A romantic walk through Gandria

You can’t really say you’ve visited Lugano unless you’ve visited the romantic hamlet of Gandria. In this magic and incredibly charming location, you’ll be able to take a dive into the past and discover how the fishermen and the inhabitants of the lake used to live. In the company of a guide you will navigate Lake Ceresio on board of a boat, which will wait for your return, while you leisurely stroll up and down the village streets. All set to go?

Meeting point is every Monday in front of the Information office Palazzo Civico at 13:40.

You can register and receive your voucher for CHF 10.- ( Kids: CHF 6.-) at Info Points Ente Turistico del Luganese, the Palazzo Civico, the Agno Airport or Lugano's train station. The tour finishes at 17:40.

For more info call Tel. +41 (0)91 605 12 26 or e-mail to info@luganoturismo.ch
Looking for other guided tours? Click here: http://www.agendalugano.ch

Locarno's International Film festival is on this week

Just for one week  - but for over 70 years - the Film Festival has been transforming Locarno into the Swiss capital of cinema. From morning until late at night crowds from all across the globe enjoy this festival with its intoxicating atmosphere spreading throughout cinemas, squares, bars and the Piazza of the Festival.

The main feature of the festival is the open-air screening area at the Piazza Grande with room for over 8,000 spectators, featuring one of the largest open-air screens in the world (26x14 metres).

Even if you haven't managed to buy movie tickets, don’t miss the opportunity to relax and have fun between the screenings. Just go with the flow and experience Ticino's summer vibes at their best. The entire Ascona-Locarno region with its lake, rivers, botanical gardens, valleys and mountains will offer you unforgettable moments.

For further information, the program, tickets and passes we invite you to visit the festival website www.pardo.ch.

Venue:Locarno Fim Festival
Where: Piazza Grande, 6600 Locarno
Date:  From 03.08.2016 to 13.08.2016
www.pardolive.ch
Click here for a detailed programme: www.pardolive.ch/pardo/program

Yoga at the bagno pubblico

What better way to see out the month of July than to enjoy a relaxing yoga session with a spectacular view onto the lake of Lugano?

Join Kat Walser as she practices yoga al fresco along the lake tomorrow morning at the Bagno pubblico!

Bring your mat and soak in the beauty of nature in front of you: the lake, the mountains, the sky… while Yoga Roof’s beautiful teacher guides you in a peaceful and regenerating practice.

All levels are welcome.

Spread the news, bring a friend: this is a great opportunity to try yoga and enjoy the practice in unbeatable surroundings.

Venue: Yoga al fresco
Where: Bagno pubblico Lugano, Riva Caccia , 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, July 30th, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 10:00
Price: CHF 6.- for Riva Caccia entrance, the yoga class is free!

A charming lake hike to beat the heat

Hiking is a Swiss National sport. Here is a suggestion for lovely day's outing through the picturesque Val Piora via a pleasant round hike over the high plateau.

A whole bunch of beautiful mountain lakes, remnants of the last ice age, are scattered throughout the Piora tableland high above Levantine. The largest is the bluish-green Ritom lake, which lies at solely a half-hour’s hike from the mountain station of the amazingly steep funicular railway. A small gravel path leads firstly to the western end of the lake, and then along the northern shore to Cadagno di Fuori.

From there you can reach Alpe di Piora either directly or via a delightful looping trail that runs through the moorland landscape surrounding the Cadagno lake.

The delicious Piora cheese is made on this Alp of the same name and is known to be one of Switzerland’s most refined and sought-after delicacies. From the Cadagno hut the route leads through a small arc to the opposite side of the valley and then slightly upwards via Fontanella to the highest point of the tour, close to the Forca Pass.

Stop for a well-deserved rest around the Ritomsee lake and enjoy the fantastic views from the upper Levantine before you make your way back to the Piora mountain station. The route is about 12km and takes about 4 hours without stopping but trust me you will want to stop time and again to take pictures with your camera or in your mind. It is a truly unforgettable experience and well worth the hike!

