March 13, 2021 • 10

Walking the Olive Path in Lugano (Ticino)

Created in 2002, the Sentiero dell’Olivo (Olive Path) travels between Castagnola and Gandria along Lake Lugano. This scenic path highlights Switzerland’s more Mediterranean climate in the canton of Ticino. With flowering cactus, palm trees and given its name, an olive orchard, this family-friendly walk can also incorporate a ferry boat ride to or from Lugano’s city center.

Chiesa di San Vigilio in Gandria, along Lugano’s Olive Path.
Olive trees growing along the Sentiero dell’Olivo.

How to get there:

You can either start Lugano’s Olive Path walk in Castagnola or Gandria. At 3.3 km in length, the estimated walking time is about one hour.

From Castagnola – When I did the walk with my family, we took the #2 bus from Lugano Stazione to the Castagnola, Posta bus stop. It takes about 16-18 minutes to get there. When you get off the bus, start walking down the hillside. Soon after, you will start seeing green signs pointing in the direction of the “Sentiero dell’Olivo.” Along the path, there are 18 informational panels in four languages with information about this region and olive production.

From Gandria – In addition to the bus, you also have the option of taking a ferry boat between Gandria and Lugano.

Walking along the Sentiero dell’Olivo in October 2019.
Historic architecture in the lakeside village of Gandria.
A view of Monte San Salvatore from the path.

The village of Gandria has several small restaurants to choose from. During our time there, we stopped at a small café right on the water. Open from April to October, La Bottega di Gandria offers sandwiches, drinks and desserts. On a beautiful day, you can enjoy your meal outside on the terrace. This cozy café also has a small shop where you can purchase food products from the region.

Overlooking Lake Lugano at La Bottega di Gandria – a beer and a sandwich with Bresaola.

Categories: Culinary travel, fruit, Restaurants, Swiss, Swiss food, Switzerland

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10 replies »

    • Isn’t it lovely? I really hope to get back there again in 2021. Best wishes, and have a great day.

      Reply

  4. Hello. I am excited to visit this place soon. On another matter, do you have any tips on where to eat the best fondue in Central Switzerland? Ideally somewhere in or around kanton Uri?

    Reply

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