Tesserete in Ticino: activities & highlights in the surrounding area
Welcome to the region around Casa Sisu in Tesserete: one of the most beautiful in Ticino - where culinary delights, nature, culture and exciting experiences come together.
This practical overview, sorted by location, offers you the best restaurants, sights, local markets and activities in Tesserete, Lugano & the surrounding area, as well as a varied bad weather program for rainy days - ideal for connoisseurs, explorers and those seeking relaxation!
The best sights & activities in Tesserete & the surrounding area
Places of interest in Tesserete
Monte Bar
Monte Bar invites you to enjoy a panoramic hike and rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view over Lake Lugano.
The circular route over Monte Bar to the popular vantage point, where you can even see Milan in the distance in good weather, takes around four hours and leads through the picturesque nature of Ticino.
Before you make your way back, you can fortify yourself with regional delicacies at the top of the hut.

Val Colla
The Val Colla is a true paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with picturesque routes through the countryside and plenty of opportunities to exercise in the fresh air.
The varied mountain landscape surprises with an impressive variety of plants, animals and geological formations - a real experience for nature lovers.
There are several inviting places to take a break along the route, be it in a cozy alpine hut or in the middle of open terrain with a magnificent view of the valley.
Santa Maria Monastery in Bigorio
The monastery of Bigorio is a place of peace and history, perfect for a little spiritual break or a quiet moment away from everyday life.
The adjoining church from the 16th century impresses with ornate paintings, a rococo altar and a fresco of St. Francis.
Visitors are very welcome in this stylish place of worship - the monastery is open during the day and also offers guided tours on request.

Denti della Vecchia
The Denti della Vecchia are imposing rock formations to the north of Lugano that are ideal for hiking and climbing tours.
The area is not only spectacular in terms of scenery - it is also geologically special with its different layers of rock.
A real highlight for anyone who likes to be active and wants to discover places that are as wild as they are steeped in history.
1001 Bike - Km
The region is perfect for extended bike tours - from leisurely excursions to challenging routes. As a bike-friendly hotel in Ticino, we offer you everything you need for your tours.
Of course, you can rent a suitable bike directly from us.

La Torre di Redde & Chiesa di San Clemente
The Bosco di San Clemente is one of our absolute favorites in Ticino - a beautiful beech forest that is perfect for a leisurely half-day tour. The tour starts conveniently at the parking lot of the swimming pools in Tesserete and leads through chestnut and beech forests, past old roots, small fountains and idyllic views of the countryside.
Incidentally, this day trip near Tesserete is also a great activity with a dog in Ticino - but it's also worth doing without your four-legged friend.
A very special highlight is La Torre di Redde together with the Chiesa di San Clemente - a medieval fortress in the middle of the forest that invites you on a real journey back in time to the 14th century. Our favorite!
Festa di Redde
Every two years, the area around the Torre di Redde is transformed at the Festa di Redde into a lively medieval village - with market stalls, knights' games and traditional food.
So if your stay with us falls in September 2026 or 2028, you should definitely not miss this spectacle.

Gola di Lago
The Gola di Lago nature reserve delights visitors with its moorland and small lakes - a wonderful natural experience that has its own special charm at any time of year.
In addition to gentle hiking trails and impressive landscapes, the area also offers a small climbing garden, which is particularly popular with beginners.
The surrounding meadows, the birch forest and the proximity to Alpe Zalto with its regional products and simple catering also make Gola di Lago an ideal destination for a peaceful excursion into nature - regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with your dog or with the whole family.
Street Food Festival
More than 25 food trucks await you with a variety of culinary offerings from all over the world, craft beer and several evening concerts.


Capanna Monte Bar
Monte Bar is also an ideal destination for the day. Corticiasca is chosen as the starting point for the shortest ascent (approx. 90 minutes). It can be reached by public transport. Other starting points are Bidogno, Isone or Gola di Lago.
The hike is easy and suitable for everyone, including families. Mountain bikers can explore various trails on and around Monte Bar. In winter, the hut and the summit can be reached on ski or snowshoe tours.
Cuisine & enjoyment in Tesserete
- Ristorante Stazione (Tesserete) - Warm family business with homemade gnocchi and seasonal specialties. Our favorite!
- Locanda della Masseria (Porza) - A perfect blend of historical cuisine and modern design. A pleasure!
- Gelateria Tesserete - Homemade Italian gelato, perfect for a cool refreshment after a hike in the region.
Local markets & shopping opportunities
- Mercatino di Origlio - Regional market with fresh organic products.
- Fondazione La Fonte (Vaglio) - Sustainable, regional food, produced by an inspiring community. Our favorite!
- Weekly market in Lugano (Piazza San Rocco, Tuesday) - Fresh, local specialties.
The best sights & activities in Lugano & Castagnola & Gandria
Sights & activities
Monte Brè
One of the most beautiful vantage points in Ticino. Situated high above Lugano, Monte Brè offers sunny tranquillity, impressive views as far as the Alps and a charming mountain village with art and traditional grottos - easily accessible by funicular.


