Breathtakingly beautiful. Yes, go for another cruise, but drive around this lake - as we did on the Bernina Express Bus to Tirano - which is nestled between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore and ask yourself, is this one of the most beautiful spots in the world. My answer is yes. The mountains, the water, the villages - so photogenic. It's just glorious. There's plenty of boating activity on the lake at the town end and plenty of cafes or bars to sit there and admire it.

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!

Very glad we did a day trip from Lake Como to see Lugano. It’s about a 40 minute drive, depending on traffic. The lake had far less 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 5-7 hours here for a day trip to be able to enjoy it in full.

We took the train from Como to visit, and we are glad that we did the trip. Having first visited Lake Como (before) and Lake Maggiore (after), I thought that the other two offered more spectacular scenery and views, especially Lake Como because it had some very nice old towns and villages to visit and admire from afar. We did not think that the waterfront and old town was stunningly attractive. I must say, though, that we did not take a boat trip out on Lake Lugano. Perhaps, if we had, we may have thought differently. And the lakeside park, Parco Ciani was nice to visit.

I would say that Lake Lugano is definitely worth the effort of going to visit if you are in the northern part of Italy. Lake Como is undeniably beautiful but it is busy and difficult to get around. Lugano, lake and city, are gentrified and less frenetic. The views are jaw dropping lay beautiful, especially if you get up one of the nearby hills. There are also many good restaurants worth seeking out up the hills! Hire a boat on the lake for a different perspective.