San Salvatore Hiking Tour
Where history meets horizon
A mountain of legends and views
San Salvatore has always been more than a mountain. For centuries pilgrims climbed here, and even today people come drawn by a mix of stories, faith and sweeping views. From the top you don’t just see Lake Lugano and the Alps: on a clear day your eyes run all the way to the Lombardy plains. It’s the kind of place where history and landscape seem to meet in every direction.
From the summit to the village
This San Salvatore hiking tour begins on the old funicular, running since the 19th century, which slowly climbs to the top with views opening at every turn. After taking in the panorama, the path winds down through Ciona’s rocky steps and shaded woodland, before reaching Carona and its celebrated San Grato gardens. Later, a stop at Alpe Vicania offers a chance to rest (with the possibility of a snack stop, if foreseen), before the stone steps finally lead you into Morcote, a lakeside village that feels like it belongs to a postcard. In 2023 it was recognized by UNWTO (World tourism organization) best tourism village. In the same year, Morcote became part of the “Most beautiful villages in Switzerland” (in Ticino, only 7 villages are recognized).
Morcote is also part of the 50 Swiss locations designated as “Beloved places” representing the cultural and architectural diversity of our country and are part of the Federal Inventory of Swiss settlements to be protected of national importance (ISOS).
What you’ll experience:
- Ride the historic funicular to the summit of San Salvatore
- Admire spectacular 360° views over Lugano, the Alps, and beyond
- Hike through woods, villages, and botanical gardens at a gentle pace
Time to discover San Salvatore’s secrets?
This path is not made to be rushed. It almost asks you to stop, whether to catch your breath at a viewpoint, let the cool of the woods wrap around you, or follow the distant chime of bells drifting up from the valley. By the time you reach the lake again, the mountain will already feel like part of your own story.
