The quaint little town of Cannobio is extremely picturesque. Tucked into the northern end of Lake Maggiore, it is a maze of cobbled streets, historic buildings and far-reaching lake views. Enjoy sunny days exploring the architecture and history, amble along the promenade or swim in the pleasant waters at the Lido.
Cannobio is the very last town before the Swiss border and today is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. The historic centre is the heart of the town, where pastel-colored houses are packed tightly along the labyrinthine cobbled lanes. Start your explorations in the Borgo, the original town centre. The Via al Castello is the ancient route where you will discover a place barely changed from centuries past. Crooked flights of steps weave between the tall houses.
As you wander, look for the particularly noteworthy buildings that date from the 16th to 19th centuries. Notice the 16th-century Palazzo Omacini. The Palazzo Pironi’s interesting shape resembles the front of a ship. Head up Via Giovanola to find the late 13th-century Palazzo della Ragione or Parasio, as well as the beautiful San Vittore Church.
When you need a break from sightseeing, wander along the lakeshore to visit one of Cannobio’s most famous attractions, the Lido. Use the facilities on this wide, pretty beach where you can swim, sunbathe and participate in a range of watersports. The promenade is one of the nicest on Lake Maggiore. View historic buildings, porticoes, boutiques and cafés on one side and the beach and lake on the other. Be sure to visit the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, the main square, which sits along the promenade.
Cannobio is just 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) from the Swiss border and is accessible from both countries. Drive via scenic roads or hop on a boat or train from various departure points. The nearest airports are in Milan, Turin, Lugano and Zurich.
