If you’re looking to leave the city buzz of Lugano behind for the day, then the Olive Tree Trail or Sentiero dell’Olivo is for you! This picturesque lakeside walk leads away from the city and takes approximately 50 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your preferred walking pace. The trail is also suitable for children and therefore perfect for a family outing too!
![A serene view on Lugano Lake from the Olive tree trail]( "A serene view on Lugano Lake from the Olive tree trail")
A serene view of Lugano Lake from the Olive tree trail Enjoy the Olive Tree Trail Lugano self-guided tour
Winding its way between Castagnola and Gandria, the scenic Olive Tree Trail (Sentiero dell’olivo) goes through the remains of ancient olive groves and the area where olive trees have recently been reintroduced. Along the pedestrianised route, identifiable Olive trail logos guide you in the right direction, passing through Scarigiöla and Elvezia al Lago.
The lake view path is complemented by 18 education panels in four languages designed to inform visitors about the history and significance of olive tree cultivation in Ticino, which enjoys a rich heritage that goes as far back as AD 769! The multilingual panels also provide information on the botany, local cultivation methods and varied range of products created from the locally sourced olive oil.
How to access the Olive Tree Trail?
The trail can be accessed either from Castagnola (near the former town hall) or from Gandria (from the parking area on the cantonal road above the village). If you are staying in Lugano, we recommend beginning at the Lugano end in Castagnola, but you can also start at the other end, in Gandria. From the starting point in Castagnola, the 3-km route from Lugano finishes in the quaint fishing village of Gandria, which is serviced by a passenger ferry, a bus stop and road links. From Lugano city, you can also take the #2 bus from Lugano Stazione to the Castagnola Posta bus stop. It takes about 16-18 minutes to get there. Otherwise, you can take the ferry to Gandria from the Lugano Centrale Port or Lugano Paradiso and start from there.
![A trail path that indicates the Olive grove trail between Catagnola and Gandria, Ticino, Switzerland]( "A trail path that indicates the Olive grove trail")
A trail path indicating the Olive grove trail Olive Tree Trail highlights
Starting from Castagnola (the departure point is the parking area San Domenico in Castagnola), a beautiful backdrop is guaranteed with the tranquil Olive trail route passing by the Lido San Domenico. Shortly after passing under the picturesque arch that marks the beginning of the trail, you can choose to continue along the main pathway to Gandria or take the detour that goes up to Parco dell’olivo, a terraced park richly adorned with typical Mediterranean woodland, flora and fauna, and back to trail on the lakeshore further ahead.
![Part of the Olive Grove Trail on the Lake Lugano lakeside. Bicycles fixed on a path and trees behind.]( "Part of the Olive Grove Trail on the Lake Lugano lakeside")
The Olive Tree Trail can also be enjoyed on bicycle
Going along the path you can admire a selection of fine lake villas, such as Villa Helenium, a convention venue with a little garden open to the public. In front of the villa there are steps leading down to the lake, which makes it a popular bathing spot for locals.
Tip: If you’re going in summer, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen!
Other highlights of this part of the trail are the dramatic Scarigiöla cliff face, the sun-drenched southern slopes and the amazing lake views.
The lakeside park of Villa Helenium
By the pier in Gandria, keep a look out for the 10-metre-high ancient olive tree with a 45cm (about half the length of a baseball bat) diameter trunk, known as Ulivo del Carlin, located next to the small port and the grindstone that was once used to grind the olives and extract oil. You can also savour a lake view meal and glass of wine later at the ‘Ristorante Antico’ in Gandria, to celebrate having reached your destination!
![Gandria village scenic laneway with colorful houses, Lugano, Switzerland]( "Gandria village scenic laneway with colorful houses, Lugano, Switzerland")
Gandria’s suggestive lanes with charming houses and cobblestones What to do in Gandria
Immerse yourself in exploring the quaint fishing village, which is set at the foot of Mount Brè and is full of enchantment and history. The ambient village features cobbled streets, pretty townhouses and the renowned ceramicware shop, ‘Ceramiche D’arte Gandria’ alongside a selection of authentic eateries, a passenger ferry-stop with Lugano links, a public car park and a bus stop with Lugano bus links and Lake Como bus links to Menaggio, via Porlezza.
![Gandria’s, a fishing village near Lugano, waterfront]( "Gandria’s, a fishing village near Lugano, waterfront")
Gandria, the pretty and quaint fishing village’s waterfront General information
Walking route time: 50 minutes - 1.5 hours
Route length: 3.2 km (about 1.98 mi)
Difficulty rating: Easy (features steps in places and cobbled, stone and gravel paths)
Elevation: 272m (about 892.39 ft) - 361m (about 1184.38 ft)
Starting point: Next to the car park along ‘Via Cortivo’, Castagnola
Finishing point: At the bus stop ‘Gandria Paese’, Bus route 490
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A serene view of Lugano Lake from the Olive tree trail 
A trail path indicating the Olive grove trail 
The Olive Tree Trail can also be enjoyed on bicycle 
Gandria’s suggestive lanes with charming houses and cobblestones 
Gandria, the pretty and quaint fishing village’s waterfront 
