A charming path alongside Lake Lugano which will simply stun you with the intense blue of its waters. Enjoy views of the city and the commanding mountains surrounding it. Discover the pretty villages of Caprino and Gandria and savour some fine local produce. And if you want to add a little extra fun, why not make the return trip by boat at the end of the excursion? Skimming across the lake with the wind on your hair, what better way to end an unforgettable day?
A very popular walk alongside Lake Lugano, at the foot of Monte Caprino, getting up-close with nature, where you can enjoy some fantastic views over the city and the majestic peaks surrounding it. To make this excursion even more enthralling, the start and end can both be done by boat.
The Lake Lugano Società di navigazione offers various daily connections from Lugano to Caprino and from the Cantine di Gandria - Museo Doganale toward Lugano. Once you arrive in Caprino you continue on to the Cantine di Caprino area, where you'll find some traditional grotto restaurants where you can sample the local delicacies. At the end of the route there's the beautiful Swiss Customs Museum (Museo Doganale svizzero) which shows the hard struggle for survival in a past mixed with smuggling. The excursion on foot ends here. The return by boat is a must.
Tips
To explore the route, we recommend buying the official maps of the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo. In addition, the following website map.geo.admin.ch offers constantly updated data.
- Hiking boots
- Sun cap
- Water-bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Hiking map
- Camera
- Food
Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: https://www.montagnepulite.ch/en/golden-rules
Alternative routes
Option A:
The path looks like it is flat, but only part of it actually is. Some degree of fitness is a necessity, as are appropriate shoes. During bad weather, the path should be considered closed between San Rocco and Landessa. Please check the weather forecasts prior to doing this walk.
Option B:
A stop in the tiny village of Gandria, on the opposite side of the lake, is highly recommended. A place little changed by the passage of time, it features a maze of little streets, steep flights of steps, and secluded courtyards and porticos. You can return to Lugano both by boat and bus, but we would equally recommend the walking path back to Lugano, which will treat you to a series of places of stunning beauty.