Hidden gem European town town dubbed ‘Lake Como but without the crowds’

'Absolutely picturesque'

The picturesque Lake Lugano is a stunning body of water that stretches into Switzerland and Italy and has become a popular destination for families this summer.

Lugano sits south of the Alps, between the Swiss Ticino canton and the Italian Lombardy region, and though it is peaceful, it also offers plenty of activities for the more adventurous holidaymakers.

It is a hotspot for swimmers and hikers and a boat trip on its glorious turquoise waters allows tourists to visit some of the villages dotted around Lugano’s coast.

It is a stones-throw away from the Swiss city with a bus that takes just five minutes running to it while it lies an hour away from Milan.

It is near Italy’s other famous lakes such as Como – which is approximately a 40-minute drive away and Maggiore, which are well worth visiting but Lugano is much less congested.

One tourist who visited the lake last December wrote a glowing review on Trip Advisor declaring it ‘absolutely picturesque’

They wrote: “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!”

Another was delighted they had made the effort to leave Como and take a trip to Lugano.

They said: “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.”