Lugano

« How amazing it is to escape for a few days from the usual surroundings! No matter where. It's crucial to break out of the routine. Certainly, one of the most beautiful spots in Europe that I've always wanted to visit. Here, the spirit captures not only the beauty of the local landscape but also the peaceful lack of tourists. At the restaurant, I sat near a young family😊. Surprisingly, we managed to encounter locals in such places where it seemed no tourists would ever show up😄. They still say—small nations. Local food and shops make you feel like you're in a paradise. An astonishing fact, but Italians living in Lucca don’t consider themselves Italians and think it’s quite funny to tell others they are, too😅. Enjoy your experience as they serve you with warmth! Also, back in old Europe, I quite fancy the stray dogs. You can find different breeds and colors wandering around. They all have free access to all shops and public places. It’s delightful that they are treated with such care. Speaking of prices, well, it is Switzerland. If you are used to budget travel, the prices here might seem astronomical. However, I recommend coming here for at least a day. Just to soak in the beauty you won’t forget. There’s a convenient way to get to Lucca, and it costs a reasonable amount of money. Thanks to my dear friend who set me up for such a surprise and made it all happen smoothly. My dear, you are the most romantic person in the world! »

« Wow!!! The last big country in Western Europe has opened up! Lugano, Switzerland. A wonderful town by the lake, surrounded by mountains. I was really amazed by the Swiss franc - it feels like a solid currency, especially compared to the euro. It’s warm, lively, and quite expensive. »

« One of the most picturesque places that truly captivated me... Lakes, mountains, architecture, people - a delightful Italian-Swiss blend. It seems like there are no calculations in either francs or dollars. I only had euros for parking 😅! The rest were ready to accept euros, but only at a 1 to 1 rate, although francs were cheaper. A paradise for shopaholics and brand lovers. Prices are more pleasant than anywhere in Italy. And the chocolate... mmm! Highly recommended 👌! In general, I recommend to travel more! »

« Lugano is the largest city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. However, it is not the administrative center. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano and surrounded by the breathtaking Monte Brè, which stands at 3,028 feet, and Monte San Salvatore, reaching 2,991 feet, the city enjoys a pleasantly mild climate.

While there are many attractions in the city, the most remarkable is the lakeside promenade. From here, you can catch the most stunning views of the city and its natural surroundings. This area is lively around the clock. The promenade stretches for approximately two kilometers and features beautiful parks like Chiani and Belvedere, where visitors can admire the blossoming of magnolias. In June, the rhododendrons and azaleas come into full bloom. The promenade is also home to statues of Abraham Lincoln and William Tell, the Swiss national hero who fought for the country’s independence. The statue of William Tell was created in 1852 by Ticino sculptor Vincenzo Vela.

From the promenade, you can see the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in the 16th century. The oldest hotel in Lugano, the Splendide Royal, and the Malpensata villa, which houses the Museum of Modern Art, are also located here. »

« When the destination is set in advance, this place is quite remarkable in many ways as it belongs to Italy, even though it’s in another country. On the map, there is a small square representing Italy's territory in Switzerland. 😅 It's funny how you can mean to visit one country but end up wandering into another! Imagine the bewilderment when the Italian side is just in Italy and the Swiss side is, well, in Switzerland: how do people even get their visas?! 😄

The wine here is fantastic, and if you want a bottle, expect to pay around $15 to $25, depending on the brand and quality. Cheers! 🍷 »

« Today we went to the Swiss side of Lake Lugano and visited the lakeside town, which is pretty unremarkable, so we quickly returned to Italy. I just can’t seem to connect with Switzerland. Both times felt like a passing visit with no strong emotions, although the nature around is, of course, stunning. But those mountainous Italian villages? Wow! 🏞️✨ »