Olive path from Castagnola to Gandria

From Castagnola, on the eastern edge of Lugano, the olive path runs east along the slope above Lake Lugano. It passes through old olive groves and new plantings, terraces and small gardens, with the lake below and Monte Brè rising above. Boards along the way tell the story of olive growing on the lake. The path ends with steps down into Gandria, a village of steep lanes and old houses built right above the water.

It is 2.6 km one way with 120 m of ascent and 97 m of descent; allow about an hour. The grade is Easy: a well-made path with gentle slopes and some steps near Gandria.

The path, opened in 2002, is waymarked with an olive tree sign. It is pleasant all year, and best in spring and autumn when it is less hot. Gandria has cafés and restaurants by the lake.

Buses run from Lugano to Castagnola and back from Gandria. From spring to autumn the lake boats also call at Gandria, a good way back to Lugano.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.