WHETHER you want to sip Aperol spritz in the old town, mountain bike through the Alps or relax at a lakefront thermal spa, Lugano has it all. Just across the Swiss border on the shores of Lake Lugano, the city can be easily reached by train from Milan airport (with fares starting at just £11). In fact it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend away .
. . This Swiss city has all the romance of the Italian lakes — think sweeping mountain views and waterfront restaurants — on a much more wallet-friendly budget.
Unlike A-lister haunt Lake Como , where Madonna, George Clooney and Richard Branson have owned villas, a trip to Lugano won’t break the bank. There’s no better way to take in the mountain views than with a stroll around Lugano’s historic port. Before it became part of Switzerland, the region was under the control of Como and Milan for more than 500 years.
So as well as magnificent natural beauty, the city also has plenty of Italian architecture. While you’re exploring, make sure you pay a visit to the lush Parco Ciani, a lakefront garden with manicured lawns, winding paths and views across the water. And for those who like a challenge, there’s no shortage of hiking trails around the lake.
On the way up nearby peaks Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore, you’ll find native swallows nesting in fig trees, as well as views across the craggy Alpine valley. Alternatively, you can hike along the shoreline to the picturesque town of Morcote, which was vote.
