Top 20 Lakes around Manno
Lakes around Manno, a municipality in the Lugano district of Ticino, Switzerland, provide access to a region rich in freshwater bodies. The area is characterized by its proximity to Lake Lugano and other smaller lakes, offering diverse natural landscapes. This region features a blend of prominent lakes and tranquil nature reserves.
Best lakes around Manno
- The most popular lakes is View from Monte San Salvatore, a viewpoint that offers a panoramic vista of Lake Lugano and the surrounding Ticino Alps. This location is known for its extensive views and can be reached via forest paths.
- Another must-see spot is Beautiful trail along the cliffs, a trail that follows steep cliffs. Visitors can enjoy views over the turquoise-blue lake and observe hidden bays.
- Visitors also love Gandria Village on Lake Lugano, a settlement with a preserved picturesque village center. This village, once reliant on fishing and olive oil production, features residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Manno is known for large lakes like Lake Lugano, smaller nature reserve ponds, and alpine lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from prominent bodies of water to secluded natural habitats.
- The lakes around Manno are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and over 300 photos shared.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
View from Monte San Salvatore
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Beautiful trail along the cliffs
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Gandria Village on Lake Lugano
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Once upon a time there was a picturesque village on the banks of the Ceresio that lived off fishing and oil production. The village still exists, but it no longer lives off fishing and olive oil production alone. We are talking about Gandria, which today belongs to Lugano and is one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in Ticino. Its history goes far back into the past, and residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries with unique frescoes and stucco work can still be admired today.
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Lake Lugano
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Agra Pond Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
This beautiful lakeside path between Castagnola and Gandria (the "Sentiero di Gandria") is perfect for a stroll. I would advise against using a bike (the path is quite narrow, and there's a rather long staircase before Gandria). It's about 1600m from the (small!) car park in Castagnola to the car park in Gandria. A walk can be combined with a boat trip (e.g., from Gandria back to Lugano, or vice versa) (timetable: https://www.lakelugano.ch/de). Just before the start in Castagnola is Villa Helenum with a beautiful small park right on the lake. About 250m after the start, you reach one of Lugano's swimming pools, the Lido San Domenico, with a small grassy bathing area (info and prices: https://www.lugano.ch/vivere-lugano/cultura-e-tempo-libero/lidi-e-piscine/lido-san-domenico/). Approximately halfway (700m from the start in Castagnola), there is a public toilet and a drinking water fountain. A few meters further is the restaurant Elvezia with a terrace right on the lake and a stop for excursion boats ("Grotto Elvezia"). From the start in Castagnola, the first 1200m are flat and only a few meters above the lake. After 1200m, shortly before the village of Gandria, you climb a long staircase. At the top of the stairs, you have a wonderful view over the lake, including Monte San Salvatore in the background (and a cactus in the foreground). The destination, Gandria, is a beautiful village with a church worth seeing, many narrow alleys and stairs, several restaurants, some with terraces and lake views, and a stop for excursion boats.
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Fascinating landscape, always worth a trip 👌👍
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Nice, I had to get off the bike a few times because of the stairs, narrow, you can't pedal through them.
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So you can go all the way around. Distance about 60 km mainly flat roads. Along beautiful, typical Italian towns.
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Great old village with lots of old houses and narrow winding streets. No traffic, only accessible on foot. Highly recommended is the beautiful footpath along the lake.
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Gandria is a pretty village on the shores of Lake Lugano. The village has very ancient origins and once lived on fishing and olive oil production. This is no longer the case, but today you can still admire the marina and residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
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The lake is divided between the Italian and Swiss borders and takes its name from the Swiss city of the same name. It is very beautiful as are its streets. It goes without saying that during the high summer season the roads are very busy, a real pleasure when there is less traffic. High visibility always recommended!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable natural features and viewpoints around Manno's lakes?
The region around Manno offers stunning natural features, particularly around Lake Lugano. A prominent viewpoint is the View from Monte San Salvatore, which provides panoramic vistas of Lake Lugano and the surrounding Ticino Alps. Additionally, you can explore a Beautiful trail along the cliffs that offers views over the turquoise-blue lake and hidden bays.
Are there specific villages or historical sites to visit on the lakes near Manno?
Yes, the Gandria Village on Lake Lugano is a must-see. This picturesque settlement, once reliant on fishing and olive oil production, features well-preserved residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries with unique frescoes and stucco work. It's considered one of Ticino's most beautiful lakeside villages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy near the lakes around Manno?
The area around Manno's lakes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes that take you past the Agra Pond Nature Reserve. There are also opportunities for running and cycling, with routes around Lake Lugano offering breathtaking views.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the lakes around Manno?
Many areas around Manno's lakes are family-friendly. Highlights like the View from Monte San Salvatore, Gandria Village, and Lake Lugano itself are suitable for families. The Agra Pond Nature Reserve also offers a tranquil environment for family walks amidst nature.
Can I bring my dog to the trails and lakes near Manno?
Yes, several trails and areas around the lakes near Manno are dog-friendly. For instance, the View from Monte San Salvatore, Gandria Village, and the Beautiful trail along the cliffs are all noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with your canine companion.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Manno?
The lakes around Manno, particularly in the Ticino region, are beautiful year-round. However, for water activities and enjoying the vibrant lakeside villages, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) are ideal. Hiking is pleasant in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder.
How can I reach the lakes near Manno using public transport?
Manno is well-connected within the Lugano district. Lake Lugano and its surrounding villages like Gandria are accessible via public transport, including boat services on the lake and bus routes from Lugano. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local public transport information for the Ticino region.
Are there any nature reserves or protected areas near Manno's lakes?
Yes, the Agra Pond Nature Reserve is located near Manno. This reserve features a harmonious landscape of forests, meadows, and small lakes, providing a tranquil environment and serving as an important refuge for Ticino conservationists and local wildlife.
What are some popular hiking routes near the lakes around Manno?
Popular hiking routes include trails around the Agra Pond Nature Reserve, such as the 'Grotto Sgambada – Agra Pond Nature Reserve loop'. You can also find routes like the 'Lake Muzzano – Lake Muzzano loop' for an easy walk. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Manno.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes near Manno?
Absolutely. Cycling is a popular activity, especially around Lake Lugano. Routes like the 'Caslano Lakeside Promenade – Lakeside Cycle Path Agno loop' offer scenic rides. While some paths are shared with cars, there are also dedicated bike paths. You can find more cycling routes in the cycling guide for Manno.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Manno?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views, particularly from vantage points like Monte San Salvatore. The picturesque villages such as Gandria, the serene natural beauty of areas like the Agra Pond Nature Reserve, and the opportunity for various outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are also highly appreciated.
Are there any smaller, less-known lakes worth visiting near Manno?
Beyond the prominent Lake Lugano, the broader Lugano region includes several smaller, tranquil lakes. These include the Little Lake of Astano, Origlio Lake, and Muzzano Lake, all of which offer opportunities for rest and relaxation in a more secluded setting.
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