Lake of Lugano

Ride distance: 67 km
Ride Elevation gain: 1280 meters

For more information: Click on the map below to go to its interactive map with highlights of the tour and to download the GPX.

There are two routes to Lake Lugano, our neighboring lake to the west. Our Medium ride is the shorter 60 kilometer and 950 vertical meters route, and there is also the Hard and longer 85 kilometer and 1,400 vertical meters ride. Both offer you a ferry ride to the west side of Lake Como and its picturesque villas, then a beautiful gradual climb through an alpine valley past churches perched on hillsides and small villages with quaint cafès, you can almost hear the cowbells high in the hills. This Medium route does not cross the border into Switzerland, but after a dramatic descent to the lake, navigates along the eastern Italian shoreline. You will still notice a distinct difference from Lake Como. Which lake do you prefer? We know ours!

The longer route loops around the far side of Lake Lugano on the Switzerland side and through its namesake town, while the shorter route heads straight to the north end of the lake. From there it's a quick return back to Italy and the descent to Lake Como where we'll catch the Cadenabbia ferry to Bellagio.

This ride is perfect for: Road cyclists with medium to high level of fitness who would like to try a long gradual Italian climb plus a sense of adventure exploring another Italian lake.

Note: A ferry is required both ways for this ride so allow for extra time and money for the crossings.