From San Salvatore to Morcote: Lugano's balcony and the walk down to the prettiest village on the lake

San Salvatore is the pyramid you see from all over Lugano, and from its top you understand the lake better than from any boat: the three arms, Monte Brè opposite, Val Solda running towards Italy. From there you walk down to Morcote, the village of arcades on the water that every local tells you to see first.

The route

We ride the funicular up from Paradiso (ticket not included) and start walking at the summit: first the little church and the terrace, then down the ridge to Carona, with the San Grato park and its rhododendrons.

From Carona the path drops through the woods to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso and the stairway into Morcote. We return by boat or bus, depending on the timetable.

Who it's for

• anyone who wants the view without the whole climb
• anyone who would rather end a walk in a village than in a car park
• anyone walking between October and April, when it is already winter higher up

Good to know

The funicular (about CHF 30 one way) is not included: we buy it together in the morning. The return from Morcote to Paradiso is by boat or bus, also paid individually. The descent is long and continuous: poles recommended.

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

If your dog comes along: Switzerland requires a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days beforehand. Without them the dog is turned back at the border.

Getting there

A9 to Chiasso, then motorway to Lugano-Paradiso: one hour ten from the ring road. The Milan-Lugano train is very convenient, and the funicular is two hundred metres from Paradiso station.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.