Lugano walks

Hike starting from Aldesago, near the Airbnb apartments, towards and around Monte Bré with several breathtaking views of Lugano and its lakes. Short hike with a nice elevation gain.

This stage is entirely in Italy but very close to Switzerland, particularly at Erbonne. You will walk along the Sentiero delle Trincee, a historic trench trail dating back to the First World War. This will also be your last opportunity to look out over Lake Lugano.

This fifth stage will take you to the shores of Lake Lugano in Italy, to the small village of San Mamete. You can even swim in the lake at the Albergo Stella del Italia. This route offers several panoramic viewpoints, particularly from the "Denti della Vecchia" massif, where the lake plays hide and seek with the teeth. In Castello, from the Oratory of San Martino, you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

After a bus transfer to the other side of Lake Lugano, you will gradually enter the Val d'Intelvi, which is very popular with Italians. In Lanzo d'Intelvi, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the city of Lugano and Monte Salvator.

During this fourth stage, Lake Lugano will only be visible from a distance. From Monte Gazzirola to Bocchetta di San Bernardo, you will follow the ridge and border between Ticino, Switzerland, and Italy. At lunchtime, you will probably be in San Lucio, a great place to take a break. You can choose between the Italian refuge and the Swiss hut. You will also have a cultural moment with the San Lucio Chapel, a former 15th-century Romanesque oratory.

This third stage offers several more viewpoints over the lakes. On this route, you move away from Lake Maggiore and closer to Lake Lugano. At Davrosio, you will recognise Monte Tamaro and Menéra with its antenna. At the Motto della Croce viewpoint, looking south, Lake Lugano is clearly recognisable by the peak that towers above it: Monte San Salvator. A glance to the west allows you to catch a last glimpse of Lake Maggiore.

During this second stage, you will climb the majestic Monte Tamaro. From the summit, heading west to north, you will discover the Monte Rosa massif in the distance, as well as both ends of Lake Maggiore. To the south, Lake Lugano comes into view. At Capanna Tamaro, you can admire the magnificent ridge stretching from Monte Tamaro to Menèra, topped by a huge antenna.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Como, the final destination of this tour. A pleasant, almost flat path will take you from the Binate refuge to the magnificent viewpoint of Monte Bisbino. The descent offers several panoramic views of Lake Como.

A magnificent route through the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian province of Lombardy. Over the course of eight days, you will discover three lakes and three different atmospheres. You will climb several peaks overlooking these lakes. The ridges you will walk along often form the geographical border between Switzerland and Italy.

This first stage begins on the left bank of Lake Maggiore, shortly after the Ticino River flows into the lake. From Vira to Alpe di Neggia, gradually gaining altitude, you will discover the towns of Locarno and Ascona, separated by the Maggia River delta. In the distance, you will see the imposing dam on the Verzasca River, made famous by the James Bond film "Goldeneye". At Alpe di Neggia, far from the hustle and bustle of the lake, you will appreciate this very relaxing place.

This short walk, full of legends, brings you to an incredible waterfall. It's best to do this walk in spring or after a lot of rainfall so you can enjoy the impressive drop. This is a holy place for some local people. It used to be a place for druids to process some sacrifices. The legend says a ghost lives here.

A quick and easy walk to admire the Cascade de la Froda: a huge waterfall!

A very beautiful forest walk, but a very steep path from the start to the finish. Follow the path marked 302. The route starts from the car park at the cemetery and the Chiesa San Lorenzo and leads through the village to the church in the centre. Turn left, passing the Locanda di Matt bar. From here, go straight up towards the mountains. Always follow the path marked 302 Forte di Orino. At first the path is paved with round stones and then turns into a forest track for 1 km. It then becomes steeper and narrower. There's nothing flat all the way to the finish, but the view at the top is a magnificent 360 degrees. To the north, views of the Alps with the main massif of Mont Rose. In the foreground, the Varese and Maggiore lakes. Two panoramic tables to enjoy the view.This route is ideal in spring and summer when the leaves of the trees provide shade.Return to the starting point by the same route. Shortened descent.

A beautiful walk in the forest overlooking Domaso. The actual starting point is at the beginning of Via Paradisio. If you are coming from the church, the sign will be hidden. On the way back, pay particular attention to take the path behind the church in Peglio.

Short walk to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese. The trail is mostly shaded, but beware of horseflies in the forest during summer. Bring water. Relatively easy trail, the hardest part being the climb, but the trail is passable. Ideal for a family walk in the shade

A magnificent hike in Val Bavona, dotted with typical stone houses. Park at the beautiful spot called Ritorto. Follow the small forest path along the Bavona for about 1 km before arriving at the very picturesque and authentic village of Foroglio, which you cross in the direction of Calneggia. You then climb very quickly up the 100 metres of the waterfall via a path consisting of numerous stone steps. You will then arrive in Val Calneggia, where you will pass a few small stone houses and cross a small bridge. The hike then follows the stream to the alpine village of Calneggia, surrounded by a cirque. Return by the same route, accompanied by the sound of the crystal-clear stream. Magnificent!