Italian flair on a Swiss lake
Lugano lies in Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, and it feels distinctly Mediterranean, with palm trees, arcaded streets and piazzas along Lake Lugano. The Piazza della Riforma is its main square, and the LAC cultural centre houses the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana. Funiculars climb Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore for views over the lake, and a walk along the lakeside path leads to the pretty village of Gandria. Risotto, polenta and local Merlot wine are staples of the local grotti.