Explore the area around Lake Lugano
Authentic experiences in the Mediterranean heart of Switzerland, just a stone's throw from Lake Como
Things to Do During Your Stay
Massages
If you’re staying at Villa Patria, you can enjoy a massage right in
your room.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Glide across the lake’s surface with stand-up paddleboarding, an activity that has become iconic in our country. Find balance and harmony through a fun and relaxing experience on the water.
Biking
Set out to explore the area with exciting routes suitable for every season and skill level. From the plains to the surrounding mountains, enjoy unique, customized experiences by choosing from mountain bikes, e-bikes (by reservation), and traditional bicycles.
Yoga
In our garden overlooking Lake Ceresio, we offer yoga classes surrounded by nature and tranquility. The birdsong and the sound of the water create a magical atmosphere where you can relax and rediscover your inner balance.
Hiking
Explore the region’s wonders through exciting hikes, choosing from trails that run along the lake’s shores and paths leading to the area’s many scenic peaks. From the picturesque trails of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the majestic peaks of Monte Generoso, all the way to the scenic Tamaro-Lema traverse.
Massages
Massages are performed right in your room, by appointment. Choose from three treatments, ranging from 60 to 75 minutes. Reserved for villa guests.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The calm shores of Lake Lugano are perfect for a paddle, even for those who have never tried it before. Boards are available for guests to use.
Bicycles
We rent mountain bikes, e-bikes, and traditional bicycles for exploring the area between the lake and the mountains. Upon request, a guide can accompany you along the local trails.
Yoga
Classes are held in the garden overlooking Lake Ceresio, with the lake in front and the woods behind.
Suggested Itineraries in the Mendrisiotto Region
Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises directly behind the villa. The other trails can be reached by boat or in just a few minutes by car, and all can be explored in a single day.
Monte San Giorgio
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most important fossil beds from the Middle Triassic period: the fossils date back 240 million years. The mountain can be explored on foot, and the Fossil Museum in Meride houses the findings.
Between San Salvatore and Morcote
The trip begins with a boat ride from Brusino, followed by a ride up to San Salvatore on the funicular, and then a walk back toward Morcote, home to the Scherrer Botanical Garden. The return trip is again by boat.
Toward the Botto Waterfall
From Melano, head up to the waterfall and continue on to Rovio. The Grotto Conza, along the way, is the perfect place to stop for lunch.
On Mount Bisbino
The hike starts in Sagno and climbs along the Bisbino trail, on the ridge that marks the border with Italy.
In the surrounding area
You can cross the Mendrisiotto in half an hour, and it brings together a wide variety of attractions: a geological park, a medieval village, a rural valley that has remained unchanged, and lakeside villages.
Discover a world from 240 million years ago through trails and exceptionally well-preserved fossils, evidence of one of the most important sites from the Middle Triassic.
One of Ticino's most spectacular scenic destinations, offering views of the Alps and Lake Lugano. The summit can be reached by train from Capolago.
One of the most charming villages in Ticino, overlooking Lake Lugano, with picturesque alleys, arcades, historic houses, and stunning panoramic views.
A fascinating geological park where nature and the Earth's history come together amid gorges, rocks, trails, and remnants of the past.
An authentic, rural valley, ideal for walks through small villages, natural landscapes, and sites that bear witness to the farming traditions of the Mendrisiotto region.
An ancient medieval village to explore through archaeological remains and an immersive augmented reality experience that transports visitors back in time.
One of Ticino's leading outlet malls, located in Mendrisio, featuring numerous international fashion, accessory, and lifestyle brands—the perfect spot for a pleasant shopping break.
Two of Ticino’s most popular destinations, easily accessible for a day spent strolling along the lakefront, exploring historic squares, enjoying cultural attractions, and soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere that characterizes Lake Maggiore.
A day exploring Lake Como and its city, with walks along the lakefront, elegant squares, historic alleyways, and picturesque views, all immersed in the unique atmosphere of one of Italy’s most charming lakes.
Wine Tastings
We organize wine tastings at the villa upon request. Within a few kilometers, there are several wineries worth visiting.
Cantina Monti
Established in 1976, now in its second generation. Vineyards at 550 meters, on slopes that preclude any use of machinery: everything is done by hand, with very low yields and unfiltered red wines.
Moncucchetto Winery
The original tools are preserved in a small on-site museum. Today, visitors can tour the barrel cellar carved into the exposed rock and the room where the Refolo rests on its lees for sparkling wine production using the classic method.
Bianchi Winery
Since 1998, Ticino’s first BioSuisse-certified winery. A family-owned business that grows, produces, and bottles everything in-house.
Fawino Winery
Founded in 2012 by two young winemakers, Simone Favini and Claudio Widmer. Four hectares of vineyards spread across the slopes of Monte Generoso and Monte San Giorgio.
Events at Villa Patria
Villa Patria is much more than a B&B.Yoga and brunch, pottery workshops, aperitifs. The schedule changes every month.