Watch the video and feel the vibes: 

The best beaches around Lugano

Now that the spell of bad weather has passed we should be in for a warm weekend... here are the best beaches in and around Lugano:

Lido di Caslano
My absoulte favourite spot is the Lido of Caslano. You need to rise early if you want to catch one of the four sunshades on the sandy beach but it is worth it: http://www.lidodicaslano.ch/.

 Lido de Lugano
The biggest Lido is of course Il Lido de Lugano. Built in 1928, Lugano Lido’s charm has not faded with time. Though the facilities are constantly renovated, improvements always respect the original wooden structure. Lugano Lido is an extremely popular spot not only with residents of Lugano.
Facilities include:

a beach with fine sand (100 x 20 m) and the possibility of swimming in the lake
an Olympics-size pool heated to 25 degrees (50 x 25 m)
a heated medium-sized pool (25 x 12.5 m)
a diving pool with boards at 1, 3, 5 and 10 metres
a pool for children with water games
a beach volley court (25 x 13 m)
a five-a-side soccer pitch (25 x 13 m)
a very cool bar and restaurant area

Ever since 1992 the Lido also features a giant film screen in summer under the auspices of “Cinema al Lago", a festival of great films which has become more and more popular.

Lido di San Domenico
To find respite during torrid days at the beginning of summer the choice is not limited to Lugano Lido. Visit the Lido di San Domenico, an incredibly picturesque natural beauty-spot which affords stunning views over the lake and the Caprino shoreline. Once you have left Lugano behind, heading for Gandria, drive along that section of the Via Cortivo that skirts the village of Castagnola, and you are in the National Pre-alpine Park. Here the nature lover will find thick laurel groves, thriving olive trees, clumps of agave and a wealth of other Mediterranean flora.

Lido Riva Caccia
From the Lido Riva Caccia platform, close to the lakefront and the city centre, a wonderful landscape is to be admired; the setting is characteristic, exclusive and extremely pleasant. The story of this Lido goes back a long way, in tandem with Lugano's development as a centre for tourism. Construction of the "floating Lido” was the brainchild of the Pro-Lugano Association in 1889, inspired by what had already been proposed in Zurich.

Lido di Melide
Another stunning view is to be enjoyed at the Lido di Melide. This outing can be combined with a visit to the nearby Swiss Miniature.

There, you have a Lido for every day of the week. During the weekend you can revisit your favourite spots. Happy suntanning! Happy swimming!

A sunny Sunday in Caslano

Lugano's LongLake Festival 2016

Summer has hit Lugano...finally... and with the beating heart of a Lugano summer, once again we welcome the LongLake Festival. Over 250 events and outstanding guests will enliven the city, its squares, streets and parks each and every day for almost a month.

The 6th edition of the Festival, one of the biggest urban open-air festivals in Switzerland is ready to kick off! It will bring the city of Lugano to life for an entire month offering good music, shows, theatre, performances, encounters, street art, concerts as well as a lot of activities for kids. To better acquaint yourself with the ongoing events, the LongLake Festival has been split in six different Festivals:

LongLake Rock’n’More Festival Lugano 
The Festival, entirely dedicated to live music, offers a rich international programme ranging from rock to pop, folk, indie, reggae and punk music.

LongLake Classica Festival Lugano
The world class line-up goes beyond the traditional classical music boundaries with original cabaret and crossover proposals. As a complement to the Festival, the appreciated Sunday matinées in the outstanding scenery of the Ciani Park and the great performers of the Cello Love review.

LongLake Buskers Festival Lugano
The street artists’ Festival which is an apparent delirium of freaks, artists, egos and musicians assembling and disassembling in an artistic harmony of beauty and fullness.

LongLake Urban Art Festival Lugano
A variety of arts initiatives aimed at connecting the residents to the urban background.

