Looking for a luxury lake view escape for 4, in an authentic setting close to Lugano city? The search is over, with this gorgeous 2-bedroom retreat in Grandia!
Nestled amongst the idyllic charms of this picturesque lake village, this slick and contemporary retreat for 4 offers effortless lake view living, just 12 minutes’ drive from Lugano.
Reached by a series of stepped pedestrian pavements from its road-level parking space above, the home is rooted within the heart of gorgeous Gandria. On the doorstep of the beautiful ‘Olive Trail’, with a host of delectable Italian restaurants and a scenic ferry service to hand, the authentic setting of this beautiful home allows you to take in the tranquillity and beauty of the Lake at any time of year.
Fully-modernised throughout, the 3rd floor holiday apartment is fully-equipped for 21st century living. Benefitting too from a private portico terrace with romantic lake views, the carefree setting and stylish interior create an inviting and flawless ambience for holiday entertaining.
A chic, fully-equipped Kitchen Diner features in a spacious open plan space, with terrace access and a contemporary sitting area with rustic open fire and a large SAT TV to hand.
Two Double Lake view bedrooms (2 with terrace access) provide the perfect restful retreat for 2 couples or a grown-up family looking to stay. The two bathrooms boast a sleek contemporary finish for an indulgent moment of spa-like serenity.
Complemented by an alfresco dining area, private laundry facilities and a parking space, the retreat promises a home-from-home smile in any season.
Gandria is home to many fascinating ancient townhouses, churches, authentic eateries, lakeside restaurants and a frequent passenger ferry service. The village is also the starting point for the 7km lakeside Olive Trail to Castagnola (which passes through the beautiful botanical gardens of Villa Heleneum and the Museo delle Culture). Gandria also offers close proximity to the golf and tennis facilities of both Lugano (12 minutes’ drive) and Menaggio (34 minutes’ drive), as well as a treasure trove of hiking routes (Monte Bre is just 16 minutes’ drive) and water sport activities (Porlezza is 14 minutes’ drive away).
A host of local visitor highlights also await, with Villa Fogazzaro 6 minutes drive away and Lugano close by for cosmopolitan day trips and fun nights out (12 minutes’ drive/ taxi ride away).
Lugano is home to world-class restaurants, designer shops, cultural museums, art galleries, sports activities, a buzzing nightlife and visitor attractions, as well as Lugano airport, which is just outside the city (23 minutes’ drive away).
These fantastic year-round amenities are complemented by many more Ticino tourist attractions, as well as the nearby ski resorts and timeless delights of neighbouring Lake Como (34 minutes’ drive).
Relaxing
Open Plan Living room • A beautiful lake view living space, furnished with a stylish sitting room and dining area • Benefits from a large flat screen SAT TV and an open ambient fireplace • Features floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which lead out to a romantic portico lake view terrace
Eating In
Fully-equipped Kitchen • A modern and sophisticated Kitchenette, fully-equipped for carefree meals-in • Features an induction hob, oven, toaster, Nespresso coffee machine, electric kettle and fridge freezer • Complemented by a contemporary glass-topped dining table for 4 • Outside the covered portico terrace features an ambient lake view dining area, perfect for year-round entertaining and alfresco summer parties • For added luxury, a private Chef or Italian Mama cooking experience can also be enjoyed (subject to availability and an extra cost)
Sleeping
The 2-bed apartment is ideal for accommodating three couples, grown-up families of 4 and also flexible family groups.
Bedroom 1 • A generously sized lake view bedroom with a Double bed, a wardrobe and terrace access
Bedroom 2 • A romantic lake view bedroom with a Double bed, a wardrobe and terrace access
Bathing
Bathroom 1 • A contemporary fitted suite with a bathtub, shower tap, wash basin, WC and bidet
Bathroom 2 • A sleek contemporary suite fitted with a wash basin, WC, bidet and a chic shower cubicle (elevated above the rest of the suite and reachable by 4 steps.
Additional
• Free wifi The luxury apartment further benefits from cosy central heating, a hairdryer, private laundry and ironing facilities, and a child-friendly layout. The 3rd-floor apartment features 24 internal steps and is reachable by 126 external steps. Please note that to reach the property, guests must walk down a series of stepped pavements from the road level above. Due to this fact, the home is not advisable for those with very young children, the disabled or the elderly.
Parking
A private parking space features to a designated road-level space above the village centre. From the road-level parking space, the home is reachable via a series of stepped pedestrian pavements.
Location
Oozing lake view romance and timeless holiday magic, the centrally-located residence places guests on the doorstep of beautiful Gandria. Here, charming gift shops and lake view eateries jostle alongside ancient churches, cobbled, stepped streets and timeless pastel townhouses which are home to cascading window boxes and friendly locals. The peaceful lakeside village is also home to a frequent passenger ferry service and the 7km Olive trail from Gandria to Castagnola.
Active guests can enjoy taking in the beauty of the lake and surrounding area along this walking trail, which leads through the village and along the lakeside past olive trees, quaint backwaters and the famous Villa Heleneum botanical gardens and Museo delle Culture. Water-based fun also awaits, with boat and SUP rental, lake beaches and Lidos all within a 14-minute drive away. Tennis fans and golfing buddies will also be kept amused, with the prestigious clubs of Lugano and Menaggio within easy reach.
