#ticinomoments 2024

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#ticinomoments
A boat typically used by Mediterranean fisherfolk can
be seen on Lake Lugano. A small treasure on the water
for enjoying life in style.
5 REASONS
WHY IT’S
WORTH IT
A SHORT WALK AROUND THE CENTRE
Lugano is an enchanting town. While we sip a
cappuccino seated at a table in Piazza della Riforma,
we admire the historic buildings around
the town hall and glimpse the lake behind it, in
the background. A final bite of the soft cornetto,
a shared glance of understanding and together
we decide that we will enjoy a few romantic hours
of relaxation on Lake Lugano this afternoon.
However, before that we treat ourselves to a stroll
through the streets of the town centre. Via Nassa
is the most beautiful. A blend of worldliness and
history emanates from every building. There’s
something for everyone: from small antiques
shops to jewellers, as well as boutiques selling
major international fashion brands.
It’s a perfect day: the sun is shining and the air
is pleasant. We make our way along the lakeside
promenade lined with palm trees and red benches,
pausing to admire the scenery every so often. We
finally spot the jetty, just a short distance from
the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, where the boat
we’ve booked will pick us up.
FLOATING PARADISE
And here’s our vessel, the Blume, as it arrives:
light and majestic, it ploughs the waters with
elegance. We climb aboard, shake hands with
Captain Giovanna and find ourselves in the middle
of Lake Lugano in a matter of minutes.
The boat is a real spectacle: it’s a gozzo made
entirely of wood. Giovanna has fitted it out tastefully,
with great attention to detail. The bow is
covered in swimming towels and soft ochre-coloured
cushions that invite one to lie down and
be rocked by the waves.
Luckily we’ve brought our swimming things,
because it would be a real shame not to make the
most of this exclusive floating paradise. The boat
travels calmly towards the village of Gandria. The
large buildings and villas thin out more and more
to make way for the typical coloured fisherfolk’s
houses overlooking the lake. All around are green
mountains covered in luxuriant nature.
GENUINE FLAVOURS ON BOARD
From behind the helm, Giovanna makes sure
that we have everything we need, casts anchor
just off Gandria and lowers the ladder. “It’s the
perfect moment for a refreshing swim,” she smiles.
She doesn’t need to repeat herself. With the
beautiful backdrop of the characteristic village,
we dive in without hesitating. The emerald-green
water is the perfect temperature and silence
reigns supreme. What more could we ask for?
As we’re swimming around the boat and having
fun with a series of dives, the aroma of grilled
fish from the nearby village tickles our tastebuds
and suddenly gives us an appetite. We realise
that it’s already evening and it would be nice to
munch on something.
No sooner said than done. When we climb back
on board, Giovanna seems to have read our minds.
Awaiting us is a small table in the middle of the
craft laden with a refreshing tisane, seasonal fruit,
two glasses of prosecco and a basket containing
soft homemade focaccia. Delicious!
ROMANTIC SUNSET
And it’s not over yet. As we enjoy the rich aperitivo,
the boat turns around and heads towards
the bay of Lugano, just in time to admire the
sunset. The sky fades into shades of orange and
the last rays of sunlight make the water shimmer.
On one side rises Monte San Salvatore, on the
other Monte Brè, while our boat floats gently in
the middle of the lake, allowing us to enjoy the
breathtaking view.
Our trip reaches its end at the harbour in Lugano,
near the mouth of the River Cassarate. The closer
we get to shore, the darker it becomes. The lakeside
is now lit up by countless lights, while cheerful
music can be heard from the bars overlooking
the water. For a wonderful end to the evening,
what could be better than a final stop at Lugano
Marittima. This is where the town’s nightlife
comes alive in summer. It’s a real “village” with
background music and various stalls serving a
vast range of drinks.
We’ve fallen in love with this lively summer
atmosphere and, as we admire Lake Lugano,
we’ve already decided that we will definitely be
back soon.
Protip
Did you know that the gozzo is a fishing boat
that has its origins in the Italian maritime
tradition? It is typical of Liguria and was
originally made entirely of wood. It has an
unmistakable bulbous shape, with its bow
and stern appearing virtually identical. Blume
is an exception on Lake Lugano. Indeed,
most boats on the lake are typical fishing
boats with a lightweight, compact motor.
(blume-cruise.ch)
TO THE
VIDEO
The sunset enjoyed
from the boat.
The possibility to
discover corners of
Lake Lugano that are
inaccessible on foot.
Savouring a genuine
and exclusive
aperitivo in the middle
of the lake.
Swimming in Gandria
bay and then deciding
to go for a stroll
in the fishing village.
The professionalism
and helpfulness of
Captain Giovanna,
ready to convey her
passion for the water.