LongLake Family Festival Lugano
With a wide choice of events for families and children, the Festival proposes fairy tales reading, movies, magic and illusion shows.

LongLake Words Festival Lugano
This Festival gives voice to writers, actors, artists and other speakers who will interact with the audience. Within the Festival, words take on different shades and expressions when used in music, theatre, movies and images.

Not to be missed is the Mojito Tropical Lounge, a venue for anyone who wants to sip delicious aperitif or cocktail, listen to music and admire the spectacular view of Lake Lugano.

Venue: Long Lake Festival, Lugano
Where: Lake of Lugano
Date: From 23.06.2016 to 23.07.2016
For more info click here: http://longlake.ch.
Click here for the detailed programme: http://longlake.ch/en/events

Summer Camps in Lugano 2016

Ready, Set, Go! Now is the time to register your kids for summer camps. Following are some ideas.

The most common one is Vivi Lugano. A programme offered by the city of Lugano in your neighbourhood community. The activities are in Italian: Vivi Lugano.

The most famous English-speaking Summer Camp must be the Amercian School in Switzerland called Tasis: www.summer.tasis.com. This is their very inviting catalogue. However, this might not be what you are looking for.

The most comprehensive list is complied every year by Ticino per Bambini. If it is not on the list it doesn't exist! Take your time and wade through their site. You are sure to find something: www.ticinoperbambini.ch.

Another option is the wildlife summer camps with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Hurry, these camps are very popluar and fill up fast. The site link is: www.wwf.ch/it/attivi.
Click here for the detailed brochure.

More Sport Kids Week Summer camp in Tenero: http://moresport.ch.

Sports oriented camps are organized by the A-Club in Savosa. The Fitness & Swim Club offers a varied summer programme every year, although it is in Italian, there are usually a few foreigners who participate.This is their link: http://www.a-club.ch.
Click here for the detailed brochure.

Radio Fiume Ticino Summer Tour 2015

Radio Fiume Ticino is one of the two local radio stations broadcasting live from Locarno, Switzerland, which focuses on Dance Pop hits. Throughout the summer they have been setting up shop in various lidos and pools.

Radio Fiume will be at the Lido di Lugano on Monday, August 24, 2015 to keep you company and to spend a nice afternoon together. The team will be broadcasting live. Imagine hanging out with friends, lots of laughter, entertainment and music, so what if there might be a few drops of rain?

For some time Radio Fiume Ticino has also stuck a collaboration with Lugano's Hockey Club, so you are bound to bump into some players of the team promoting the new season ticket campaign, taking pictures and signing autographs.

In case of very bad weather the event will be postponed to August 26th, 2015. Check with the Lido directly at 058 866 68 80.

Venue: Radio Fiume Ticino Summer Tour
Where: Lido di Lugano, Viale Castagnola 1, 6900 Lugano, Suiza
Date: Monday, August 24th, 2015
Time: 14:00 to 18:00

Gone on holidays

Greetings from Graubünden

Graubünden Tourism is bringing together the most hectic and most peaceful places in Switzerland via an electronic live billboard at Zurich Central Station offering to transport stressed-out city dwellers to the Graubünden village of Vrin.

A very original and personalized video is testimony to an unusual approach in tourism marketing designed to publicize Vrin, a small Swiss village with just 275 inhabitants in the canton of Graubünden.

The protagonist of the advertising is a cheerful local mountain farmer, sitting on a meadow with his laptop which connects to a panel in Zürich's main train station: there he interacts with travellers proposing to come and visit him. Should they accept, he will print and offer them the train fare.

What a brilliant, simple and low cost, but high impact idea. Would you take the day off to catch some fresh mountain air?

A challenging hike on the Gotthard Pass

Looking for a place with a view? Beware, it is also a bit of a challenge.

