an excursion on a mountain trail that runs along the Lake of Lugano, at the slopes of Mount Caprino, in close contact with nature, where it’s possible to enjoy the attractiveness of both mountains and lake.

A walk along the mountainside, at only a few metres from the lake, gives you the opportunity of enjoying a great view of the city and of the majestic surrounding mountains that are reflected in the Ceresio. What renders this excursion even more attractive is the fact that it necessarily begins and ends with an enjoyable boat ride on the lake. Along the trail there are several characteristic grotti that allow you to get a taste of the typical Ticinese dishes and, at the end, you’ll find the Gandria Wine Cellars, the interesting Customs Museum that recounts and documents the tough struggle for survival of the past.

On your way back, we strongly recommend you stop and visit Gandria, a quaint little town that once used to be a fishing village and whose centre is well worth a visit. From Gandria it is possible to return to Lugano either by bus or boat; those of you who still feel like walking have the possibility of taking the easy path along the lake all the way to Castagnola; it’s also worth mentioning that between Gandria and Castagnola, there is a thematic path on the olive tree.

Spend a day in the midst of nature taking a leap into the past and discovering the Ticino of olden times!

Places   Arrival / return travel 

Length5 km

Hiking timeCaprino–Cantine di Gandria: 1 h 20 min
Cantine di Gandria–Caprino: 1 h 20 min

 Height differenceCaprino–Cantine di Gandria: 80 m
Cantine di Gandria–Caprino: 80 m

 RequirementsGrade: medium
Conditions: easy

Helpful hintsThis proposal is valid only from the beginning of April to the end of October.

For the boat’s schedule and stops check the "Lugano – Museo delle Culture – Museo Doganale – Gandria" Line on the website of the “Società di Navigazione del Lago di Lugano”.

Seems an easy walk, in reality it is a real excursion, use appropriate shoes. Along the route, given the shape of the ground, there is a risk of having to deal with shifting and landslides with the resulting technical difficulties.

 SignalizationThe excursion on foot starts at the S. Rocco stop. From Caprino, follow the signposts to "Cantine di Caprino" and "Cantine di Gandria". To return one can take the boat back at the Customs Museum or at the Gandria Wine Cellars.