Monte San Salvatore to Morcote by Carona

Start at the summit station of the Monte San Salvatore funicular from Lugano-Paradiso. Lugano Region describes a wooded path down to Ciona and a dirt road on to Carona; the path then runs on through the woods of the Monte Arbòstora past the Alpe Vicania, which has a restaurant, and shortly after it descends to Morcote by a staircase of about 1,200 steps. Lugano Region also describes a detour to the Parco San Grato, which this line does not take.

It is 9.7 km one way with 163 m of ascent and 767 m of descent by our count; allow about 3½ hours. The funicular company gives about 2 h 45 for the walk; Lugano Region gives 3 hours, with 207 m of ascent and 817 m of descent, 9.4 km, and rates it difficult. The grade is Moderate on our count.

The funicular company lists its 2026 summer season as 14 March to 8 November and says that from 9 November 2026 to 12 March 2027 the funicular and the summit restaurant remain closed for the restaurant's renovation work. It says you can return to Paradiso by PostBus, boat or train; Lugano Region recommends the boat. The Lake Lugano navigation company's 2026 timetables run from 29 March to 8 November; for 19 October to 1 November it lists three boats from Morcote, at 11:30, 13:20 and 15:20, and for 2 to 8 November two, at 13:20 and 15:50, and it says rides may be suspended in bad weather or strong wind. Lugano Region says to check the Alpe Vicania restaurant's opening days and hours.

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.