The first section of the “Tra monti e lago” nature trail ends in San Nazzaro, above the municipal lido. Together with local history, woodland paths and a boat connection towards Brissago, this offers several possible focuses for your stay: hiking, culture or time by the water.
Hiking: nature trail, woodland and themed stops
The first section of the “Tra monti e lago” nature trail runs from Dirinella to San Nazzaro. Its endpoint is on the cantonal road, by the Autopostale stop, directly above the municipal lido and close to the boat landing. The San Nazzaro–Magadino stage also starts at the San Nazzaro Autopostale stop on the cantonal road. The nature trail includes around 40 themed panels covering historical, geographical and scientific subjects, traditional crafts, new settlements, nature parks and recreational areas. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may be updated over time.
Another route, “San Nazzaro–Monti di Gerra–Gerra Gambarogno,” passes through chestnut woodland and the beech forest of the Cedullo Valley. A route in Vairano leads to a park with views of the lake, the Maggia Delta and the mountains beyond. Three information panels cover the panorama, with details about the mountains, the Maggia Delta and the course of the nature trail. At Hotel Sass da Grüm in Vairano, the “Sentiero dello Yoga” has nine stations arranged as a Vinyasa.
Lido and Botanical Park
The public lido in San Nazzaro is part of the network of public lidos in Gambarogno. Activities offered across this network include swimming, wakeboarding, water skiing and diving; the lido’s opening schedule may vary by season. Check the conditions for your planned visit date.
Near San Nazzaro, between Piazzogna and Vairano in the Riviera del Gambarogno, is the Botanical Park of Gambarogno. Set on a ridge, it covers a total area of more than 20,000 square metres. The park is home to around 950 different varieties of camellia and almost 450 varieties of magnolia, as well as azaleas, peonies and rhododendrons. From San Nazzaro, you can reach the park by continuing uphill towards Piazzogna.
Local history and cuisine
The parish of San Nazzaro was founded in 1558 and included Vairano, Casenzano and Alabardia, now a district of Piazzogna. After the central meeting place of the Gambarogno community was moved to San Nazzaro, gatherings were held in the church square. The Church of Santi Nazzaro e Celso is also a historic landmark: Francesco Meschini (1762–1840) redesigned it in 1790.
A restaurant in San Nazzaro serves local specialities. As individual businesses may change, it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.
Plan your journey and stay
There are P+Rail parking spaces at San Nazzaro station in Gambarogno. A boat towards Brissago departs from San Nazzaro harbour. Timetables may vary by season, so check the schedule for your planned visit date.
When looking for hotels in San Nazzaro, you can start by considering what you would like to focus on during your stay: the themed panels and woodland paths, local history, the lido or a boat trip towards Brissago. This will help you decide which points to take into account when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vairano, Orselina, Brissago, Contone, Muralto, Corippo, Minusio, Solduno.
Back to the main travel overview: Locarno.
