To this day I find it fascinating how within Switzerland, in just 2 driving hours, the country & people as well as the language and cuisine can change completely. This summer we moved to the Italian part of Switzerland and yet we felt as if we were in Bella Italia 😍
In this blog I present you 5 reasons why Lugano is absolutely recommendable as a holiday destination:
No. 1: LAKE LUGANO
Lake Lugano, also known as Lago di Lugano, is located 63% in the Swiss canton of Ticino and 37% in Italy. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, even citrus fruits and palm trees grow here and give Lake Lugano a little Mediterranean flair.
During our visit we expected about 30 degrees, so we put a lot of emphasis on a hotel with lake access when looking for accommodation. So the decision was made in favor of the Hotel Lido Seegarten. Apart from the great location, we dined like royalty in the hotel restaurant La Terrazza 😋
Hotel pool with access to the lake
Hotelrestaurant La Terrazza
Nr. 2: LAKE PROMENADE
There is a lot to discover on a walk along the lake … The Porto Lanchetta (marina), the Lido di Lugano sports complex, the Parco Ciani and a romantic lake promenade.
Porto Lanchetta
Parco Ciani
Parco Ciani
lake promenade
Nr. 3: DOWNTOWN AREA
The old town of Lugano is also often referred to as the Mediterranean soul of Switzerland.
Almost all the streets of the old town converge at the Piazza della Riforma. Here you will find nice restaurants and almost always a lot of activity.
The street Via Nassa is ideal for shopping, in Via Pessina you can buy local products.
The church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is also worth a visit.
Piazza della Riforma
Santa Maria degli Angioli
Nr. 4: THE IDYLLLIC VILLAGE GANDRIA
Gandria is the last Swiss village before the border to Italy and only 5 km from Lugano. Gandria can be reached by car, boat or by taking a short, highly recommended hike (you can find more information in our tips & recommendations below).
The old smugglers’ town is known for its narrow streets and the great panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains 😍
Nr. 5: HIKING ON MONTE BRÉ
In a few minutes, the funicular takes you from Lugano city center to the untouched nature of Monte Brè (925 m). Aside from the fantastic distant view to Monte Rosa and the Bernese and Valais Alps, you can go on wonderful hikes (find more information in our tips & recommendations below).
view to Monte San Salvatore & Lugano
view of village Bré
Take a look at our Youtube video about Lugano 😍
Our personal opinion about Lugano:
- Mediterranean flair & climate
- beautiful mountain panorama
- very varied: hiking, city trip & beach vacation
You can get a very good overview of Lugano on the following pages:
https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/reiseziele/lugano/
https://www.luganoregion.com/de
https://www.ticino.ch/de/discover/destinations/lugano.html
Best travel time:
For beach holidays, we recommend the months June to September. We personally prefer the time outside the holiday season (June / September). Active vacationers will also get their money’s worth in spring and autumn.
Hotel recommendation:
Hotel Lido Seegarten
Restaurant recommendations:
- Osteria Lanchetta
- La Terrazza – Hotel Lido Seegarten
- Antica Osteria del Porto
More tips & recommendations:
We can warmly recommend you the following hike 😉:
- take the funicular up to Monte Bré
- hike through the village of Bré down to Gandria
- further, from Gandria via the “Sentiero di Gandria” along the lake back to Lugano
- Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
Here you can find more information about Monte Bré:
Lugano also offers a second local mountain, which is accessible by a funicular, the Monte San Salvatore. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore the 912 m high mountain, but we will definitely catch up on that soon.
