Cantine di Gandria, from Caprino

Access

From Como to the city border crossing at Chiasso; follow the cantonal road to Lugano as far as the village of Maroggia, where you turn right towards Arogno: just before entering the village, turn left towards Caprino. The road is asphalted but long, narrow and impassable (many difficulties when crossing with other cars). Park where possible in the few parking spaces available.

Introduction

A short panoramic trip along the waters of Lake Lugano, in the Porlezza branch. We gradually reach numerous wine cellars, ancient "crotti" ("grotti" in Ticino dialect) of the villages on the opposite side of the lake, now converted into luxurious dwellings or trattorias, and now frequented mainly by motorboat. At Cantine di Gandria, a disused barracks of the Border Guards houses a Customs Museum.

Description

Depending on where you park, go up or down the municipal road to a hairpin bend with signs (310m). You pass through the village amidst beautiful dwellings and then slowly descend through the woods to the lakeshore at Cantine di Caprino (273m). From here, the path, always well marked (and equipped with handrail cables where it is steepest or most exposed), traverses - also with considerable ups and downs - the steep slopes of Monte Caprino; it crosses numerous landslide channels (warning signs in case of heavy rain) alternating with fishermen's houses and boathouses. The only wide open space on the shore corresponds to a disused limestone quarry, which is currently characterised by the presence of impromptu land-art works in the bush. Crossing the terraces of several trattorias (Grotto dei Pescatori, Cantine Crespi, Grotto Teresa, Grotto Descano), we reach the end of the footpath: passing a beautiful old rustic villa with a vegetable garden and garden on the way, we arrive at the Customs Museum building (open to visitors in the early afternoon). The lane is flanked by a collection of boundary stones from all corners of Switzerland and ends near a landing place with ancient signs.
Return along the outward path.

General information

Pathway: from Caprino
Signposts: no.r
Type of route: a/r
Recommended period:January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Objective hazard:slide gullies in the event of rain
Exposure to sunshine: north-west
Exposed sections:none