Things to see and do for 3 days in Lugano in May
A traveler named Camahesh is planning a 3 to 4-day itinerary around Lugano in May, coming from Milan. They need advice on what to visit, particularly outdoor activities and mountain excursions in the area.
- Get the Swiss Travel Pass for free boat rides on Lake Lugano and access to the Centovalli railway.
- For beautiful mountain views, visit Monte Generoso and Monte Salvatore via funiculars.
- Check SBB schedules for local train connections to nearby attractions like Locarno and Bellinzona.
AI-generated summary-
Dear Forum,
Please help me with 3/4 days of Itinerary around Lugano being base for me in month of May? I will be coming from Milan?
-
Hello
Note that the Ticino Ticket (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/ticino-ticket/) does not give free travel on the Lake Lugano boats. The Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) does.
Locarno (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/locarno/), is only 32 minutes away by a train service which runs every 30 minutes. Locarno is smaller and quieter than Lugano. Beautiful valleys north of Locarno accessible by bus. Boat ride to Brissago I made for the first time just over a month ago! Wonderful ride, and free with my STP. (Ticino ticket NOT valid on this boat servce.) STP valid on the Centovalli railway (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/centovalli-railway/) all the way to Domodossola.. (Ticino ticket only valid to Camedo.)
Best wishes
Roger
Hello Roger,
I m not sure about what to visit when i will be in Lugano. Can you please help me with detailed. Like Lake walk, Mountain , outdoor activity particularly in May month
Thank you
Hello again
Sorry, but I am not really qualified to give you detailed advice about the Lugano area.
One broad point. Lugano is nowadays a very busy commercial and financial centre. It benefits from being on Swiss territory, but relatively close to Milan. It has a lot of traffic. Locarno is smaller and quieter.
One specific point. For a spectacular mountain excursion, go up Monte Generoso. On a fine day you can see all the way to …. Milan Cathedral!
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/monte-generoso/
I hope others can help you more
Best wishes
Roger
Hi CAMAHESH,
In addition to Roger’s suggestions, you find further sightseeing options here: https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lugano/
Regards,
Anna
Hello CAMAHESH,
I was in Lugano last month (one day in Bellinzona (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/bellinzona/) , a 15 min train ride to Lugano, and 2 nights in Lugano). The train to Lugano from Milan is about an hour-15 min. When in Bellinzona, I took the train into Locarno and went up to the Cardada mountain top (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/cardada/). When exiting the train, walk to the end of the tracks and make an immediate left turn. Walk down and just past Mc Donalds (on the right) you’ll see the funicular (Funiculare Locarno Madonna del Sasso). That will take you up to a cable car, which will take you to a chairlift to take you to the top. (There is a tourist info right there at the station if you need help.) Absolutely beautiful views of Lago Maggiore . I did not visit any castles while in Bellinzona but had a great view of one from my hotel room.
The next morning, I boarded a train to Como. On the way back, I stopped in the village of Capolage-Riva S. Vitale to visit Mt Generoso (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/monte-generoso/ ) mentioned by Roger Sexton. The funicular is right there at the train station. Be aware that this particular train stop may not be on all the rails going towards Como. I had trouble locating it on the SBB app. Maybe stop in the SBB office at the Lugano station to make sure of the trains that will stop there. On the way back to Lugano, I got off at the Paradiso station and walked (followed the signage) to the funicular to go up to Monte Salvatore (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/monte-san-salvatore/). Less than a ten minute walk. The views from up there are stunning. The scenery is similar to what one may see in the Norwegian fjords. When I came down from there, I walked along the water to check into my hotel on the waterfront. (Hotel Walter Au Lac, fantastic hotel.)
The next day, I took a boat ride to Gandria (the dock is/was about a 3 min walk from the hotel). From there I hiked/walked on the Olive Trail back into Lugano (https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/hike-lugano-gandria/) . Very nice hike through the cobblestone streets, paths, and winding roads back into Lugano and found my way to the funicular up to Monte Bre (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/monte-bre/). Spent some time up there, had some lunch, and made my way back into town. Those are just some suggestions for you. I did not do any cultural activities as these were my personal interests. Six years ago, I also stayed at the Continental Parkhotel, located right a the foot of the Lugano train station. Very professional, beautiful hotel. Great location. I hope this helps your planning in some way. Have a great trip.
Regards,
Danielsan
Hi Camahesh and Danielsan
While I have never stayed in Lugano, I have done all three of the superb mountain excursions recommended by Danielsan in his first two paragraphs. I obviously support his recommendations.
Regarding the name of the SBB station to get off at for the mountain line up to Monte Generoso, the correct name is Capolago-Riva S. Vitale. I have just gone to the SBB electronic timetable and keyed in a journey from Lugano to Capolago-Riva S. Vitale. It shows me that there is a local S10 train every 30 minutes. The journey takes just 15 minutes.
Best wishes
Roger
Hello Roger,
Thank you for the input. After searching the SBB app,vI reached a point of ‘circuit overload’ and just boarded a train in Como. On the screen display, it showed that it would stop in Copalago-Riva S. Vitale, so I just sat down and waited for it to depart with a sense of relief since the train to Como was fairly direct and passed by the stop for Monte Generoso. I just happened to see the sign while passing by. Unfortunately, after the nearly one hour ride on the cog rail, it was surrounded by fog, and I saw nothing, so I departed on the next train. Thanks again for the input. I’ll know if I go back next year.
Regards,
Danielsan
Hi Camahesh,
Lots of useful tips suggestions.
Here’s the Swiss timetable link if you wanted to research some trips: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable, and if you were interested in taking a boat trip, MySwissAlps has a handy guide detailing all the necessary:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you Danielsan, Roger and Yolanda
- The thread ‘Things to see and do for 3 days in Lugano in May’ is closed to new replies.