The ridge path from the Gotthard Pass to the Bedretto valley is outstanding and has wonderful views onto the Tessin mountain world. The panorama ranges from Val Piora to the Cristallina region. The old Gotthardpass road, which winds its way in numerous curves up the Tremola ravine, is also impressive. A perfect getaway for hot, sweltering summer days. the hiking time is about 4 hours, however, it is an experience you won't forget.

The hike begins at Gotthard Pass and leads first of all along the main road, going South. The view into Tremola ravine is most impressive during the stretch along the road gallery. At the end of the gallery there is an ascent to Strade dei Banchi. After Costoni di Fieud, views of Leventina and Val Bedretto become visible. The ridge path leads past the alpine pastures of Pian Secco and Fibbia before it reaches its highest point at the alpine hut Rosso di fuori. The valley of Bedretto with its charming villages lies far below. The descent winds its way via Alpe di Vinei and Alpe di Cavanne down to Ronco.

Technical information
Begin of tour: Gotthard Hospiz bus stop
Access starting point: Journey from Airolo to Gotthard Pass by postal bus
Point of arrival: Ronco bus stop
Access point of arrival: Return trip by bus from Ronco
Hiking time: 4 h
Physical fitness: challenging
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Difference in elevation: 720 m

Here's the map: http://www.myswitzerland.com/

Long Lake Festival 2015

Summer will be hitting Lugano tomorrow in the form of the LongLake Festival. The 5th International Festival proposes entertainment, theatre and dance shows, concerts as well as a lot of activities for kids. To better acquaint yourself with the ongoing events, the LongLake Festival has been split in six different Festivals: Rock’n’More Festival Lugano, Classica Festival Lugano, Buskers Festival Lugano, Urban Art Festival Lugano, Family Festival Lugano, Words Festival Lugano as well as many other side events Plus.

There is so much going on, you'll just have to check out the programme for yourself to see what tickles your fancy. Here you go: http://longlake.ch/en/

Or else you can stroll down town and enjoy a nice warm sunny evening walk along the lakeside and just go with the flow. While you are sitting on a bench contemplating the beautiful view, you can download the app here: http://longlake.ch/en/download-the-official-app

With over 300,000 visitors, the international LongLake Festival, confirmes itself as one of the greatest urban open air happenings in Switzerland. Don't miss it!

Ticino's swimming pools

The summer is nearly here and I thought I'd share a useful list of open air and covered swimming pools throughout Ticino. Did you know the Lido of Lugano was founded in 1928 or that Bellinzona's outdoor pool was inaugurated 45 years ago. Check them out for yourself.

Switzerland's pools by Canton: http://www.badi-info.ch
Lugano's Lido: http://www.luganoturismo.ch
Bellinzona' Bagno Publico: http://sport.bellinzona.ch
Lido di Locarno: http://www.lidolocarno.ch
Lido's and public baths around Lugano: http://www.luganoturismo.ch

My personal favourite is Lido di Caslano. Make sure you get there early since it is very small but a unique experience.

Sicilian Fennel Salad

It has been a very long time since I posted a recipe. Last week I came across an inspiring Sicilian salad. I have never used fennel in my kitchen before but after having tasted this salad, it will become part of our family cook book.

Ingredients:
3 blood or navel oranges
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 bunches trimmed arugula
2 cored, halved, trimmed medium fennel bulbs
¼ cup oil-cured black olives

Preparation: 
1.) Trim off and discard peel and all of the white pith from oranges, then slice crosswise into thin rounds and set aside.
2.) Mix together extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar in a large salad bowl
3.) Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4.) Tear arugula into large pieces and arrange in the salad bowl.
5.) Slice fennel bulbs into long strips.
6.) Toss salad just before serving, adjust seasonings, then arrange orange slices and black olives on top.

Buon appetito!

Summer Camps around Lugano 2015

Now’s the time to start hunting for the perfect summer camp. Many camps are already filling up, and some of the most popular may already be at capacity, or with waitlists for late-summer seasons. Don’t worry though. If you’re looking to send the kids somewhere they’ll learn something interesting, or even just give them something to do (and come home after) to help them stay busy, you have plenty of options.

