The best routes and spots for road cycling in Lugano
Lugano is just amazing and definitely one of our top places for a quick getaway from Zurich. As soon as you arrive, you'll be captivated by the stunning natural beauty - from the shimmering lake to the mountains and charming town center full of cozy restaurants and coffeeshops. Plus, the mild climate in Ticino is perfect for cycling, and it's no wonder why so many people from other parts of Switzerland come here to escape the chilly weather. Lugano won't disappoint!
If you are looking for a cycling trip destination in Switzerland or you have planned a trip to Lugano here are some of the best spots, routes, road bike rentals, coffee shops and restaurants.
We’ve put together a list the list of our favourite routes around Lugano. Check them out and just download the one you like and enjoy the ride.
The best road cycling routes around Lugano
Lugano, Alto Malcantone, Morcote and Carona - 80km - 1850m
My favourite road cycling routes in Lugano. The route takes you from Lugano to small Ticinese towns that will keep you distracted all the time. Among many beautiful places you’ll pass Morcote which is considered one of the most beautiful village in Switzerland.
Lugano - Brusimpiano - Ghirla - Brusino Arsizio - 78km - 1700m
This road cycling route takes you around the west part of the Lugano Lake and it combines some nice lakeside roads and three challenging climbs totalling over 1700m of elevation gain. Is a popular road for weekend cyclist and the roads are not very busy.
Lake Lugano and Lake Como - 91km - 1720m
You’ll ride through charming villages, dense forests, and the crystal-clear waters of the lake Lugano and Lake Como. Be ready for a challenging climb from the Lugano lake at (280m above the Sea) to San Fedele Intelvi (776m above the Sea) where you will have some breathtaking view above the Lake.
The Best Coffee shops in Lugano
Mauri is our favourite place. Perfect combination of gourmet pastries, croissants (you have to try the pistachio croissant!) and fantastic coffee. It has an inside and outside area and is in the city center.
Gabbani is a gourmet historic food and wine shop in Lugano that also has a coffee bar inside. It’s located in a stunning building in the center of Lugano, Gabbani offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere and there are plenty of tasty treats to choose from as well. They make one the best Panettone and Colomba ever!
Dispensa is a trendy and stylish cafe that serves great coffee, as well as a selection of sandwiches, salads, and other light bites. This is a great spot to grab a quick coffee and a snack while exploring Lugano or to have an apero in the afternoon.
Pane & Zucchero is a popular bakery and cafe in Lugano that serves some of the best croissants in Town. This is a great spot to fuel before your ride or to finish with a sweet treat.
The Best Restaurants in Lugano
Grotto della Salute is wihtout a doubt our favourite restaurant in Lugano. The location is absolutely perfect in the summer and they hands down have the best terrace in Lugano. Everything on the menu is great but my favourite are the home made casoncelli.
Grotto del Pep - Ticino is all about Grotto’s “simple taverns in quiet hideaway places where you can have typical food” or more specifically where you should have “puntine di maiale”. Grotto del Pep is our top pic for it. Don’t expect anything fancy and come here to have a real Ticinese experience. Perfect in the summer as they have a nice terrace.
Grotto Figini is another delicious Grotto, a bit “fancier” than other grottos with great outdoor seating. There are virtually no cars driving down the street its on so you really feel like you’re in the middle of the forest.
Locanda del Bigatt is the resturant of the Hotel Bgatt, is serves delicious and local cuisine. Most of the menu are traditional Ticinese dishes that are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The terrace with the views over Lugano is another highlight of the restaurant.
Aqua e Farina is right in the middle of town and has the best pizza in Lugano. The only downside is the indoors location, but they’ve made it nice and cozy plus all of their pizzas are delicious.
The Best Hotels in Lugano
Hotel Bigatt is a wonderful place to stay in Lugano! This cozy hotel offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, and the staff is very friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with all the amenities you need, a bike room to store your bikes, a great swimming pool and a bar with local drinks to relax after a long day on the saddle. One of the best things about the Hotel Bigatt is the fantatic restaurant and the view over Lugano.
The Guesthouse Castagnola is an absolutely lovely place to stay! This charming guesthouse offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The owner, Cristina, is a fantastic host and will will make you feel right at home. She serves a delicious breakfast buffet every morning, with a variety of fresh and local products.
The View is one of the fanciest hotels in Lugano. The View is a modern building on top of Paradiso and has incredible views over the city, the prices are quite steep but worth it if you are looking for something special and more luxurious.
More spots in Lugano
For the best restaurants and places in Lugano checkout the most famous blog in Town: NaturalKitchen.ch selects the best spots in Town and they are updated yearly.
If you have any questions get in touch! We’re happy to help you organise your trip and take care of the bookings.
Enjoy your ride in Lugano!!