Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano
Photo by Romain Gisiger
Photo by Hooi Theng
Photo by Cubicle Traveller
Photo by Suzanne Vidal


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 neighbours, Lake Lugano is more like a large, winding river because it averages only about 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) 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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Dreamtel London Kensington
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Wilde Aparthotels London Liverpool St.

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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.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.