The most complete list is put together every year by Ticino per bambini. Click here for their link.

Vivi Lugano is a programme offered by the city of Lugano in your neighboorhood community: Vivi Lugano.

The WWF summer camps are very popular. Click here for the list of their Ticino section. Click here.
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, and is working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

Sport Kids Week Summer camp are held in Tenero: click here.

For summer courses at the American School in Switzerland (TASIS) click here.

Another option is Tandem - Spicchi di vacanza: click here

A perfect shot

Seen from above these Adriatic aerial views seem spectacular and allow for great photography but can you imagine sitting under one of those umbrellas at a distance of about 30cm from your neighbour. If you're lucky, your neighbour will have bambini and will be hooked to the mobile phone. Wouldn't that be a brilliant interpretation of a nice, relaxing holiday? NOT!

For now, just enjoy the fantastic shots by Bernhard Lang who had the wonderful idea of photographing Italy's Beach Resorts from above:

Container Lugano: a beach in the city

Feel like sticking your toes in the sand? Look no further, just head towards Lugano's lakeside (La Riva Caccia) and look out for one or more maritime containers. Yes, the sort that you see unload and load on ships in ports all over the world. To do what? To turn them into mini-beaches, such as is seen in Paris, for example.

Inspired by the great cities of Europe, Lugano also will have its own container of emotions. Appetizers and trendy music will be featured during a non-stop, action-packed 16-day programme.
Their facebook page has caused quite some hype in town as has their advertising campaign.

Have I peaked your curiosity? Well, it all starts tomorrow, July 19th, 2014. The grand Opening will be at 17:00. You'll experience Lugano's first Beach Bar ever. Have fun!

Summer hang out

Summer, blue skies, sun, luxurious plants in bloom. The green with its fragrances enchants us all and demands a stop. From Caslano to Castagnola and Melide to Bissone, you need only pause a moment to calmly select which beach to visit. It is a tradition in Switzerland to swim in the lakes. A fact my Italian hubby who grew up along the seaside cannot get his mind around.

What about the 80'000 m2 of lakefront on Lake Maggiore, shaded by centuries-old trees and 600 meters of sandy beach? The Ceresio shores welcome you with their fine sand beach leading directly to the lake. And don't forget the sandy banks of many rivers that in places offer astounding pools of water with micro-beaches.

Ticino is generous but above all organized and well-equipped, and it offers so much for adults and children, who can play and cool off in pools dedicated to them. And what's more, between a dive and a swim, there is room for a beach volley match and for healthy laughter watching the children on the playground and the young boys showing off on the springboard.

And when the sun fades, lights and good music come on: shores and beaches don evening wear to enjoy a good aperitif and meet friendly new people. In brief: in Ticino shores and beaches are worth a visit, while your "thoughts"... stay offshore!

One last little tip: Laghetto di Astano

Summer Camps 2014 around Lugano

We all know the Swiss are organized. This is why the Summer Camps are advertised as of March already. Following is a list of available courses including dates and links for application.

The most extensive list of summer camps is without a doubt to be found under http://www.ticinoperbambini.ch/Colonie-Corsi. Just click on the course and it will give you more details.

Supertata Alessia offers great kids clubs for the little ones: http://kidsklub.ch.
In July special partnership between Kids' Klub and the Montessori school (www.irmamontessori.ch). Programmes will be open to children ages 4-12. For infos and more details: info@kidsklub.ch

More Sport Kids Week Summer camp in Tenero: http://www.moresport.ch/

Tasis, the American School in Switzerland: http://switzerland.tasis.com/

Check out the TASIS Summer Programs in Lugano and in Chateau d'Oex.

Active English, Lago di Como: http://www.activenglish.it

Scuola Steiner, Origlio: http://www.scuolasteiner.ch/centro-estivo/