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Lake Lugano The Ticino area, its nature and light, is reminiscent of the huge expanses of the Mediterranean region. But the landscape of the region does not allow people in wheelchairs to leave without discovering some of Ticino. Thanks to the Lake Lugano Navigation Company and to the Mt. San Salvatore funicular it is, however, possible to offer itineraries with opportunities to visit at least some of the picturesque villages of the area (A) and to contemplate from on high not only the city but even the Alps, and the Lombardy Plain as far as the Appennines (B). Both of these excursions should be undertaken with a companion and preferably commence from the Lugano Convention Centre with its parking for handicapped. The first itinerary passes numerous riviera-style villages where unfortunately only a few restaurants and hotels are equipped and adapted with toilets for the disabled (www.ftia.ch) and they are almost all accessible only with help. On the other hand, there is a good number of designated parking places for the disabled and the pathways along the lake are generally accessible. The lakeside villages can also be reached by car, or alternatively by train combined with return by boat. The second itinerary can commence at the car park of the Mt. San Salvatore funicular and permits to reach the summit where restaurant and meeting rooms are easily accessible. Paradiso has numerous hotels, but sadly almost all of the hotels and restaurants can only be accessed with a certain amount of difficulty, but there are lots of shops, services and suitable parking places to be found. (www.ftia.ch). The boats operated
by the Lake Lugano Navigation Company (SNLL – www.lakelugano.ch)
allow the disabled in wheelchairs to reach (A)
the Italian enclave of Campione and Melide, an ideal location to
just wander around. In fact, as well as visiting the Swiss Miniature
(www.swissminiatur.ch),
a place which is easily accessed and ideal for families, try a visit
to Melide where it is easy to move around the village with its narrow
streets and the lakefront. Bissone, like both Campione and Melide,
is also accessible by SNLL bus, and its characteristic arcades have
still maintained unaltered the fishermen’s village atmosphere
dating back to the time of the architect Francesco Borromini. Morcote,
one of the most beautiful locations in Switzerland, offers a perfect
mix of sub-tropical vegetation, Provençale light, Tuscan
colours and Ticinese traditions. From Morcote you can reach by boat
either the Malcantone (itinerary no. 5) or Capolago, and from there
take a trip up to Mt. Generoso (Itinerary 3) or alternatively visit
Riva San Vitale with its Renaissance and baroque churches or return
to Lugano by train. From the trip around the Gulf of Lugano by boat
admire Gandria, renowned both as a fishing village and for its wine-cellars,
and the villas of Castagnola (Heleneum and Von Thyssen etc.). Proposal
B www.montesansalvatore.ch)
is ideal especially on warm summer days: in fact a modern funicular
railway reaches the summit of San Salvatore (912m) in a few minutes,
from where you can admire the spectacular views and unique panorama,
sit in the shade at one of the terrace restaurants or perhaps participate
in a cultural event. www,ftia.ch |
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