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Village · Lugano, Ticino
Morcote
Lakeside village on Lake Lugano, at the foot of Monte Arbostora, with arcaded houses along the waterfront and the stairway that climbs to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Morcote
Morcote sits on the southern tip of the peninsula between the two arms of Lake Lugano, at the foot of Monte Arbostora, facing Italy. Mentioned since the year 926, for centuries it was a fishing and trading village, with autonomy granted by the Duke of Milan in the 15th century. It is part of the association of Switzerland’s most beautiful villages.
The waterfront has a row of old arcaded houses housing cafés and restaurants, and the boat pier. From the center, a long stairway climbs the slope to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, from the 15th century, with frescoes and a bell tower visible from the lake. From the church terrace and the adjacent cemetery the view over the lake is wide.
Higher up are the ruins of the medieval castle that watched the lake traffic. On the waterfront, Parco Scherrer is a garden with exotic plants and small buildings inspired by different countries; it is open in season.
Morcote is about 10 km from Lugano, and the arrival by boat, with the village appearing on the slope, is one of the most beautiful on the lake.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
From spring to autumn, when boats run more frequently and Parco Scherrer is open. Late afternoon gives a soft light along the waterfront.
How to get there
By regular boat from Lugano center in about 50 minutes to 1 hour, or by bus in around 30 minutes. By car via the lakeside road.
Tip
Climb the stairway up to Santa Maria del Sasso at a leisurely pace: there are many steps, but the view from the top is the best in the village.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Morcote
How do you get from Lugano to Morcote?
By scheduled boat, in about 50 minutes to 1 hour, or by bus, in about 30 minutes.
What to see in Morcote?
The waterfront of houses with arcades, the staircase up to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, the castle ruins and the Parco Scherrer, open in season.
Is Morcote in Italy?
No, it's in Switzerland, in Ticino, but facing the Italian shore of the lake.