Olive Tree Trail
Lugano, Switzerland • 
Underrated
UnderratedLugano, Switzerland
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
16°C – 26°C, warm and sunny with a chance of brief rain showers, high crowds, peak season
16°C – 26°C, warm and sunny with a chance of brief rain showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Hiking trail with uneven terrain, stairs, and moderate elevation changes.
Hiking trail with uneven terrain, stairs, and moderate elevation changes.
Value for money
High
Free access and stunning scenery made it a great value.
Free access and stunning scenery made it a great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the views and the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic trail.
Breathtaking Views
The lake views were amazing and provided a perfect backdrop for a romantic walk.
Easy Hike
Visitors found the trail easy to navigate and perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Uneven Terrain
Some couples found the path's uneven surfaces challenging to navigate at times.
No Amenities
Travelers wished for more facilities along the trail, like cafes or restrooms.
Can Be
During peak season, the trail can get busy, affecting the romantic atmosphere.
Hours of operation
Monday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Enjoy the perfect harmony of nature and history on the enchanting Olive Tree Trail.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
2-10°C
Still cold and damp, with sporadic rain and chilly winds; vegetation is sparse and the trail can be slippery.
Still cold and damp, with sporadic rain and chilly winds; vegetation is sparse and the trail can be slippery.
Open
Accessible, but limited public transport and few open lakeside services; check ferry and bus schedules in advance.
Accessible, but limited public transport and few open lakeside services; check ferry and bus schedules in advance.
Not recommended
February remains off-season; the trail is accessible but best suited for well-prepared walkers. Some sections may be wet or muddy, and most tourist facilities remain closed.
February remains off-season; the trail is accessible but best suited for well-prepared walkers. Some sections may be wet or muddy, and most tourist facilities remain closed.
March
LOW
5-14°C
Mild temperatures, with early signs of spring; occasional showers but increasingly pleasant weather and longer days.
Mild temperatures, with early signs of spring; occasional showers but increasingly pleasant weather and longer days.
Open
Trail fully open; some cafés and ferries begin limited operations, especially later in the month.
Trail fully open; some cafés and ferries begin limited operations, especially later in the month.
Recommended
March marks the start of the hiking season for the Olive Tree Trail, with improving weather and better public transport. Spring flowers and lake views make it a pleasant time to visit.
March marks the start of the hiking season for the Olive Tree Trail, with improving weather and better public transport. Spring flowers and lake views make it a pleasant time to visit.
April
MEDIUM
8-17°C
Mild and pleasant, with blooming vegetation and regular but light rainfall; ideal for outdoor activities.
Mild and pleasant, with blooming vegetation and regular but light rainfall; ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
All trail sections are open; lakeside cafés and ferry services generally resume regular schedules.
All trail sections are open; lakeside cafés and ferry services generally resume regular schedules.
Recommended
April is an excellent month for the Olive Tree Trail, with lush greenery, moderate crowds, and most services in Gandria and along the trail open for the season.
April is an excellent month for the Olive Tree Trail, with lush greenery, moderate crowds, and most services in Gandria and along the trail open for the season.
May
MEDIUM
12-22°C
Mild to warm temperatures with occasional rain showers. Lush greenery and pleasant walking conditions.
Mild to warm temperatures with occasional rain showers. Lush greenery and pleasant walking conditions.
Open
No major restrictions. Trails open and accessible; ferry and bus services operating on regular schedules.
No major restrictions. Trails open and accessible; ferry and bus services operating on regular schedules.
Recommended
May is a recommended month for the Olive Tree Trail in Lugano, offering comfortable weather and manageable visitor numbers. Restaurants and ferries operate on their regular spring schedules.
May is a recommended month for the Olive Tree Trail in Lugano, offering comfortable weather and manageable visitor numbers. Restaurants and ferries operate on their regular spring schedules.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Bus Line 2 from Paradiso/Lugano to Castagnola (stops: Castagnola, Posta or S. Domenico) or Bus 490 to Gandria (stop: Gandria, Strada).
Ferry
Recommended
Ferry services from Lugano-Centrale (lago) to Gandria (lago).
Train
Recommended
Arrive at Lugano railway station (Lugano FFS) and connect to local transport.
Boat
Ferry services from Lugano-Centrale (lago) to Gandria (lago).
Car
Limited parking available at Parcheggio San Domenico in Castagnola or along the main road above Gandria.
Taxi
Taxis can drop passengers near trailheads in Castagnola (Via Cortivo) or Gandria.
Walking
Walk from Lugano city center to Castagnola.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 10-99
