Summer on Lake Lugano
Lugano lies on the northern shore of Lake Lugano in Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. Summers here are warmer than north of the Alps, and the lake, framed by Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, is the centre of summer life. You can swim, take a boat to a lakeside village, walk an old shoreline path or ride a funicular for a view over the water, all without needing a car.
Swimming at the Lido di Lugano
The Lido di Lugano at Cassarate, a short walk east of the city centre past Parco Ciani, opened in 1928 and is the city's main swimming spot. It has a sandy beach, direct lake access and several pools of different sizes, which makes it suitable for families. In 2026 the season runs from 1 May to 20 September, with longer opening hours in June, July and August. The city lists an adult single entry at CHF 11, and tickets can be booked online through MyLugano. In late summer an open-air cinema is held at the Lido in the evenings.
Smaller lidos and swimming spots are found in other lakeside villages around the lake. Ask at the tourist office for those within easy reach of where you are staying.
Boat Trips to Gandria and Morcote
The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano runs scheduled boats from the Lugano lakefront to villages around the lake, with the fullest timetable in summer. Two classic trips are:
- Gandria, a small village of stone houses climbing up from the water at the foot of Monte Brè, close to the Italian border. Its narrow lanes and lakeside restaurants are best seen on foot.
- Morcote, on the southern tip of the peninsula opposite Lugano, with arcaded houses along the shore and a long stairway up to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso. The Scherrer Park, a terraced garden, is open in the warmer months.
Day passes are often better value than single tickets if you plan several stops. Overnight guests in Ticino hotels, hostels and campsites receive the Ticino Ticket, which covers regional trains and buses and offers discounts on some boat tickets and attractions; check which boat fares apply before you travel.
Paddling and Pedal Boats
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats can be rented along the lake in summer, both in Lugano and in some of the surrounding villages. Calm conditions are usually best in the morning, before boat traffic and afternoon winds pick up. Keep clear of the scheduled boat routes, wear a life jacket and remember that the lake is shared with Italy: parts of the shoreline, including Campione d'Italia, belong to Italy, so carry ID if you plan to land there.
The Olive Trail and the Funiculars
The Sentiero dell'olivo (Olive Trail) follows the shoreline from Castagnola, on the eastern edge of Lugano, to Gandria. It is an easy walk of about an hour with information panels about olive growing, which has returned to the slopes here. A good half-day plan is to walk out to Gandria and return by boat.
Monte Brè is reached by funicular from Cassarate, in two sections. At the top, a village and viewpoints overlook the whole lake and the city. The upper section runs from April to October and stays open late on Friday and Saturday evenings in July and August. Fit walkers can descend on foot from Monte Brè to Gandria, about 4 km mostly through forest, and take the boat back.
Monte San Salvatore is reached by funicular from Paradiso, about 20 minutes' walk from the centre or a short bus ride. Its summit gives a view across the lake towards Morcote and the Alps on clear days.
Summer Events
The LongLake Festival fills Lugano's squares and parks with concerts and street performance each July. In 2026 it runs from 9 to 26 July, including the Estival Jazz concerts on Piazza della Riforma and the Buskers programme of street artists. Many events are free, and they draw large crowds, so book accommodation early if you plan to visit during the festival.
Practical Tips
July and August are hot and humid, with thunderstorms common in the afternoon. Plan active outings for the morning, carry water and sun protection, and keep the afternoon for swimming. Lugano's main station is above the old town and connected to it by a short funicular, and direct trains run from Zurich and Milan.
