What to see and what to do in Cannobio

Proceeding south from Switzerland, Cannobio is the first town you meet on the north-western shore of Lake Maggiore. Rather extensive despite the small number of inhabitants, it is particularly popular with a thriving international tourism.

What should be seen and visited in Cannobio

The Sanctuary of SS. Compassion

The Sanctuary stands in the ancient courtyard where the buildings of the ancient Borgo di Cannobio stood at the beginning of the 1500s.

In the home of the Zaccheo family, the facts tell that a small painting on parchment, depicting Christ in Pietà between Mary and John the Evangelist, began to bleed. Two years after the miracle, the "Confraternity of the Devotion" was established, which restructured the upper rooms of the house, obtaining the first chapel.

The relic of the miracle is kept at the Collegiate Church of San Vittore.

The Collegiate Church of S. Vittore

The collegiate church of San Vittore, dating back to 1730, houses inside, in addition to the relic linked to the miracle of the Pietà, also the sixteenth-century crucifix and the wooden portal next to the high altar.

The reliquary is placed in an area below the dome which can be accessed via a narrow staircase and is exhibited in the church only on the occasion of the "Lumineri" anniversary.

Carmine Superiore

Of medieval origin, the small hamlet of Carmine Superiore is a very well preserved village that can be reached on foot.

The houses are grouped around the 14th century church of San Gottardo and the village offers a splendid view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

S. Agata

Also called "The balcony on the lake", given its splendid location, it offers a view of Cannobio, Lake Maggiore and the mountains of the Canton of Ticino.

Even this village is reachable only on foot.

Villa Taranto

The gardens of Villa Taranto are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Piedmontese attractions. Their origin dates back to 1931, when Captain McEacharn decided to buy the property to transform it into an English garden, located in a part of Italy that reminded him of Scotland, his homeland.

In an area of 16 hectares thousands of plants and flowers from all over the world are exhibited on display, including some rare specimens that offer a truly unmissable spectacle each year in spring.

Museum of the Landscape of Verbania

The Verbania Landscape Museum collects the most important collections of painting and sculpture in the area. Founded in 1909 by Antonio Massara, it is spread over three locations: Palazzo Viani Dugnani, Palazzo Biumi Innocenti and Casa Ceretti.

Palazzo Viani Dugnani exhibits a collection of works by local artists (Ranzoni, Tominetti, Fornara, Tozzi ...) as well as sculptures by artists such as Martini and Troubetzkoy and an archaeological section that collects Greek-Roman finds, and above all the grave goods of Celtic origin found in Ornavasso.

In Palazzo Biumi - Innocenti are collected the ex-votos and sacred images dating back to the 1500s and 1900s of various Italian origins.

Casa Ceretti, on the other hand, is home to temporary exhibitions.

What to do in and around Cannobio

• spend a relaxing day at the Lido: the “Lido di Cannobio” is one of the most famous beaches for the beauty of the area, for the space available and for the wind that characterizes this area. Kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts come together throughout the year where there are also facilities and services for the practice of these sports. In the summer, the wide beach and the park are besieged by Italian and international tourism, also thanks to the many events offered in the sporting and cultural fields. In the green area there is a five-a-side football pitch and 2 beach volleyball courts, tennis courts and mini-golf as well as a football pitch with a sports course attached. In the area there is also a restaurant facility
• Take an excursion to the paths of the Cannobina Valley: the dense network of paths of the Cannobina Valley recovered over the last few years by the Mountain Community allows you to organize excursions in complete safety to enjoy the wonderful natural surrounding heritage. Some itineraries develop at high altitudes, and are therefore recommended for expert hikers, while most are less demanding sections both in terms of travel time and altitude differences. The hiking and alpine trails are marked on the ground and reported on paper, well documented on maps and brochures created by the Comunità Montana Valle Cannobina (in collaboration with the Pro Valle Cannobina)
• relax in the park with the children: the Cannobio Playground is located in via delle Rimembranze, just 300 meters from Piazza Lago. It is an area used for entertainment for the little ones where there is a bar. The area is equipped with various games, a sand area and special paths for bicycles. The playground is open all year round while the bar is only open in spring-summer. Adjacent to the park there is ample free parking
• pedal along the cycle path: the cycle path starts from Lido di Cannobio and winds its first part on both sides of the river, rejoining at the Ponte Ballerino. It then continues in the woods following the course of the river until reaching the Orrido di S. Anna. It is a path immersed in nature that allows cyclists and non-cyclists to enjoy one of the most beautiful and evocative surrounding areas of Cannobio
• play tennis: the Cannobio Tennis Club is located between the mini-golf course and the sports field, and has 3 outdoor courts, 2 of which are clay and 1 synthetic. There is a minibar service and changing rooms with showers
• immerse yourself in the waters of Lake Maggiore: the diving center “Maggiore Diving” offers for all certified divers, suggestive guided dives in Lake Maggiore and in the renowned "Orrido di S. Anna". Non-licensed people will still be able to try this experience through a short training in delimited waters and subsequent accompanied visits

Tips about where to sleep in Cannobio

These are just some of the accommodation facilities in Cannobio. You can find all the hotels, B & Bs and campsites where you can spend a stay or a holiday in Cannobio on Lake Maggiore here.

How to get to Cannobio

It is possible to reach Cannobio:

• by bus: Bus to Cannobio, Verbania - Brissago line.
• by boat: consult the Navigation of Lake Maggiore: Verbania - Cannobio line. Locarno
• by car: take the A26 motorway towards Gravellona Toce, Baveno exit. From here continue towards Verbania S.P. 167 up to Fondotoce and then take the SS 34 del Lago Maggiore up to Cannobio