Cruise On Lake Lugano

A boat trip on Lake Lugano is the simplest way to see the villages of southern Switzerland’s lake region, which are often hard to reach by road. The services are run by the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano, which operates a fleet of motor ships on the Swiss part of the lake and, in summer, also sails historic steamers. Boats leave from several landing stages in and around Lugano, including the main pier close to the city centre and the quays at Paradiso, and call at lakeside villages on both shores.

The most popular trips run from Lugano to Gandria and Morcote, two villages with very different characters. Gandria is a steep fishing village of narrow lanes, tall houses stacked on a rock face and a tiny harbour, and from the water you see it as a single colourful cluster beneath the hillside. Near Gandria, on the water’s edge, is the Swiss Customs Museum, the Museo doganale, housed in a former customs building and reached by boat, which tells the story of smuggling and border control on this frontier between Switzerland and Italy. Morcote lies at the far end of the lake near the southern tip of the Ceresio peninsula. It is known for its arcaded waterfront, patrician houses, a long stairway up to the Renaissance church of Santa Maria del Sasso and a botanical park on the shore.

Sailing times and routes change with the season and the timetable, and there are shorter circular trips as well as longer routes to places such as Porlezza and Ponte Tresa, so check the current schedule on the operator’s website. Many boats have an on-board bar and some offer meals. Seating is usually open on deck or in covered cabins, so choose a spot on the sunny side for photographs. Discounts or free travel with Swiss passes may apply on some services; check before you buy a ticket.

The views are a main reason for the trip. The lake is surrounded by steep wooded mountains, and the landscape changes at every bend. Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore rise above the city, the water reflects the hills, and in places the shoreline is lined with villas and gardens. On the lake you also pass the Italian enclave of Campione d’Italia, an unusual exclave on the eastern shore.

A cruise suits families, couples, groups and anyone who wants a restful way to see the lake. It combines easily with a walk in Gandria, a visit to Morcote and a meal at a lakeside restaurant, and a day ticket allows you to hop on and off. Go on a clear day for the best views, and bring a light jacket, since it can be cooler on the water than in town.