One of the most beautiful areas of Lombardy, Lake Lugano, has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Writers, composers and painters have all been inspired by its stunning landscape and clear waters. In fact, Giuseppe Antonio Borgese, the famous Italian travel writer and critic, even wrote that:
Lugano is like a blue heart in the green chest of the Lombardy region.
![Gorgeous view of Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore]( "Gorgeous view of Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore")
Gorgeous view of Lake Lugano and Monte San SalvatoreGorgeous view of Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore
However, Lake Lugano is not entirely an Italian lake. Rather it is split into two countries and comes under the Swiss-Italian lake district. So, where exactly is it:
Is Lake Lugano in Italy or Switzerland?
The answer is – both! 63% of the Lake Lugano is in Switzerland, while the remaining is in Italy. Lake Lugano’s Italian side covers the far western shores from Lavena Ponte Tresa down to Porto Ceresio and the area around the northeastern shore, which includes the stunning Valsolda and the beautiful town of Porlezza. There is also the enclave of Campione d’Italia on the eastern side of the lake--a little piece of Italy surrounded by Switzerland!
Is Lake Lugano worth visiting, especially the Italian side?
![Italy, Lake Lugano. View of the lake, mountains, houses standing above the lake]( "Italy, Lake Lugano. View of the lake, mountains, houses standing above the lake")
Pretty waterfront view of Lake Lugano Italian Riviera
Nestled between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, this area is the ideal base for a laid-back holiday within easy reach of many exciting sites. The northern shores around Porlezza and Valsolda combine some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe with beautiful villas, charming hamlets, historic hikes, watersports and culinary delights. Now it is your turn to discover this enchanting corner of Italy with our latest guide!
Valsolda: Beautiful hamlets, rich history and a giant literary heritage
On the northern shores of Lugano, the cluster of nine pretty lakeside and mountain villages, which make up Valsolda, provide a perfect holiday destination combining relaxation and adventure. Each village has its own unique and ancient history, often connected by historic trade routes.
![Narrow streets of Castello Valsolda. A small village of ancient origin in the municipality of Valsolda, located on Lake Lugano province of Como, Italy]( "Narrow streets of Castello Valsolda")
The picturesque streets of Castello, Valsolda
Hiking, walking and cycling in nature at Valsolda
Blessed with a sunny climate, lush greenery and woodland rich in wildlife, Valsolda is dominated by the Pre-Alps, also called "Piccole Dolomiti". These cliffs soar above a 318-hectare Valsolda Nature Reserve, the largest in Lombardy, with 90 hectares of trails and protected areas dedicated to walkers, hikers and cyclists. From the mountains to the lake, visitors can explore many of the hiking trails in the area and explore the best cycling routes around the Swiss-Italian lakes! Valsolda’s rich historical and literary heritage
Valsolda has produced several cultural giants who have left their mark on Italian and European art and literature. Antonio Fogazzaro (1842 – 1911), nominated 7 times for the Nobel Prize for Literature, wrote many of his iconic works at the idyllic Villa Fogazzaro ROI Oria, Valsolda. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the house, which has changed very little since the writer’s day, and walk through the particularly lovely lakeside gardens with wisteria blooming in the spring season.
Editor’s tip: If you love lakeside gardens, then you will love these lakeshore stays.
![Villa Fogazzaro Roi garden, the summer residence of the italian writer Antonio Fogazzaro, Oria Valsoda, Como, Italy]( "Villa Fogazzaro Roi garden")
Villa Fogazzaro Roi Garden, the summer residence of the Italian writer Antonio Fogazzaro
Each of Valsolda's hamlets, including those depicted in Fogazzaro's novel "Piccolo Mondo Antico", makes a fascinating destination. A suggested tour would be to start at Porlezza, drive along the lake to Cressogno and then up into the hills to Loggio, Drano, Puria, Dasio, and Castello. Seven villages may sound like a lot, but the combined driving time is only 25 minutes, so you have plenty of time to stop and enjoy each place.
Editor’s tip: Stay in Valsolda if you want to enjoy slow-paced relaxation abound in nature, literature and history.
Enchanting Porlezza: Cobblestone streets, lake reserve, local flavour and cafes
![The lovely Porlezza reflected on Lake Lugano]( "The lovely Porlezza reflected on Lake Lugano")
The lovely Porlezza reflected on Lake Lugano
Explore Porlezza's lakeshore, cafes and medieval history
On the northern tip of Lake Lugano, just a 15-minute drive from Valsolda, the charming town of Porlezza nestles between the forested mountains and the lake shore. Its medieval roots can still be seen in the historic centre and the impressive Baroque churches of the Church of the Holy Mother and Saint Martin. The town’s lakeside walk [Lungolago] is particularly beautiful, and the winding streets offer many excellent restaurants, cafés and shops. There is even a small beach for lake swimming and its weekly Saturday market is a good place to pick some fresh local produce like cheese and meat.