Monte San Salvatore
The Monte San Salvatore is simply perfect for a breathtaking sunset. From the summit of Lugano's striking local mountain, you can enjoy an impressive 360° panoramic view over Lake Lugano, southern Ticino and, on a clear day, even as far as the Alps.
The funicular railroad takes you comfortably to the top - at the top you can expect a simply incredible view, a small church with a panoramic roof and beautiful hiking trails all the way to Morcote.
Parco Villa Heleneum
This small, sunny park is tucked away on the lakeside of Castagnola - ideal for a short break with a view of the water. Between palm trees, citrus trees and winding paths, it is a wonderful place for a stroll.
The adjoining villa now exhibits contemporary art and gives the place a very special atmosphere.


Parco San Michele (Castagnola)
This park is still a real insider tip and offers a fantastic view. Our favorite!
Situated high above Lugano, the Parco San Michele enchants with quiet paths, Mediterranean vegetation and a view that stretches from the lake deep into the Alps. Between old stone sculptures, oleanders and glicinia, it is a wonderful place to relax - especially beautiful in the golden evening hours.
Parco San Grato
Between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora lies the Parco San Grato - an extensive botanical park with a magnificent view of Lake Lugano and the surrounding Alps.
Blooming azaleas, winding paths, quiet viewpoints and a large playground make it a special place for anyone who wants to experience nature and find peace and quiet.


Sentiero dell'Olivo: the olive trail in Gandria
Picturesque olive hiking trail with lake view. Another personal favorite!
Between Gandria and Castagnola, this leisurely walk leads through olive groves, past information boards, dry stone walls and enchanted gardens - always with a fantastic view of Lake Lugano.
Ideal for a relaxed excursion with Mediterranean flair, which can be wonderfully combined with a visit to Parco Villa Heleneum.
Hiking in Ticino
The valleys are secluded, the mountain trails offer breathtaking views and the towns are bursting with life and Italian charm.
This hiking tour takes you through the southernmost tip of Switzerland, from the majestic castles of Bellinzona to the lively city of Lugano and Mendrisio.
On your way to the highlights of Ticino, you will be spoiled with views of the region's numerous lakes - and will find the ideal base for your discovery tours at our hiking hotel in Ticino - whether you want to spend a vacation with your dog or are traveling alone.

Cuisine & enjoyment in Lugano & surroundings
- La Serra (Lugano) - Restaurant in a greenhouse with fresh, seasonal dishes. Our favorite!
- Acqua e Farina (Lugano) - Authentic Neapolitan pizza. Be sure to try it!
- Fully Burger (Lugano & Tenero) - Creative burger creations.
- Noizu Ramen (Lugano) - Original Japanese ramen with homemade broths. Our favorite!
- La Bouganville (Gandria) - Insider tip for brunch & takeaway.
- Le Bucce di Gandria (Gandria) - A real insider tip.
- Grotto dei Pescatori (Caprino-Lugano) - Located directly on the lakeshore, only accessible by boat or on foot.
Sights and delights in Cureglia, Massagno & the surrounding area
- Grotto Ticinese (Cureglia) - The epitome of Ticino cuisine for over 130 years. Our favorite!
- Grotto della Salute (Massagno) - Romantic insider tip with a fantastic terrace. Our favorite!
- Grotto del Fuin (Agno) - Idyllic garden with waterfall - a real insider tip!
VICO MORCOTE & MORCOTE
Welcome to Morcote in Ticinoone of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Switzerland!
Places of interest

- Parco Scherrer (Morcote) - Botanical garden with exotic plants.
Cuisine & indulgence
- Ristorante Vicania (Vico Morcote) - Mountain inn with breathtaking views and creative Ticino cuisine. Our favorite!
- Tenuta Castello di Morcote - Winery with biodynamic wines and tasting experiences.
Bad weather program - The best indoor activities
Not all vacation weather is sunny - but Ticino offers great experiences even on rainy days!
- LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura - Theater, concerts and art exhibitions.
- Museum Hermann Hesse (Montagnola) - Insight into the life and work of the famous writer.
- Gandria & Museo delle Dogane - Exciting story about smuggling and border traffic.
- Splash & Spa Tamaro (Rivera) - Spa with wellness area and slide paradise.
- Bowling, escape rooms & indoor games (Lugano) - Perfect for an entertaining afternoon.
Cycling tours in Ticino
Ticino, the land of bikers. Numerous cycling paths and a consistently mild climate make it a bike-friendly canton. Ticino is an ideal cycling region.
On the hunt for contrasts, from gentle shores to deep valleys and high peaks. Several stages in the countryside. From spectacular high mountain landscapes to impressive urban areas. Numerous exciting routes and a mild climate make Ticino an ideal place for MTB enthusiasts.
Get on the pedals: the adventure is waiting for you! Italian Switzerland, the land of cycling. We invite you to pedal with us!

Tesserete in Ticino: a region full of experiences
Whether cultural sights, culinary delights, picturesque hiking trails or exciting indoor activities - the region around our Casa Sisu in Tesserete offers the right program for every taste.
Let us inspire you and experience Ticino from its most beautiful side with us!
We will also be happy to provide you with information on even more individual tours and fascinating places in the area in person at our hotel.