Lake Lugano Tours and Activities

Lake Lugano
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Enjoy the stunning scenery, Mediterranean climate and charming villages of this lake on the Swiss-Italian border.

Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano offers the best of both countries. Enjoy its year-round Mediterranean climate and sparkling blue waters while majestic snowcapped mountains beckon in the distance.

Nearly two-thirds of Lake Lugano falls in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, while the rest is in Lombardy in northern Italy, sandwiched between the much larger Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Unlike its expansive neighbors, Lake Lugano is more like a large, winding river because it averages only about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in width.

The best way to discover the lake is on a boat tour. Choose from dozens of cruise options. Admire the opulent lakeside mansions in Morcote or watch the fishing boats coming in and out of Porlezza.

The lake’s perimeter is dotted with charming villages, but Lugano is its hub. This glamorous city is known as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” Explore its winding streets, full of one-of-a-kind shops and quaint restaurants. Visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose bell tower is an iconic symbol of the city. Peruse the unique exhibits from Oceania in the Museum of Cultures.

Explore the mountains surrounding Lake Lugano. Ride the train from Capolago to the top of Monte Generoso, where you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. Funiculars leading to the summits of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè run throughout the day.

Enjoy Lake Lugano’s subtropical climate in one of its many green areas along the lake. At Scherrer Park in Morcote, sculptures mesh seamlessly with a variety of tropical plants. Walk among palm trees and olive trees at Belvedere Park in Lugano.

Although you could spend days on Lake Lugano and not run out of things to see and do, it is also conveniently close to some of the area’s other top destinations. Milan is just 1.5 hours south by car. In less than 3 hours, you can be skiing the slopes of St. Moritz or sampling the famous chocolates of Turin. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are also just a short drive away.

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Top Lake Lugano Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa
Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa
4.5 out of 5
Via Tesserete 10, Lugano, TI
Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa
Best Western Hotel Bellevue au Lac
Best Western Hotel Bellevue au Lac
4 out of 5
Riva Antonio Caccia 10, Lugano, TI
Best Western Hotel Bellevue au Lac
Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso
Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso
4 out of 5
Via Carona 27, Paradiso, TI
Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso
Continental Parkhotel
Continental Parkhotel
3.5 out of 5
Via Basilea 28, Lugano, TI
Continental Parkhotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.