If you’ve been following my adventures on Instagram, you already know we had the time of our lives at Centro Magliaso on Lake Lugano! Despite the heavy rain during the beginning of our stay, we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. Once the sun peeked out, we could fully embrace the beautiful Lake Lugano and what we were so looking forward to – a lot of standup paddleboarding as a family, which was an absolute blast! I’m excited to share this insider tip for a nice family holiday in Ticino and why I called it the hidden gem on the lake of Lugano.

Centro Magliaso is a mix of a hostel, hotel, and holiday centre, spread over 2,500sqm of space. It’s like having a home away from home, but way better – with an outdoor swimming pool, two playgrounds, a football field, beach volleyball, and a place to play boccia. Also, there are two restaurants, an open fireplace and BBQ and picnic areas.
You won’t believe the location – it’s nestled directly on the stunning Lake Lugano, just like a 5-star hotel on the lake but without the hefty price tag! With a whopping 250m of direct lake access, you’ll find tons of space for everyone to enjoy all sorts of fun activities by the lake.
Speaking of prices, Centro Magliaso offers an incredible value for the experience but also for a different range of lodging with in-room or shared showers and WC, ideal for groups or big families. No wonder it’s fully booked months in advance (So, my friends, make sure you plan ahead to secure your spot in this paradise!).
“You won’t believe the location, just like a 5-star hotel on the lake but without the hefty price tag!”
Here’s another fun fact about Centro Magliaso that makes it even more special! It has a very rich history dating back to 1945. For decades, the Centro was exclusively available to members of the Evangelical Church, and only they were allowed to enjoy this heavenly retreat. Luckily for us, times have changed, and now the doors of Centro Magliaso are open to everyone, no matter their background or beliefs.
Centro also offers a variety of indoor spaces where you can unleash your creativity. Our children had the amazing opportunity to participate in a ceramic class led by the well-known artist Peter Brunner from Zurich. Imagine learning the art of ceramics from a professional artist while surrounded by the beauty of Lake Lugano!
One of the best things about Centro Magliaso is its inclusive atmosphere. The place welcomes people of all ages, whether you’re young, old, or in-between! Families, friends, groups, guests with disabilities and also celebrities (yes, we’ve spotted at least two!).
Just a 3-minute walk away, there’s a golf course for those who love to tee off. Plus, some rooms are dog-friendly, so your four-legged pals can join in on the holiday fun!
Last but not least, the super friendly staff will make you feel at home. Their heartfelt hospitality makes Centro Magliaso a place to remember where you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend – it`s so true.
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