Switzerland is full of beautiful places, and I had a feeling the Gandria Olive Trail (or Sentiero di Gandria) would be one of them. And I was right. We took a boat from the Lugano waterfront to the charming village of Gandria, then walked back to Lugano along a stunning lakeside trail. The whole experience is now a cherished memory, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
The Gandria Trail (Sentiero di Gandria)
Getting to Gandria Trail from Lugano
While you can walk directly from Lugano-Castagnola to Gandria and back, we decided to make our experience even more special with a one-way boat ride. Honestly, ever since arriving in Lugano, we’d been itching to get out on that lake, and in winter, the boat was the best way to do it. So, we purchased one-way tickets from Lugano to Gandria right at the dockside ticket office. If you have a Ticino Ticket, SBB Swiss Pass, or SBB Family Card, you may be eligible for a discount. The boat timetable is posted here for planning purposes.
After finishing the trail, we caught the Lugano city bus to return to the city center more quickly—perfect timing for our lunch reservations! We took Bus Line 2 from the Posta Castagnola stop at the Gandria Trail trailhead. Another option is to arrive or depart above Gandria itself by bus. The Gandria Paese stop (Bus 490) is the closest to the water, just a three-minute walk from the lakeside area.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the bus is much cheaper than the boat—or even free if you have the Ticino Ticket! Or, you can make it a round-trip walk with picnic.
Photo above: The Lake Lugano boat ticket office.
Photo above: The dock for the boat from Lugano to Gandria.
Aboard the Ceresio, on Lake Lugano
Our Green Line boat arrived, proudly displaying its name, Ceresio, on the side. Since Lake Lugano is also called Lake Ceresio, this boat is its namesake and can be seen sailing across the water throughout the day.
We were warmly welcomed aboard, showing our tickets to the dock attendant. Inside, the cabin was clean and spacious, with plenty of seating (as shown above), and did fill up. A door from the main cabin leads out onto the deck, giving you the option to sit inside or step out to enjoy the fresh air and stunning lake views.
For convenience, the boat also has an onboard bathroom and free drinking water—a nice touch for the journey!
Amazing Views of Lugano and Lakeside Villages from the Boat
The boat ride was a huge highlight of our experience. We had spent plenty of time admiring the area from Lugano’s lakeside, but actually getting out on the water and seeing everything from a fresh perspective was priceless. (And yes, we thought the ticket prices were totally worth it!)
It was so relaxing and beautiful that the time seemed to fly by. Before we knew it, we were docking in Gandria—though in reality, the trip takes about 30 minutes.
Photo above: Gary, Emma, and Ava are full of smiles as we debark.
Photo above: Sebastian and Sophia preferred to enjoy the boat trip from the deck, watching everything with the naked eye.
Charming Gandria, Fisherman's Village
As soon as I spotted Gandria in the distance, I knew we were in for a treat. This small lakeside village, nestled right along the shore, felt extra peaceful on the quiet winter day of our visit. Since it’s closed to traffic, our boat’s arrival seemed to gently stir the village awake, while it remained tucked in the lingering morning shadows.
Once we stepped ashore, Gandria immediately drew us in, leading us up through its charming narrow streets, hidden alleys, and winding stairways. The path climbs through the village’s historic buildings, eventually guiding visitors to the scenic trail beyond.
Before leaving, be sure to stop by San Vigilio, a 16th-century church with a beautifully preserved interior—it’s well worth a peek inside.
The Gandria Olive Trail
The walk from Gandria back to Lugano-Castagnola took us about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. The trail is mostly flat, well-maintained, and easy to walk, but reaching it from the boat required a bit of a climb—winding up through Gandria’s charming stairways and alleys before joining the main path.
Our guide? My favorite 70-year-old Swiss uncle, who led us up and out with impressive efficiency—in true Swiss fashion.
Clarifying the Gandria Trail vs. the Olive Trail
Many visitors use the terms Gandria Trail and Olive Trail interchangeably, but technically, they refer to different sections. The Gandria Trail runs between Lugano and Gandria, offering stunning lake views the entire way. However, closer to Lugano, a portion of this route is officially known as the Olive Trail, where you’ll find educational signs and a higher concentration of olive trees. That said, you’ll still see olive trees scattered along the full trail, making it easy to see why the two names often blend together.
