Sentiero Lago di Lugano, Stage 1/9

An ideal stage to get into the hike: moderate climb, cool woodlands, an old mill converted to a grotto. Also of interest: the Museum del Malcantone at Curio and typical Ticino drystone walling along the wayside.

From Magliaso station, the hiking trail leads through the settlements on the lower slopes to Neggio and Pura. At the church of San Martino, the leisurely start comes to an end. The mountain trail now climbs more steeply and enters the forest. After around four kilometres, the highest point is reached near Monte Mondini at about 770 m. The long ascent accounts for a good part of the total elevation gain of almost 800 metres.

The route continues through largely wooded terrain, descending to Curio, where Osteria Righini stands directly beside the trail. The terrain then becomes gentler again. Sections of forest alternate with open meadows and the villages of the Malcantone. In Novaggio, the trail passes the Baroque church of San Siro before the final section leads through the forest once more. After around eleven kilometres and just under four hours, the hike ends in Miglieglia; the Miglieglia (Funivia) stop is only a few steps from the finish.