The peaceful serenity of the location is complemented by the contrasting year-round buzz and convenient amenities found in the fashionable Swiss lake city of Lugano (12 minutes’ drive away).
Featuring a popular Lido, the beautiful lakeside Parco Civico with Art Museum and a throng of boutique designer shops, world restaurants, fashionable bars and cultural attractions, the city provides a beautiful backdrop to that perfect day trip destination or glamorous evening out.
A shopper’s paradise, Lugano also boasts designer shopping boulevards, antique shops, traditional markets and modern malls. Popular attractions and pastimes also include a trip to the Museo Civico di Belle Arti, the Museo Cantonale d’Arte, the Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale, the family-friendly Lido di Lugano, the tennis club, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and a treasure trove of surrounding walks (including Monte Bré and along the ambient Olive Trail from Gandria. Lugano’s charming cafe-lined piazzas, idyllic lakeside promenade, panoramic vistas and scenic boat trips also provide an added dose of Italian-style romance, too, for a truly unique and relaxed Swiss lake city stay.
Lugano is very well-served by ferry, bus, road and train and airport links. The holiday home is located just 23 minutes’ drive from Lugano airport, whilst Malpensa is just 70 minutes’ drive away.
Perfect for enjoying the surrounding delights of the Ticino region as well as the attractions of nearby Lake Como (37 minutes’ drive), your perfect year-round lake escape awaits!
Please note: This is a peaceful place, so absolutely no noise is allowed at night, from 10:00 pm until 8:00 am. The terrace cannot be used for dinner or a party.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Lugano
Located in Lugano, this apartment is in the mountains. Villa del Balbianello is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Lugano and Menaggio Beach. LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and Labirinto di Porto Letizia are also worth visiting.
Funicolare Monte Brè - Cassarate Station - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
Mount Brè - 7 min drive - 2.5 km
Lake Lugano - 10 min drive - 4.5 km
Getting around
Melide Station - 12 min drive
Lugano Funicular Station - 12 min drive
Lugano (LUG-Agno) - 13 min drive
Restaurants
Ristorante Del Sole - 5 min drive
Lanchetta - 4 min drive
Ristorante della Posta - 5 min drive
Pane & Zucchero - 5 min drive
Ristorante Vetta Monte Brè - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland?
As of 13 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland on 10 July 2026 start from NZ$753, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Magic Gandria, Lugano, Switzerland located?
Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is steps from Museo delle Dogane Svizzere and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Lake Lugano. Path of Olives and Funicolare Monte Brè - Cassarate Station are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved the quaint village of Gandria. Very happy we stayed there and not Lugano. There are lots of steps but that’s what makes it special. The restaurants were great and the view splendid.
Barbara F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 November 2025
Hello,
We are truly grateful for your positive review. It was a pleasure having you as our guest and we hope to welcome you back someday.
Kind regards, HappyRentals Team
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Heidy T.
2 August 2018
Beautiful location ... ❤️ Gandria
We loved our stay at Magic Gandria. The steps were difficult (especially with luggage) but worth it. The home was very comfortable and roomy. It was so peaceful staying in this sleepy little town.
Heidy T.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
17 July 2017
Magic Gandria
June 2017
I wanted to thank you and congratulate you on the wonderful job you guys do. I could tell you truly care and that is the essence of hospitality. Nico was great and your entire team I came in contact with was absolutely wonderful. Magic Gandria is an incredible place to which I look forward to returning.
Thank you!
Stella, USA
Verified
6/10 Okay
Dr. Stephan B.
31 July 2023
Hot
No AC which I knew when booking it. I work out six days a week, but the amount of stairs was overwhelming especially with luggage. If you are going to charge this much, you need a person to help with bags.
Just checked out this morning from Magical Gandria. First the pros:
1) beautiful view! That is the most important thing
2) property was clean
3) several great restaurants that you can walk down, down, down to
4) can take ferry to Lugano
Now the cons:
1) extreme amount of stairs - 115 to be exact!
2) no air condition
3) bring your own soap, tissues, shampoo, etc. For the price, I think they should provide those added little touches
4) iron wouldn’t work
5) garbage bins were practically in the next town!!
Would we stay here again?? Probably not but it was a real experience. Not necessarily a bad experience just not a convenient
Cathy G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on your recent stay at Magical Gandria. We appreciate both the positive aspects and the areas where we did not meet your expectations.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful view from our property and that you found it clean. Also, we know that you appreciated the proximity to several excellent restaurants and the convenience of taking the ferry to Lugano.
We apologise for any inconvenience you encountered during your stay. We understand that the 115 stairs to access the property may have been challenging for you.
Your feedback is valuable to us and we will take it into consideration as we continue to improve our offerings and services.
We thank you for choosing our establishment and wish you all the best for your future travels.
Kind regards,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
John
6 August 2022
Magic Gandria
My entire family greatly enjoyed our all too brief stay at Magic Gandria. The staff was extremely professional and responsive both prior to the rental and during the rental. I highly recommend Magic Gandria for anyone traveling in the Lugano area, and we intend to return at least once a year. I cannot think of anything that needs to be improved.
Absolutely beautiful rental apartment. Make sure to be dropped of at the top of Gandria as the stairs from the bottom of town up is difficult with luggage. The apartment covers 3 floors. My adolescent LOVED having the space downstairs! The upstairs bedroom and patio are amazing. Boat rental from Lugano was easy and such a treat. I'd definitely stay here again if in the area.