I spent five nights based in Como, on the shores of the iconic Lake Como in northern Italy. One of the day trips we did was to drive up into southern Switzerland, the Italian-Swiss border just minutes away from the lake.
While visiting southern Switzerland, we drove up into the alps and to another border crossing between the two countries. The Balcon d'Italia is quite literally a balcony built right on the border with Switzerland, offering some seriously incredible views.
From the Balcon d'Italia, you can see the Lago di Lugano, as well as the many cities on its shores such as Melide and Lugano, and the surrounding mountains include Monte San Salvatore, which has a great funicular to ride, and the nearby Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with exceptional hiking.
How to Get to the Balcon d'Italia
Popular with mountain bikers, and you'll spot many as you head up, the best way to reach the Balcon d'Italia is by car. Be prepared for some poorly paved roads that wind all the way up from Bissone if you come through Switzerland or from Argegno if you're coming from Lake Como.
The drive took us about an hour from Como to Balcon d'Italia on the A2.
The Balcon d'Italia is free to visit.
For fun, if you'd like to add on a little detour, you can visit the Campione d'Italia, a unique little enclave. It is a town that is completely part of Italy, but is entirely surrounded by Switzerland. A bit random, if you ask me!
