Words by Jordyn Trollip | Where There’s Something for Everyone
Switzerland is the ideal destination for an authentic European winter holiday, with snow-capped mountains, Christmas markets and traditional ski resorts galore. However, if you’re heading north during the warmer months, this postcard-perfect country should definitely be on your must-visit list.
Last August, I travelled to Lugano, Switzerland, to spend a week of summer bliss with my family. This is my formal application for you to add this unique locale to your travel bucket list!
Visas and Travel Tips
Let’s start with the nitty gritty, shall we? South Africans need a Schengen Visa to enter Switzerland, which you must apply for through VFS Global. It took about a month to get my visa from my appointment date, so make sure you apply as early as possible. I suggest selecting a multiple-entry visa. With Switzerland’s small size, it is the ideal place from which to explore the surrounding countries.
If you want to visit the Italian side of Switzerland, it is best to fly into Milan, which is only a one-hour drive away from the city of Lugano. As this was my second time visiting Switzerland, we decided to fly into Zurich and catch a train to Lugano. This was an amazing experience as it runs straight through Switzerland, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the picturesque lakes, mountains and towns across the country. However, this option was quite a bit pricier than we anticipated!
Speaking of which, Swiss Francs are not kind to the South African wallet. With a currency stronger than the Euro and a generally high price point, budgeting is key.
The Jewellery Box of Europe
When I told my fiance’s grandmother that I was visiting Switzerland last summer, she was absolutely thrilled, describing this unique country as a ‘jewellery box’. It is truly gorgeous, with some of the best landscapes I’ve ever seen, boasting magnificent green mountains framing blue lakes and green hills at every corner.
What also makes this fairytale land special is its variety. Switzerland is bordered by France, Germany and Italy, each of which divides this country in terms of language, architecture and culture. While on the train, we could clearly see how traditional Swiss German ski chalet homes slowly turned into Tuscan-style residences as we travelled south.
A beautiful jewellery box would not be complete without great weather. As a Durbanite, I do not fear humid, warm summer days, but Lugano gave me a run for my money! The days were sunny with temperatures that reached the mid-30s, so I suggest packing light (and comfortable shoes for walking).
From Lugano to Caslano
Lugano features Tuscan architecture, iconic Italian cuisine, and beautiful catholic churches with rich history. The city is set right on Lake Lugano, which is best admired from the various restaurants along the lake, during a stroll through the park (complete with a scoop of the creamiest gelato), or by renting a paddleboat to fully explore the blue waters.
Of course, the city has great shopping options, from local boutique shops and the Manor department store to high-fashion brands such as Gucci and Hermès. It’s easy to spend hours just wandering through the cobblestone roads.
Although I loved Lugano, the smaller town of Caslano has a special place in my heart. Roughly 30 minutes from the city by train, Caslano is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, the key drawcard being a lake that separates Switzerland and Italy, surrounded by mountains.
Our family lives in this town, making it an obvious choice for our accommodation. We stayed in a self-catering apartment at Residenza Parcolago, which I recommend as it gives you access to a private section of the lake. There is also a restaurant downstairs, convenient for ordering a takeaway pizza to enjoy at the water’s edge (remember to ask them to precut the pizza for you!).
Although small, there is a lot to do in Caslano. There are walking trails up the mountain to fully appreciate the scenery, which brings you just metres away from the Italian border. Osteria Battello is an idyllic restaurant right on the lake, perfect for a dinner with a breathtaking view. A Coop grocery store and the train station are within walking distance, allowing us to easily explore the area.
When in Switzerland, chocolate is a must! Caslano is home to the Alprose chocolate factory. You can take a tour to learn more about how they create their chocolate, ending off with their factory shop to buy some goodies to bring back home.
Summer in Caslano revolves around the lake, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t spend most of my time lying by the water with a good book or swimming in the cool water. The lake is clean, refreshing and needed in the summer heat! It’s also great for stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. Above all, I could’ve spent hours just admiring the view – it almost doesn’t look real.
Just a Stone’s Throw From Italy
Whether by canoe, train or simply a short walk, Italy is just around the corner from Caslano, and I suggest making the trip if you have the time. You can take the train directly into Milan to visit the Piazza del Duomo, marvel at the iconic Milan cathedral, wander the streets or indulge in Italian cuisine.
Heavily influenced by Italian culture with a Swiss twist, Lugano is a priceless piece in the jewellery box that is Switzerland, and I would go back in a heartbeat! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind European summer destination that isn’t filled with tourists and features incredible scenery, charming towns and lake activities, there is simply no better option.
