Parco San Grato — Attraction in Circolo di Lugano ovest

The botanical garden of San Grato offers unique natural characteristics, but also an exceptional panoramic view on the immediate surroundings and on the peaks of the alpine chain. Visiting the park you’ve got the sensation of entering an enchanted world, where colors and odors of azaleas, camellia and rhododendrons make you feel unforgettable emotions.

The park lies behind the majestic Monte San Salvatore on 690 meters on the charming peninsula just 10km from Lugano. It belongs to the municipality of Carona that towers above the Lake. The park is situated in an exceptional position from a scenery point of view.

The park with a size of 62000 square meters has the greatest collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers in Insubria, in terms of variety and quantity. The park is also a great place to stop during the hike from Monte San Salvatore, through Carona with its picturesque hamlet to Morcote, and for mountain bikers needing a break after some single trails on the peninsula. In the center of the park there is a restaurant that offers delicious meals, accompanied by an authentic smile and a great view. Carona can also be reached by public transport from Lugano in just 20...

We tried to go to these gardens by car( narrow road dangerous bends . They may be beautiful but the parking is 300 meters uphill walk from the main entrance which has a barrier.just a sign , no information. There was limited parking below 5 car spaces shared by private houses near the paved Road main entrance. No access to cars going up. I walk with a stick and at the entrance there is no information about distance to walk to the gardens. Locals told us the walk up the paved road is 1.5 - 2 km to walk with a steep incline. There is a hikers trail father down the road but longer and very uneven. We were told by people coming down. So there is no access for mildly disabled people , no info about distance. On this occasion people coming down told us also the restaurant was closed. Again no information at the entrance from the road . We tried to telephone but it just rang out. This place is out of bounds for disabled people , even mild due to the long accessibility walk . This should be stated in the information to avoid...

Great park on top of the mountain. Very nice temperature difference than down on the lake, for a great escape from the heat. There are some play structures, a zip line, swings for the kids, some walking paths, sculptures, botanical gardens for the adults. Very enjoyable and educational as well. There are also locations for picnics and grilling, but camping and lighting fires is prohibited. There are a number of public water fountains as well with clean and fresh tasting water. The scenic overlook offers a great view. The panoramic trail however is long and arrives at the top where there is only a weather station and no view. The walk in the wood though is very pleasant and non technical, although there are some...