Lake Lugano

he Lugano valley was once at the hub of Europe's trade routes, and this is reflected in the grandeur of the historic buildings to be found in many towns and villages around the famous lake.

Visit Lugano's museums to discover how the troubled history of the region in the 19th century shaped its future as a place of tranquility and relaxation for visitors of many nations. For those drawn by natural history, the area has several natural cave systems open to the public and an excellent museum of speleology.

On the lake, sailing dinghies and pedalos are available to the more energeic. Don't miss the many music festivals held throughout the summer months, celebrating a variety of musical styles from classical to jazz to blues.