Best lakes around Laino are found in a region characterized by prominent glacial lakes and mountainous terrain. This area offers a diverse landscape, from expansive lake views to protected nature reserves. The natural environment provides opportunities for exploring picturesque villages and enjoying the tranquility of the water. It is a destination known for its blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor experiences.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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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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This is the highlight on the cycle path between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. (Between Porlezza and Menaggio) Absolutely great place for a break.
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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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In the suggestive scenery of Val Menaggio, Lake Piano is located in the heart of the regional nature reserve. It is surrounded by fields, reed thickets and a dense green forest that develops on the slopes of Mount Galbiga. It can be a perfect place for a regenerating break while cycling.
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The region around Laino is characterized by prominent glacial lakes and mountainous terrain. You'll find diverse landscapes, from expansive lake views to protected nature reserves. For example, Lake Piano is situated within a nature reserve, offering tranquil surroundings and opportunities to observe various water birds. You can also enjoy magnificent views of Lake Lugano and the Ticino Alps from viewpoints like Monte San Salvatore.
Yes, Lake Piano is located within a nature reserve in Val Menaggio. This area is particularly noted for its interesting opportunities to observe various water birds and provides a serene natural environment for walks.
One of the most popular viewpoints is View from Monte San Salvatore, which offers extensive panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the Ticino Alps. It's considered a highlight for its fantastic all-round vistas.
Absolutely. The area offers various hiking and walking paths. For instance, around Lake Piano, you can find picturesque walking paths that begin in villages like Bene Lario and wind through meadows and forests. Monte San Salvatore also has various hiking trails, including shady forest paths and even a via ferrata for more experienced climbers. You can find more detailed running trails in the area by visiting the Running Trails around Laino guide.
Beyond hiking, the region is excellent for cycling and gravel biking. You can explore routes like the 'Cycle path on former railway – Lake Piano loop' or various routes offering views of Lake Lugano. For more information on cycling, check out the Cycling around Laino guide, and for gravel biking, see the Gravel biking around Laino guide.
Yes, some lakes and areas are suitable for swimming. Both Lake Piano and Gandria Village on Lake Lugano are listed as having swim spots, offering refreshing opportunities to enjoy the water.
Definitely. Gandria Village on Lake Lugano is a must-see, with winding streets and historical buildings, some dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearby Lake Piano, you can also find the 'Castel San Pietro,' a medieval group of fortified houses. Further afield, Bellagio on Lake Lario (Como) is renowned for its historical significance, magnificent villas, and picturesque staircases, while Menaggio is another charming town on Lake Como with ferry connections to other historic sites.
Many of the highlights around Laino are marked as family-friendly. This includes viewpoints like Monte San Salvatore, nature spots like Lake Piano, and charming villages such as Gandria, Bellagio, and Menaggio, ensuring there are activities and sights for all ages.
Yes, several locations are dog-friendly. For example, Monte San Salvatore and Gandria Village on Lake Lugano are noted as dog-friendly, making them great options for exploring with your canine companion.
While specific seasonal details are not provided, the region's appeal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, along with opportunities for swimming, suggests that late spring, summer, and early autumn would be ideal for enjoying the lakes and surrounding nature.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor experiences. The panoramic views from spots like Monte San Salvatore, the tranquility of nature reserves like Lake Piano, and the charm of historical lakeside villages such as Gandria are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 500 upvotes and more than 300 photos shared.
While not all locations specify accessibility, the town of Menaggio on Lake Como is listed as wheelchair accessible, suggesting it offers facilities and pathways suitable for visitors with mobility considerations.


Still not found your perfect lake around Laino? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.