PARCO CIANI
Read moreConsidered one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, this 6-hectare park, the green lung of Lugano on the shores of the lake, is one of the most amazing places in the gulf, with English lawns, palm trees, magnolias and camellias, flower beds and statues. It is home to the historic Villa Ciani, the Palazzo dei Congressi, the pier and the cantonal library. Walking in the park you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lugano and the surrounding mountains: Mount Bre, Mount San Salvatore, but also the town of Campione d'Italia.
PARCO SCHERRER
Read moreThe brainchild of textile merchant and eccentric traveler Arthur Scherrer (1818-1956), this astonishing park brings together statues and other objets d'art from all over the world, amid lush, exotic vegetation. It's all very romantic. The stroll and the benches where you can rest among the various plants are very pleasant: palms, camellias, wisteria, oleanders, cedars, cypresses, camphor trees and eucalyptus... with a superb view at times of Lake Lugano below. Bonus: why not come by boat from Lugano?
PARC TASSINO
Read moreHuge park (21,000m2) with many activities: games for children, fenced area with animals, paths to the Enderlin Tower, named after the family of the former owner of the park. The Tassino park also offers a magnificent panoramic view. Thanks to its sunny position, the flora is particularly abundant: roses, magnolias, wisteria... In summer, people come here to settle down and take advantage of the sun to take a break. The plus: if you travel with your pet, the park has a fenced area reserved for dogs.
PARCO SAN GRATO
Read moreAt an altitude of 690 m, overlooking the village, this 60,000 m² jewel invites visitors to discover it on foot. The rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom and the wide variety of plants will enchant any garden lover and keep them coming back for more. On site, five themed trails (botanical, panoramic, relaxing, artistic and fairy-tale) and a sensory trail await your escape. For the kids, there's a playground to keep them busy and entertained. Take your time, stroll around and enjoy... And good news: admission is free!
BOTANIC PARK
Read moreFormerly privately owned, this beautiful botanical park was taken over by the Canton of Ticino and opened to the public in 1950. Enjoying a subtropical climate, Ticino's only island garden (2.5 ha) is home to 2,000 plant species from the Mediterranean, Asia, South Africa, the Americas and Oceania. The beaches are attractive, but swimming is prohibited! It's a great place to visit, especially for families, with a short boat trip to the island. There's a restaurant, bar and hotel on site, so you can make the most of the place.