Lugano and its lake
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Lugano | Boat trips between villages, and a long promenade through lakeside gardens. | Central Lugano |
| Monte Brè | A funicular to a sunny viewpoint over the lake and the city, and the stone village of Brè at the top. | CHF 26 return from Cassarate |
| Monte San Salvatore | A funicular to a summit overlooking the lake and the Alps. | March to November, every half hour |
| The olive trail to Gandria | An easy lakeside walk among olive trees to an old fishing village. | About an hour from Lugano |
| Morcote | A village of stone arcades and a long stairway up a hillside over the lake. | About 20 minutes from Lugano |
The Verzasca valley
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Ponte dei Salti at Lavertezzo | A double-arched stone bridge over a river of clear green water between smooth rocks. | About 40 minutes from Locarno |
| The Verzasca Dam | A towering 220-metre dam at the mouth of the valley, with a view over the lake behind it. | At the mouth of the valley |
| Sonogno | A stone village at the end of the valley among the mountains, with trails to the waterfalls. | End of the valley |
Locarno and Lake Maggiore
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Madonna del Sasso | A church and sanctuary on a rock above Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore. | By funicular from central Locarno |
| The Brissago Islands | An island in Lake Maggiore with a botanical garden of more than 2,000 plant species. | By boat, 18 March to 8 November 2026 |
| The Castles of Bellinzona | Three medieval castles and walls, on the World Heritage list since 2000. | About 30 minutes from Lugano |
Tips before you go
- Ticino is the warmest part of Switzerland, and spring comes early, from March, with camellias blooming around the lakes.
- The Verzasca is ice-cold with strong currents, so swimming in it is dangerous.
- Lugano is about an hour by train from Milan and two hours from Zurich.
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for through the visa centre at least 10 to 15 days before travel.
Flights to Milan
More places nearby
- Things to do in Switzerland
- Things to do in Interlaken
- Things to do in Lucerne
- Things to do in Geneva
- Things to do in Zurich
- Things to do in Zermatt
- Things to do in St. Moritz and the Engadin
Visa
- Switzerland visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis: requirements, fees and steps
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Lugano and Ticino?
Lake Lugano, Monte Brè and San Salvatore, Morcote, the Verzasca valley, Locarno, the Brissago Islands and the Castles of Bellinzona.
Can you swim in the Verzasca valley?
The water is clear but ice-cold with strong currents, so it is best enjoyed from the bank and the bridge.
How far is Lugano from Milan?
About an hour by train.
Planning your trip to Switzerland? Read Travel to Switzerland from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.