Lugano is near the southern border of Switzerland and is the essence of picturesque. On a 19 square mile lake encircled with mountains, this city of about 70,000 people is frequently called Switzerland’s Monte Carlo.
Lugano is near the southern border of Switzerland and is the essence of picturesque. On a 19 square mile lake encircled with mountains, this city of about 70,000 people is frequently called Switzerland’s Monte Carlo.
Lugano, Switzerland is nicknamed the Monte Carlo of Switzerland because of all the rich and famous who visit. With stunning scenery like this, it is easy to see why it is such a popular, cosmopolitan resort town. Its Lugano Lake, also called Ceresio, has glacial origins. Yet it stays relatively warm thanks to the area’s mild climate. Lugano’s official language is Italian. This accommodates visitors who make the short drive from Northern Italy. It is a must see destination regardless of what country you are from.
Piazza Bernardino Luini 2 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This graceful waterfowl swimming in Lake Lugano is a mute swan. The bird’s pure white plumage is accented by an orange bill with a knob on top. The male, or cobs, average about 25 pounds, making it the second largest in the swan family. The largest populations are found in Russia and Northern Europe. However, there is a significant colony delighting tourists at Lugano, Switzerland.
Piazza Bernardino Luini 2 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This wonderful Swiss town just north of the Italian boarder hosts a Mediterranean climate and is graced with parks filled with gorgeous plants, flowers and palm trees. This gem is nestled along the shore of Lake Lugano with spectacular vistas of Mounts San Salvatore and Bré. The town is sometimes called “Queen of the Ceresio.” It is better known as Lugano, Switzerland.
Riva Antonio Caccia 1 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Monte San Salvatore is part of the Lepontine Alps and stands majestically above the municipality of Paradiso. The nearly 3,000 foot summit can be reached by footpath or, for the less hearty, by a funicular. This mountain-side ride offers a wonderful view of Lugano and Lago di Lugano. In the foreground is one of several flower beds in the Belvedere Sculpture Garden.
Riva Antonio Caccia 1 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Lake Lugano in south-central Switzerland was born from a glacier and is embraced by wooded, alpine mountains. The summits include Monte Bré, Monte San Salvatore and Monte Generoso. Stretching almost 19 square miles, its shores touch over 30 Swiss and northern Italian towns, converting many of them into gorgeous resort locations.
Riva Antonio Caccia 1 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There is so much charm everywhere you turn in Lugano, Switzerland. You have the lake, mountains, parks, flowers, promenades, swans and sunsets just to mention a few of its attractions. So what else could you ask for? How about an 11,000 square meter garden filled with 14 modern and abstract sculptures by local Ticino artists. That is what you will find at the Belvedere Garden parallel to Riva Antonio Caccia and the lake shore. Enjoy this outdoor art gallery. Then have a seat on a red bench and enjoy the view.
Giardino Belvedere Lungolago, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The brightly painted buildings along Riva Giocondo Albertolli, plus the boats dotting the shoreline, provide a stunning setting for the snow-covered Lugano Prealps. This mountain is located in the Canton Ticino in southern Switzerland and northern Italy. The highest elevation of this range is over 7,000 feet. This is Monte Bré. The 3,061 foot summit is accessible from a cableway leaving from Cassarate.
Riva Vincenzo Vela 2 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Assuming you ever tire of the views at Lugano, Switzerland, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Among the enticements are shops, museums, gambling, concerts, festivals, restaurants and funicular rides. When you get physically tired from all of that, you can find a red bench and enjoy the views again. The town is also a thriving business, commercial and financial center.
Riva Giocondo Albertolli 1 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The peach-colored Museo Villa Ciani was built in 1843 by the Ciani brothers. In 1912, the city purchased the estate and converted it into a museum of fine arts. It is now used for exhibitions. Surrounding it is a 63,000 square meter public park along the shores of Lago di Lugano. The Parco Civico is filled with green spaces, several species of trees and wonderful flowerbeds bursting with colors and springtime aromas.
Villa Ciani Via Canova, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Please follow these instructions for a perfect afternoon. Find a comfortable place to sit along a promenade or park on the shores of Lake Lugano. Smell the fragrant flowers. Watch a regatta as their white sails float across the calm, blue waters with the mountains and puffy clouds in the background. Just plain perfect!
Viale Castagnola 28 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions