Lugano is a year-round holiday destination. The city centre with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, as well as numerous parks with subtropical plants, invite you to indulge in a little “dolce far niente” – the sweetness of doing nothing. What’s more, nature is never too far away. The local mountains are perfect for hikes and offer fantastic views. And, of course, Lugano also has plenty to offer as a food and wine destination. The most stylish way to end a day in Lugano is with a glass of local wine.

Whatever your plans may be, the best way to start the day in Lugano is with an espresso. In the café next to the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura cultural centre, for example, with its magnificent view of Lake Lugano.

Starting from the LAC, the fastest and most beautiful route leads along the lake promenade to the San Salvatore valley station. Tree-lined avenues, benches and constant views of the lake, as well as the first destination of the day, Monte San Salvatore, make the walk an experience in itself.

Monte San Salvatore is known by several names: these include ”Sugar Loaf” or “local mountain”. A steep funicular railway climbs to the top from Lugano-Paradiso. First passing through the city’s mountain district, then the forest, you will find the views of Lugano become ever more spectacular. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a 360° view over the lake and city, far to the south, and to the high Alps in the west. The summit restaurant, which features a surprisingly diverse menu, also offers wonderful panoramic views.

San Salvatore is not only a unique mountain with stunning views, the local peak also boasts many beautiful hiking trails. You can hike down to the lake through the sweet chestnut forests. However, if you want to experience both of Lugano’s local mountains on the same day, you need to take the funicular back to Lugano-Paradiso. Once you reach the bottom, wander along the lake promenade and soak up the Mediterranean soul of the city.

After the short walk, you dive into the southern metropolis. There are street cafés everywhere and the famous shopping street Via Nassa gives the city of Lugano an incomparable charm.

Be sure not to miss the Piazza della Riforma. The square is like the beating heart of the city and a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. If you don’t have time to enjoy a regional menu in one of the bistros, you must at least linger over an aperitif or another espresso.

Before ascending the second local mountain, Monte Brè, the trail leads from the heart of the city to its lungs. Parco Ciani is rightly recognised as the place where the city breathes fresh air.

Impressive centuries-old trees are the stars of the park; meticulously tended flowerbeds as well as fountains and English lawns make the spot an oasis of peace and calm. A souvenir photo at the famous “Gateway to the Lake” is the perfect way to round off your visit to the park.

Now is the time to make for Monte Brè. Lugano’s second local mountain can also be reached in comfort by funicular. The mountain is considered Switzerland’s sunniest peak. This is why the rare Christmas rose flourishes here. Otherwise it is only found in southern Europe. You should definitely take the time to visit the peak. In addition to breathtaking views, there are two restaurants with sun terraces. A number of trails, some of which are quite steep, lead down to the lake. All above the romantic village of Brè with its mountain restaurants.

However, anyone who has explored Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè in one day will not have time for long hikes. After all, you need to allow time to enjoy a spectacular sunset from Monte Brè. With a glass of regional white wine in your hand and views over the Bay of Lugano to San Salvatore, where you started the day, you have come full circle. This is the perfect way to bring a beautiful day in Lugano to an end.