Gandria is a small fishing village on the eastern shore of Lake Lugano, right on the Italian border, and is one of the most picturesque places in Ticino. The terraced stone houses cling so tightly to the steep cliff that the village has no road – it is accessible only by boat or footpath. This has preserved Gandria's original quietness.

The village is known for small restaurants with lakeside terraces, winding lanes and a special atmosphere of timelessness. The Sentiero di Gandria – a lakeside path from Lugano to Gandria and on to Caprino – is one of Ticino's most popular short coastal walks. Across the water on the Italian side lies the small customs post of Cantine di Gandria, also reachable by boat.

Gandria is reachable by boat from Lugano in around 20 minutes. On foot, the Sentiero di Gandria from Lugano takes around 1.5 hours. Direct access by car is not possible – parking is available in Castagnola near Lugano.