The Magliasina River forms the boundary between Magliaso and Caslano and flows into Lake Ceresio. During your time in Magliaso, the Strada Regina route, the Giro lungolago and the cultural sites offer different ways to explore: trails lead through the town or along the lakeshore, while the castle and church offer insights into history and architecture.
Trails between river and lake
The present-day Strada Regina route passes through Magliaso and follows official trails in the cantonal hiking network. It is also listed in the Swiss Inventory of Historic Roads. Anyone who enjoys getting out and about and is interested in historic roads will find both combined in this route.
The Giro lungolago Agno–Caslano follows the lakeshore to Magliaso. The route then crosses the Magliasina and continues alongside the golf course towards Caslano. The Giro is listed as taking 1.35 hours, with 20 metres of ascent and 8 metres of descent. As route details may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Another option is the Castagno Bike, which starts and ends in Magliaso. It is listed as 38 kilometres long, with 1,500 metres of ascent. The two options can therefore be compared using different measures: the Giro focuses on duration, ascent and descent, while the Castagno Bike is described by distance and ascent. The route passes through villages, meadows, chestnut groves and birch forests. Conditions may vary depending on the season, so check them before your planned ride.
The Lugano Golf Club course also runs along the Magliasina. It is listed as having 18 holes, par 70 and a length of 5,623 metres. The river therefore features not only in descriptions of the trails, but also in connection with the golf course.
Animal experiences and getting there
Near Magliaso, the Zoo al Maglio offers Animal Experiences that can be booked year-round. They include direct contact with animals and are supervised by animal keepers. The zoo can be reached from Magliaso railway station on the S60 train, followed by a walk of about 8 to 10 minutes. As access information may change, it is best to check it before travelling.
Castle and church architecture
The ruins of San Giorgio Castle are located above Magliaso and date back to the Middle Ages. In 1667, Carlo Corrado Beroldingen acquired the ruins and the surrounding land from Giovanni Maria Castoro. The date refers to the acquisition, not the construction of the castle. In the cantonal list of cultural property, Castello di San Giorgio in Magliaso is listed under category A, as of 1 January 2026.
The Church of SS. Biagio e Macario in Magliaso, built around 1680, offers a different perspective on architectural history. Its central plan arranges the space around a centre, and a lantern crowns the dome. The choir contains a marble altar dating from 1680. The castle highlights medieval ruins, while the church showcases the building’s form and furnishings. Together, they offer two distinct historical points of interest in Magliaso.
Discover more destinations: Bogno, Cadempino, Melide, Aranno, Lamone, Cademario, Astano, Origlio.
For the broader travel overview: Lugano.
