San Nazzaro: Nature Trail, Lido and Local History

When looking for a hotel in San Nazzaro, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on during your trip: the village has a public lido, the “Tra monti e lago” nature trail and historical points of interest. This lets you give different priority to trails, the lido and local history when planning your stay. The lido’s seasonal opening dates may vary.

Stages and themes along the nature trail

The first section of the “Tra monti e lago” nature trail runs from Dirinella to San Nazzaro. In San Nazzaro, it ends on the cantonal road at the Autopostale bus stop, directly above the municipal lido and close to the boat landing stage. Another stage runs from San Nazzaro to Magadino; it also starts at the San Nazzaro bus stop on the cantonal road. These stage descriptions help distinguish between the different sections of the route. Route information may be updated over time.

The nature trail features around 40 themed panels. They cover historical, geographical and scientific topics, as well as traditional crafts, new settlements, nature parks and recreational areas. The trail thus brings together a range of subjects rather than focusing on a single aspect of local history.

Woodlands, plants and views

The “San Nazzaro–Monti di Gerra–Gerra Gambarogno” route passes through chestnut woodland and the beech forest of the Cedullo Valley. This offers a distinct landscape focus alongside the themes of the nature trail. On the route in Vairano, a park offers views of the lake, the Maggia Delta and the mountains beyond. Three information panels cover the panorama and provide information about the mountains, the Maggia Delta and the course of the nature trail.

The Gambarogno Botanical Park is located near San Nazzaro, between Piazzogna and Vairano. It sits on a ridge in the Riviera del Gambarogno and covers more than 20,000 square metres. Its plant collection includes 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.

The “Sentiero dello Yoga”, with nine stations arranged as a vinyasa, is located by Hotel Sass da Grüm in Vairano. It adds a different kind of themed trail to the selection, while the panels and routes in Vairano also explore the panorama and landscape.

Church and local history

The parish of San Nazzaro was founded in 1558 and included Vairano, Casenzano and Alabardia. Alabardia is now a district of Piazzogna. Meetings of the Gambarogno community were held in the church square in San Nazzaro after its central meeting place was moved there.

The Church of Saints Nazarius and Celsus (Chiesa dei Santi Nazzaro e Celso) is another historical point of interest in the village: it was renovated in 1790 by Francesco Meschini (1762–1840). Together with the history of the parish and the meetings held in the church square, it offers a concrete glimpse into the local past.

Practical information for your stay

There are P+Rail parking spaces at San Nazzaro railway station. A boat departs from San Nazzaro harbour for Brissago; schedules may vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check them for your travel dates. The first section of the nature trail ends near the boat landing stage, while the stage to Magadino starts at the Autopostale bus stop.

San Nazzaro has a restaurant serving local specialities. As individual businesses may change, check the latest information before your visit. Swimming, wakeboarding, water skiing and scuba diving are available at the public lidos in the Gambarogno area; San Nazzaro’s lido is part of this network.

Discover more destinations: Vairano, Piazzogna, Verscio, Cugnasco-Gerra, Gordola, Frasco, Ascona, Muralto

Go to the main travel overview: Locarno.