Meride – The Fossili museum in Meride. Beautiful little museum, with interactive attractions, showing the fossils found on the San Giorgio. It once inspired me to draw a small cartoon about the “Burisno Monster“. From there you can hike up the monte San Giorgio, or drive towards Serpiano to drink something while enjoying the fantastic view on Lake Lugano. You can simply drive up to Meride, or, from Lugano take the boat to Brusino Arsizio, then the funivia up, walk in direction Serpiano, and from there walk (about an hour) towards Meride. Check the time table for the return trip, e.g. take the Autobus to Mendrisio and from there the S-bahn back to Lugano.
Morcote – In my humble opinion Morcote is the most beautiful city in Ticino, if not in the whole of Switzerland. Enjoy the boulevard, or walk through the old city, up to the church, to enjoy some cute paintings. For lunch, highly recommended is Al Battello, not only for the food, but especially for the extreme gentle people who run the restaurant.
Monte Generoso – There is a train going all the way up from SBB Capo Lago/Riva San Vitale. You can also drive up, only towards Bella Vista, after which it is another hour hike to the top. The Monte Generose I think is the highest mountain in this area. When you are on top, you can find a cave where they found remainders of the prehistpric cave bear. Check at the restaurant for the tickets.
Gandria Gandria also is beautiful, and you can combine it with a visit to (monte) Brè. You can drive most of the way up, and then find a restaurant on top, after about an 45 min quite easy walk. Alternatively, there is a train going up from Casserate-Lugano. Easier.
Caslano – Cute old town. There is a small mountain to hike on. In Caslano you also find a chocolate factory, with small museum (and more importantly, a chocolate outlet). There is a small local train that departs opposite to SBB Lugano.
Monte San Salvatore – On top – obviously – a restaurant, and also a former ETH research building, where they investigated lightning. It closed after a lethal accident….. You can go up by ferovia, from Paradiso (which you can reach easily from Lugano SBB by S-bahn). Alternatively, you can drive up to Carona, and walk up the last bit – about an hour not very difficult.
Monte Tamaro – Two go up the Monte Tamaro you can take the gondola in Rivera. In Rivera you also find Splash And Spa, to go swimming if it is too wet outside. Going up, there is a church designed by Botta, a activity park and a ‘coaster bob’.
Monte Lema – The Monte Lema you find in the center of Malcantone, which by itself is beautiful. Take the cable up from Miglieglia. There is a hike from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro, on the rim of the moutain, with a stupendous view. Check for opening times.