Explore Lugano, where northern Italy blends into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region. Lugano is the perfect blend of dramatic landscapes; beautiful lakes and where walking paths meet the Alps.

Ride to the top of Mount St. Salvatore or Mount Bre which stand at either end of Lugano, take the tram up to the summit of each of these natural wonders. The views of the Alps from these summits are simply spectacular, especially from Mount St. Salvatore. Make sure to visit the local village of Mount Bre which is located near the summit, its a great place to buy local souvenirs made by the region’s finest artists.

Explore the many castles which are located just north of Lugano. Bellizona’s castle has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth the visit. The castle is simply beautiful, inside and out. You will also have the chance to tour the beautiful historic town center which is a lot of fun to visit during the market on Saturday mornings.

Just west of Lugano, you will find the Malcantone Valley which includes a variety of forests of stately chestnut trees cover the hillsides. Try the delicious chestnut pasta at the restaurant Il Castagno, in Mugena, which is a local delight. After lunch, walk the Chesnut Trail and step back in time into the Valle di Muggio. Make sure to visit the Museo Etnografica della Valle di Muggio, where you will find a collection of historic buildings which are spread among several towns.

Hikers will love the ridges from Mount Lema to Mount Tamaro. You can traverse the spectacular pre-alpine ridege in about five hours. There are also cable cars which lead to the top of each mountain, and buses connect from the base of each mountain for those who prefer to travel in style.

Take a boat ride around Lake Lugano, its a great way to see the lake from different perspectives, and you can visit the picturesque towns which are located around the lake such as Morcote and Gandria.

Ride the Centovalli train along the Melezza River. The railway line crosses a total of 83 bridges and passes through 31 tunnels en route to Domodossola, at the foot of the Simplon Pass. The train is easily accessible from Lugano.

Whether you are exploring Villa Ciani’s gardens, visiting the amazing Scherrer Monument Park or you are immersing yourself in art by admiring stunning frescoes by Bernardino Luini, Lugano is an unforgettable journey for all.