Lugano is an enchanting town. While we sip a cappuccino seated at a table in Piazza della Riforma, we admire the historic buildings around the town hall and glimpse the lake behind it, in the background. A final bite of the soft cornetto, a shared glance of understanding and together we decide that we will enjoy a few romantic hours of relaxation on Lake Lugano this afternoon. However, before that we treat ourselves to a stroll through the streets of the town centre. Via Nassa is the most beautiful. A blend of worldliness and history emanates from every building. There’s something for everyone: from small antiques shops to jewellers, as well as boutiques selling major international fashion brands. It’s a perfect day: the sun is shining and the air is pleasant. We make our way along the lakeside promenade lined with red benches, pausing to admire the scenery every so often. We finally spot the jetty, just a short distance from the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, where the boat we’ve booked will pick us up.
And here’s our vessel, the Blume, as it arrives: light and majestic, it ploughs the waters with elegance. We climb aboard, shake hands with Captain Giovanna and find ourselves in the middle of Lake Lugano in a matter of minutes. The boat is a real spectacle: it’s a gozzo made entirely of wood. Giovanna has fitted it out tastefully, with great attention to detail. The bow is covered with soft ochre-coloured cushions that invite one to lie down and be rocked by the waves. The boat travels calmly towards the village of Gandria. The large buildings and villas thin out more and more to make way for the typical coloured fisherfolk’s houses overlooking the lake. All around are green mountains covered in luxuriant nature.
