Lake Lugano

Overview

From the villages of Valsolda to Porlezza, explore the Italian side of Lake Lugano on foot, by bicycle, or by boat. You'll see ancient villages, historic villas and nature reserves. Space also for relaxation and taste breaks.

Where to stay

Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort

For children, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool with slides, indoor pool, playground, climbing wall, skate park and mini club.

  • from £ 2990 for a family of 4 with children up to 11 years of age
  • 7 nights including breakfast and car hire

Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort

For children, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool with slides, indoor pool, playground, climbing wall, skate park and mini club.

  • from £ 2990 for a family of 4 with children up to 11 years of age
  • 7 nights including breakfast and car hire

Aria Retreat & Spa

A new concept of luxury between earth and water integrated into the southern slope of Monte Bronzone by Lake Lugano.

  • from £ 3850 per person
  • 7 nights including breakfast and car hire

Aria Retreat & Spa

A new concept of luxury between earth and water integrated into the southern slope of Monte Bronzone by Lake Lugano.

  • from £ 3850 per person
  • 7 nights including breakfast and car hire

Holidays to Lake Lugano: the most beautiful pre-alpine lake

Where is it?

Lake Lugano is one of the most beautiful pre-alpine lakes. It largely extends in Swiss territory in the Canton of Ticino, but the north-east and south-west ends belong to the Como and Varese provinces.

 

Active holiday: Trekking to Lake Piano

The Lago di Piano Nature Reserve, 176 hectares of which 85 are lake basin, is halfway between Menaggio and Porlezza. You can go trekking and birdwatching with the whole family.

 

Grotte di Rescia: among waterfalls and travertine sculptures

The nearby Grotte di Rescia is only a few minutes away by car. It's a path made up of seven 80 million year old caves located inside a wood. You can explore it with a flashlight to see gorges, waterfalls, and concretions that look like coral reefs.

 

The 45-60 minute visit suitable for everyone can be done independently or with a guide.

 

The visit suitable for everyone - lasting 45-60 minutes - can be done independently, or with a guide.

Boat tour from Porlezza to Claino with Osteno

You can take a 1.5 hour cruise around Lake Lugano on Sundays until mid-August, with stops in Claino con Osteno, Grotte di Rescia, San Mamete, and Villa Fogazzaro Roi.

Claino is interesting--it's got medieval remains, two parish churches, Renaissance graffiti, and colorful murals on the houses.

There are around 40 of them, and they should be captured one at a time. From the town centre, you can walk to the Oratory of Santa Giulia, a small 17th century church that overlooks Lake Lugano.

The 45-minute hike will pay off when you reach the top and see the sunset.

 

Scenic Train Journeys

Discover curiosities about Switzerland between history and legends, while clicking-catching landscapes on the Gotthard Panorama Express.
The train from Lugano to Flüelen takes 2 and a half hours.

 

One place, three lakes - on a bike

There are 13.5km of cycle paths between Porlezza on Lake Lugano and Menaggio on Lake Como. You cycle along the old railway right next to Lake Piano, in the midst of untouched nature.

Personalise your stay

Like what you see? Tell us your wishes and we'll create the perfect holiday for you and your loved ones, at the time of year you prefer, and make you live the experiences you've always dreamed of.