However, the highlight of Porlezza is the Lake Piano Nature Reserve, an important sanctuary for water birds and protected by the European Union. Visitors can hire E-bikes and explore this popular destination or enjoy an easy walking circuit around the lake, through unspoiled nature spotted with deer and many picnic spots along the way.
![Porlezza, Italy. Lake and boat, Lake Piano Nature Reserve]( "Porlezza, Italy. Lake and boat, Lake Piano Nature Reserve")
A must-visit in Porlezza: the quiet beauty of Lake Piano Nature Reserve
Enjoy like a local in Porlezza
Every year, on August 16th, all the hamlets of Porlezza come alive for the annual celebration of San Rocco, featuring a series of traditional activities, music and delicious food. It is great family fun. And to experience the lake area like a local, the annual non-competitive race known as the “Nine Bell Towers” in July is just the perfect thing to do.
Editor’s tip: Staying in Porlezza is a good option if you plan to explore the famously expensive Lake Como on a budget. The lake and its prestigious Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, exquisite villas and resort towns are just 20 minutes from here.
![Porto Letizia in Porlezza on Lake Lugano, a residence managed by Happy.Rentals]( "Porto Letizia in Porlezza on Lake Lugano, a residence managed by Happy.Rentals")
The tranquil lakeside holiday residence, Porto Letizia in Porlezza, Lake Lugano
Porlezza makes a superb holiday base on the Italian shores of Lake Lugano, especially for those looking for pocket-friendly holidays. The laid-back resort charm and facilities of Porto Letizia offer the perfect accommodation choice: from studios and lake-view balcony apartments to parkland villas with private gardens. The residence also enjoys a lakeside garden and a delightful on-site restaurant with a greatly-priced three-course meal menu, with delicious Tiramisu and Gnocchi alla Sorrentina!
Other villages to explore on Lake Lugano’s Italian Riviera
Campione d'Italia: The Italian Enclave with one of Europe's biggest Casino
![Lake Lugano. View of Campione d'Italia, famous for its casino (visible on the right), with a tourist boat arriving. In the background the city of Lugano and the Swiss Alps]( "Lake Lugano. View of Campione d'Italia.")
Have a lovely day trip a Campione d’Italia
Campione d'Italia is the only Italian enclave surrounded by Swiss territory. Since 1798, when the town had to choose between Italy and the Swiss Federation, it has remained staunchly Italian. The town is renowned for its Baroque-style casino, which was one of the largest in Europe before it became defunct. Now the casino complex stages concerts and cultural festivals. Campione d’Italia is also known for its excellent restaurants which combine the best of Italian and Swiss cuisine.
Meanwhile, the religious landmarks, Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Ghirli and the Oratory of San Pietro bear witness to the commune's long history, which gave rise to the Maestri Campionesi in the Middle Ages. This group of craftsmen excelled in sculpture and architecture and worked across Europe during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles.
Cima: Explore relaxing old streets with cosy traditional cafes
Visitors in search of simple lakeside charm and relaxation will enjoy a laid-back holiday in Cima (2.7km from Porlezza). The village’s enchanting old streets are home to several traditional cafés, restaurants and some lovely churches.
Lavena Ponte Teresa: The perfect spot for watersports and beaches
![Landscape of Lake Lugano in Lavena Ponte Tresa, province of Varese, Italy]( "Landscape of Lake Lugano in Lavena Ponte Tresa, province of Varese, Italy")
The serene waterfront in Lavena Ponte Tresa
On the far western side of Lake Lugano, the town of Lavena Ponte Teresa is about a 1-hour drive from Valsolda. The town straddles the Swiss-Italian border and is steeped in history. It also has a great weekly market (Saturday morning) where you can find delicious local specialities, as well as clothes and accessories. There are many water sports on offer, including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and lake fishing. Alternatively, you can laze on one of the pretty lake beaches nearby. Guests can be as busy or as relaxed as they want and enjoy the best swimming spots on Lake Lugano.
There is something for everyone on Lake Lugano and it all comes with a large measure of unbeatable Italian charm! Now it is your turn to experience its peace, enjoy the exciting activities and “la dolce vita” amidst the natural beauty of this place.
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