A person might wonder why I have a Lugano image for Switzerland. Well, this part of Switzerland is where most of my time has been spent. Driving from Italy into this area the first major city is Lugano and I have enjoyed returning to this town many times from the bedroom communities a bit further in Switzerland.

Comano is one of those communities and it is only 30 minutes from Lugano’s walk along the lake. Many nights have been spent in Comano and many days have been enjoyed there too. Doing what? Resting. Recharging. Listing to the nearby church bells. Picking out the next restaurant. And, choosing the next adventure.

Bellinzona is just a few minutes further away from Lugano and many of the same Comano activities were also enjoyed here. This little community is known for three castles and has a Christmas market too.

Locarno is half way between Comano and Bellinzona and I have enjoyed a very cute museum and enjoyed walking through their Christmas market and riding the carousel.

This part of Switzerland speaks Italian as the border with Italy has shifted a few times throughout history. In fact, there is a little part of Italy totally surrounded by Switzerland on the other side of Lake Lugano. Campione d'Italia is a short drive or boat ride from Lugano. We had a really wonderful meal and walked along the shore underneath its massive casino.