Photo above: The hardest part of the trail are these stairs.
Photo above: After some uphill pathways, the trail itself levels out.
A Winter Surprise in Gandria
We’ve only done a couple of European Christmastime trips, so I’m still learning about the different nativity scene traditions across regions. In Spain, they were everywhere—and as it turns out, Gandria, Switzerland, is no exception!
During the holiday season, you can spot several nativity scenes along the Gandria Trail, adding a festive touch to the walk. It was a fun little surprise and an extra bonus to our winter visit.
Photo above: A more traditional nativity scene along the Gandria Trail.
Photo above: A more playful take on nativity scenes; this one created with Playmobil toys.
The Scenic Views You Came to Gandria For
Okay, let’s finally talk about the mesmerizing views along the Gandria Trail—because this is exactly why it’s a must-do when you’re in Lugano! Of course, I snapped some photos here and there, and I’ve shared a few below.
That said, my pictures don’t do this place justice. I was too busy soaking it all in, catching up with my uncle, and just being present to focus on capturing the perfect shot. And honestly? That’s exactly how I want to travel. I travel for the experience, not just the story.
Still, I’ve picked a few photos that capture the essence of this beautiful December morning. The views were breathtaking, the atmosphere calm and peaceful, and truly—I couldn’t have asked for more.
Photo above: You can see the proximity of the trail to the lake.
Photo above: A view as we walked along the Gandria Trail.
Photo above: I am a plant person, like this photo shows. Isn’t this one ravishing in the middle of winter, drinking from the pristine lake water?
Photo above: Emma and Sebastian wait for others to use the bathroom, while contemplating a Jane Austen book they both have been reading on this trip.
Photo above: Do all plant people also like birds? Because I do, and these guys had my attention as they basked out there enjoying the winter sun. I imagine the dock is filled with human sunbathers the rest of the year.
Photo above: As we came off the Gandria Trail, into Lugano, we came upon this “Christmas house.” I couldn’t help myself from taking a photo of Santa crawling up to the window.
Video: The Boat Ride to Gandria and the Gandria Olive Trail
Where to Eat, Drink, and Go to the Bathroom
There are a couple of restaurants along the trail, but when we visited in winter, they were closed for the season—which we knew ahead of time. Luckily, we had lunch reservations waiting for us in Lugano, so it wasn’t an issue.
If you’re visiting when the restaurants are open, definitely consider making one part of your adventure. We walked past them, and they looked warm and inviting, with incredible lake views. I would have loved to sit on a patio with a glass of wine, soaking it all in.
For a budget-friendly option, there are also plenty of great picnic spots along the trail. The views are just as stunning, but at a fraction of the cost!
Restrooms & Water Stops
About halfway along the trail, we found public restrooms that were open even in winter. They were clean and well-maintained, and there was also a water fountain for refilling bottles—a nice touch for hikers.
Things to See/Combine with the Gandria Trail
Gandria sits at the base of Monte Brè, making it a perfect starting point for exploring more of the region. When we were in Lugano, we had plenty of time to move at a relaxed pace, so we didn’t feel the need to pack too much into a single day.
However, if you’re on a tighter schedule, this trail can easily be a half-day outing combined with another nearby experience. A few great options include:
- Monte Brè – One of Lugano’s must-see spots, offering panoramic views over the lake and mountains.
- Swiss Customs Museum (Cantine di Gandria) – Located just across the lake from Gandria, this museum explores the history of Swiss border control and smuggling. It’s only accessible by boat, but keep in mind that it’s closed in winter and reopens in spring.
If you have time, combining the Gandria Trail with one of these stops makes for an even more memorable day.
Winter Sunbathing in Lugano
Here we are, December 30th, soaking up the sun—not exactly what you’d expect from a winter day in Switzerland! We found some impromptu seating with a perfect view of our bus stop back to Lugano center.
With a few extra minutes to spare, we settled in and let the moment linger just a little longer—soaking in the warmth, the view, and the simple joy of a slow winter afternoon.
Thank you to my dear Uncle Urs, for meeting us in Lugano and suggesting this amazing day!
Photo above: Our boat to Gandria, as we deboarded.
Photo above: A different vessel, setting sail from Lugano. There are multiple boats with differing features and destinations.
