5 Hiking classics around Lugano / Ticino

MONTE GENEROSO

start at Bellavista (above Mendriso/village of Somazzo) or take the train from Capolago
don’t forget the snacks and water if you hike off teh season. Otherwise stop at Bellavista – Osteria la Peonia and enjoy local dishes or at Vetta Monte Generoso ‘Fiore di Pietra’ (there is a lovely self service restaurant with terrace, which is newly built and projected by local architect Mario Botta)
wonderful area for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and paragliding
for more info check out very informative website.
easy hike – from Bellavista 7.9km / 544m elevation / 2 hrs 50 mins; difficult – from Mendrisio train station – 21.5km / 1375m elevation/ 7 hrs 30 mins

2. MONTE SAN SALVATORE

Great hike directly from Lugano Paradiso with 360 degrees view.

start in Paradiso train station and follow yellow sign up the hill
climb up to the roof of the chapel situated on the summit (open usually from March to October)
visit museum located between the peak and upper lift station, which gives you plenty of information about geology of this area and lightening research center – veeeery interesting!
hike down through Ciona, Carabbia to Pazzallo and stop at Grotto San Salvatore
check out my post for more info
medium ‑ 10km loop / 670m elevation / 4 hrs 50 mins

3. MONTE LEMA

Place where there are as many options as you want. Easy loops, long hikes, short trail runs or bike paths…

start at Miglieglia at gondola parking. Take the trail up underneath the gondola. At the cross head down direction to Passo Monte Faeta Forcola, away from Monte Tamaro. At the second trail markers, about 300m of the elevation down (you will see tiny wooden house on your right) take the trail to the left, down back to Miglieglia.
take enough snacks and water (if you hike off the season) or there is Ristorante Ostello right on the top of cable car where you can try local dishes such as polenta or risotto.
great place for sunset (the best view is from the cross or if you hike abot 300m of elevation down direction to Passo Monte Faeta Forcola)
medium ‑ 11.7km loop / 890m elevation/ 4 hrs 40 mins

4. MONTE FERRARO

Not very known but with beautiful view at Lugano Lake. Great for hiking and downhill biking.

start in Arosio (car park available at school at the beginning of the village or at the church).
follow signs direction to Monte Ferraro. Path is well marked. It’s a loop and once you get to the T crossing with Monte Ferraro signs both directions, I usually go left. It’s personal preference, trail is very similar from both sides.
bring snacks and water and have a picnic at the top.
if you are yoga enthusiast, come here early morning and give your yoga session special kick.
best visit ‑ all year around.
check out my post for more info
easy ‑ 10.8km loop / 660m elevation/ 3 hrs 40 mins

5. MONTE BOGLIA

As for Monte Ferraro also to Monte Boglia doesn’t lead any cable car and there is no way to make this loop easier or to shorten it. Therefore the view is even more enjoyable 😀

start in village of Bre (I recommend flatter way up passing bbq area)
enjoy the view from the peak ‑ with good visibility you can see all 3 lakes of the area! Lugano Lake, Lago Maggiore in the west and Lago di Como in the east.
visit Bre village on the way back, roam through the narrow streets and enjoy sculptures and wall painting from not just local artists
take advantage of bbq area at the Bre village in the summer
medium ‑ 8.4km loop / 760m elevation / 3 hrs 40 mins

Feel free to share with me your experience and pictures! I’m very curious how you perceived these places and if you have any other tips.