Lake Lugano is one of Europe‘s most charming holiday destinations for tourists this summer.

This stunning body of water stretches across two countries, Switzerland and Italy, seemingly blending in the best aspects of both nations.

Located in the south of the Alps, between the Swiss Ticino canton and the Italian Lombardy region, Lugano isn’t just beautiful and peaceful.

The lake offers plenty of activities for both the summer and winter months – from swimming to hiking.

Its turquoise waters can also be explored with a boat trip, an option offering the opportunity to visit some of the outstanding lakeside villages dotting Lugano’s coast. 

The location of the lake also allows tourists to see many hotspots while based near its tranquil waters.

This lake is just a five-minute bus ride from the Swiss city it shares the name with and is a little over an hour’s train trip away from Italy’s fashion capital, Milan.

It is also fairly close to other outstanding Italian lakes – such as Como and Maggiore, both of which are well worth a visit.

Lugano is often named among the best lakes in the continent by travel experts – and many of those who visited it agree. 

One tourist who visited the lake in December last year wrote on the travel advice website Tripadvisor: “What more can be said about a glacial lake nestled amidst the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by mountains mirrored on the crystal clear lake and dotted by small towns on the lake shore and mountain cliffs, with the quiet serenity occasionally pierced by the sounds of seagulls and boats cruising the lake.

“Straddling the border of Switzerland and Italy, the lake is best explored from its namesake town, Lugano, where you can cruise the lake or simply take a glacial stroll along the shores. Absolutely picturesque!”

One tourist who visited it in May wrote: “Very glad we did a day trip from Lake Como to see Lugano. It’s about a 40-minute drive, depending on traffic. The lake had far fewer tourists and some amazing views and walkways alongside the lake.

“We wish we could’ve seen more of it but it was absolutely pouring once we got down from Monte San Salvatore. Aim for having at least five to seven hours here for a day trip to be able to enjoy it in full.”