Holiday in Lugano

What makes Lugano special as a destination?

Lugano is the largest city in Ticino and uniquely combines Mediterranean lifestyle with Swiss perfection. The city hugs the shores of Lake Lugano, framed by the local mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, and exudes an atmosphere that feels more like Northern Italy than the Alpine Republic, with its palm-lined promenades, piazzas, and Grotti. Here, Italian is spoken, espresso is enjoyed at the bar, and the Dolce Vita is fully embraced. The car-free old town around Piazza della Riforma captivates with elegant arcades, boutiques, and cafés. The LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura on the lakeshore is one of the most significant cultural centers in Southern Switzerland. The Parco Ciani right by the lake invites visitors to stroll through its subtropical gardens and ancient trees, offering a postcard-worthy view of the mountain backdrop. A funicular takes you to Monte Brè (925m), the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, or to Monte San Salvatore (912m), whose summit terrace offers a 360-degree panorama over the lake, the Alps, and Pöbene. The Olive Trail from Gandria to Lugano leads through Mediterranean vegetation along the lake. Boat tours reveal picturesque villages like Morcote, which is considered the most beautiful village in Switzerland with its church Santa Maria del Sasso. Lugano is attractive year-round but reveals its full charm from April to October — ideal for those who want to combine Swiss reliability with Italian joie de vivre.