Sunlight glinting off deep blue water, forested mountains plunging to the shore, and a gentle breeze carrying the warmth of a southern afternoon -- this is life on Ticino's two great lakes. Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore together form the liquid heart of the region, inviting visitors to explore by boat, sailboat, kayak, or paddleboard. Water-sport enthusiasts will find wakeboarding, water skiing, kite surfing, and stand-up paddling, while well-equipped beaches along the shores offer the perfect setting for sun-soaked relaxation. Whether you follow the lakeshore by car, bicycle, or on foot, the scenery is constantly rewarding. And from the surrounding mountain peaks, the lakes reveal their full splendour -- though equally captivating is the view from the water itself, looking up at villages and uplands bathed in golden light.
Navigating on the lakes
Rent a small boat and push off from shore, and the familiar landscape transforms before your eyes. From the water, every perspective shifts: hillside villages appear in new proportions, mountains rearrange themselves, and the play of light on the surface keeps the scenery in constant motion, like images through a kaleidoscope. Nothing is quite so soothing as being gently rocked by the waves while the world drifts past.
Pedal boats, rowboats, and motorboats can be rented along the lakeside promenades of Lugano, Locarno, and Ascona. Specialised boatyards also offer sleek, fast motorboats for those holding a valid boating licence.
Water sports and beaches
Stand-up paddling lets you glide across the glassy surface of the lake, balancing on a board with a long paddle in hand -- a surprisingly meditative experience that requires only a few hours of instruction. It can be enjoyed solo or in a group, and the calm, warm waters of Ticino's lakes make ideal conditions.
For those who crave a thrill, inflatable rides towed at full speed behind a motorboat deliver all the adrenaline you could wish for. The inflatable banana is the ultimate test: hold on through waves and sharp turns, and prove yourself the last one standing. More athletic options include water skiing, kite surfing, and wakeboarding, all readily available on both lakes.
If your idea of lakeside bliss leans more toward a good book and warm sun on your skin, the public shores and beach complexes are perfectly equipped with swimming pools, sunbathing areas, playgrounds for children, and waterfront dining.
