San Salvatore Hiking: Sweeping Views and Ticino Cuisine

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Switzerland's mountains may be famous for skiing, but San Salvatore near Lugano offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Ticino.

Everyone knows about this mountain, but few know how to experience its magic firsthand. One of the top questions we get is about hiking options on San Salvatore.

A common request goes like this: "I'm visiting Lugano and would like to hike San Salvatore. What's the best route and what should I expect?"

Recommendations we have. From panoramic ridge trails to forest paths leading to picturesque villages, there are several stunning hiking options on San Salvatore.

Most trails offer spectacular views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding landscapes. Some routes allow for a more leisurely stroll, while others provide a challenging workout for experienced hikers. And most all San Salvatore hiking paths connect to charming villages where you can enjoy authentic Ticino cuisine.

Our San Salvatore Hiking Adventure

During times of rain and cold weather north of the Alps, savvy locals know where to find the sun. The southern region of Ticino is sometimes called "Switzerland's sun room," and there is a reason for this.

Most of the time, the sun is out and the Italian way of life is at full swing here in Ticino.

So on a gloomy weekend, we hop on the train and end up in Lugano where the sun is pushing through the clouds. From there, we climb to the top of Mt. San Salvatore where we find even more sun.

The ropeway is incredibly steep - even for ropeway connoisseurs like us! It climbs some 600 m/1970 ft to the top of Mt. San Salvatore in just 12 minutes, offering a thrilling ride with increasingly spectacular views.

Our plan is to hike from the top about halfway down through the mountain's chestnut forests to Carona. But first, we enjoy an outdoor exhibit on vintage Swiss tourism posters. It feels like traveling back in time…

The 360-degree views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills of Italy are simply astonishing! On clear days, you can see from the Po Valley all the way to the peaks of the Swiss and Savoy Alps.

San Salvatore Hiking Trails: Your Options

San Salvatore offers several well-marked hiking trails for all fitness levels. Here are the main routes with approximate hiking times:

San Salvatore – Ciona – Carona: Beautiful 1-hour hike through chestnut forests

San Salvatore – Carona – Morcote: Classic 2:45 hr panorama trail

San Salvatore – Carona – Melide: 1:35 hr hike ending near the Swiss Miniature park

San Salvatore – Ciona – Carabbia: Shorter 50-minute option

San Salvatore – Carona – Figino: 2:00 hr route with lake views

Paradiso – Pazzallo – San Salvatore: For those who prefer hiking up, this 2-hour trail starts from the funicular's valley station

Have you noticed that way signs in Switzerland always mention the time it takes to hike there, rather than how many kilometers it is? This practical approach helps hikers plan their journey more effectively.

Our Hike to Carona

We choose the trail to Carona, which starts with a somewhat steep descent from the summit. The initial 1.5 kilometers run on downhill and rather uneven terrain, which can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes and trekking poles are recommended for this section.

Lots of switchbacks mark the steep descent from Mt. San Salvatore, but the path is well-maintained and offers occasional glimpses of the lake through the trees.

After about 1.5 kilometers, the path becomes steadier and flatter. We soon reach the small village of Ciona, which is little more than a cluster of picturesque houses. The Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie here is worth a quick visit.

From Ciona, the path continues through the forest on mostly beaten earth without much difficulty. The cool shade of the woods provides welcome relief on warm days.

Carona Is a Typical Ticino Gem

Carona is a very typical Ticino town with colorful houses and cobblestone alleys. This charming village once inspired Hermann Hesse and other artists with its Mediterranean atmosphere.

If you have time, the botanical garden Parco San Grato near Carona is worth a visit. It features an impressive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and conifers.

Fortunately, we come across Grotto del Pan Perdü, which is open. It is already past lunchtime and we have worked up a hunger for some polenta, a typical local corn dish that pairs perfectly with local cheeses and meats. The rustic grotto restaurant offers authentic Ticino cuisine in a charming setting.

After a relaxing and truly delicious meal on the vine-covered balcony, we descend all the way down to Melide at Lake Lugano. This part of the hike took another 45 minutes. But the next time, we are going to walk all the way to the town of Morcote on the southern tip of Mt. San Salvatore...

Practical Information for San Salvatore Hiking

Getting There

By public transport: Take a train to Lugano-Paradiso station, then a 5-minute walk to the funicular station. From Lugano main station, you can also take bus 2 to Paradiso, Geretta stop.
By car: The San Salvatore funicular is located at Via delle Scuole 7, 6900 Paradiso. Metered parking is available directly in front of the funicular station.

San Salvatore Funicular Information

Operating times: Open year-round except for maintenance in November. From April through October, it runs daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 11:00 PM in July and August).
Prices: As of 2022, a round-trip ticket costs CHF 30 for adults and CHF 13 for children 6-16 (under 6 free). Discounts available with Ticino Ticket, SBB GA, Half-fare card, and Day Pass.
Combined tickets: If hiking to Morcote, you can purchase a combined ticket that includes one-way funicular and one-way boat return for CHF 40.20.

Best Time to Visit San Salvatore

The best time for San Salvatore hiking is from mid-March to early November when the funicular runs daily and the weather is most favorable. Each season offers its own charm:

Spring: Green vegetation on the hills surrounding Lake Lugano
Summer: Escape from potentially high temperatures in Lugano
Autumn: Beautiful fall colors in the chestnut forests

What to Bring

Good hiking shoes (essential for the initial steep sections)
Trekking poles (helpful, especially after rain)
Water and snacks
Sun protection (even in cooler weather)
Camera (the views are spectacular!)
Multiple layers of clothing to adapt to changing temperatures

Extending Your San Salvatore Hiking Adventure

If you have more time and energy after reaching Carona, you can continue your hike to one of several destinations:

To Morcote: Continue along a wide, flat, shaded path crossing Mount Arbòstora to Alpe Vicania, then descend steps to reach this picturesque lakeside village often called "the most beautiful village in Switzerland." Return to Lugano by boat for a perfect end to your hike.
To Melide: From Carona, follow the dirt track through the woodland area for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Melide, where you can visit the Swissminiatur Park.
To Figino: A 2-hour hike with beautiful lake views.

You can return to Paradiso by PostBus, boat, or train from any of these destinations.

San Salvatore hiking offers something for everyone - from casual walkers to serious hikers. Whether you're looking for breathtaking views, forest tranquility, or charming villages, this mountain near Lugano delivers an authentic Swiss experience that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

So pack your hiking boots and get ready to discover one of Ticino's most rewarding trails!