Photoshoot on Lake Lugano

A former fishing village on the north shore of the lake’s eastern arm, its houses built one above another on the rock, joined by narrow stairways and vaulted passages. Terraces sit right on the water, and the village faces south, so it holds sunlight through most of the day. There are no cars in the village lanes, which keeps it quiet once the lunch visitors leave.

Best time

Morning before the first boats, or the last two hours before sunset; summer weekends are busiest around midday.

Access

By boat from Lugano in the summer timetable, by bus to the road above the village and then down the stairs, or on foot along the Olive Trail.

A footpath of roughly 3 km between Castagnola, on the edge of Lugano, and Gandria, through olive groves, dry-stone terraces and stretches of Mediterranean vegetation, with the lake always below you. Information boards explain olive growing in Ticino. It gives you a walking session with shifting backgrounds instead of a single viewpoint.

Best time

Morning in spring or autumn; in summer, early start or late afternoon, as much of the path is exposed to the sun.

Access

About an hour one way on foot, mostly easy but with steps and uneven stone. Walk it towards Gandria and return by boat or bus. Wear flat shoes.

The boats of the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano link Lugano with Gandria, Morcote and other villages. From the open deck you have the water on every side and the mountains changing as the boat turns. A session on board works best as part of a route, travelling between two locations with the photographer.

Best time

Late afternoon runs for warm side light; weekday departures are quieter.

Access

From the landing stages on the Lugano lakefront. Full timetable roughly April to mid-October (29 March to 18 October in 2026), reduced service in winter.

Morcote sits at the southern tip of the peninsula below Monte Arbostora, looking across the water towards the Italian shore. Arcaded houses line the lake road, with small piers and boats moored below. The colours, arches and stone steps give a classic Italian-lake frame in a few metres.

Best time

Early morning or evening; midday brings the boat and coach visitors.

Access

By bus from Lugano, or by boat in the summer timetable (slower, more scenic). The lakefront is level; everything else climbs.

Above the village, a long monumental stairway of several hundred steps climbs to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso and its terrace high over the lake. The stairway itself, with the lake opening up behind you, is a strong frame. Beside the church lies the village cemetery; keep sessions to the stairs and terrace.

Best time

Late afternoon to sunset, when the stairway and church façade take warm light.

Access

On foot from the lakefront, a steady climb of 10–20 minutes depending on pace. Not suitable for heels or pushchairs.

A garden created by a textile merchant between 1930 and 1956 on the slope above the lake, with palms, camellias and cypresses and a collection of small architectural follies inspired by his travels, from temples to a Siamese-style pavilion. It gives a romantic, slightly theatrical backdrop within a short walk of the lakefront.

Best time

Spring for camellias and flowering shrubs; morning for soft light and few visitors.

Access

Short walk along the lakefront in Morcote. Seasonal opening, in 2026 from 14 March to 8 November; check the current conditions for visits and photography before you plan a session there.