Sentiero Lago di Lugano, Stage 2/9

Spectacular hike along the mountain ridge between Monte Lema and Monte Tamaro with impressive panoramic views over northern Italy, Ticino and the Alps. The Alpine and rustic Capanna Tamaro is a perfect stage point.

From the Miglieglia (Funivia) stop, the trail leads through the village and past the Baroque church of San Stefano. After a short opening stretch on an easy hiking trail, the long ascent begins. It soon becomes a mountain trail, climbing out of the forest to the open heights near Monte Lema. The summit itself lies slightly off the route.

Beyond Forcora d’Arasio, an extended ridge walk follows. Rising and falling steadily, it crosses open pastures and occasional stretches of woodland on the way to Passo d’Agario. The route remains a mountain hiking trail almost throughout; with 1,800 metres of ascent, the 16-kilometre tour requires good fitness. Bassa di Montoia and Bassa di Indemini punctuate the final section, which climbs once more.

At Monte Tamaro, the route reaches its highest point at just under 2,000 metres. The trail then descends via Bocchetta del Motto Rotondo to Cap. Tamaro, the destination after a little over six and a half hours. There is no public transport stop in the immediate vicinity: the nearest stop, Alpe Foppa, is around one kilometre away.