green leaves.
For those keen to explore beyond the Swiss side, crossing the border into Italy opens up another dimension of the lake’s beauty. The village of Porlezza welcomes visitors with laid-back charm, colourful weekly markets, and inviting beaches. From here, winding roads thread into the Val Menaggio or towards Lago di Como, making Lago di Lugano an ideal base for exploring the southern Alps. It’s a region where cultures merge seamlessly, where espresso meets espresso macchiato, and where every bend in the road reveals yet another vista that feels both intimate and grand.
Lago di Lugano
Lugano
Switzerland
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