Cannobio

Travel Guide

Cannobio
Photo by Pia Stein
Photo "Cannobio" by qwesy qwesy (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Cannobio" by qwesy qwesy (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Cannobio" by Irene Grassi (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Relax on summer days on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where cobbled streets, historic architecture and a pretty beach create a very alluring vacation destination.

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.

Villa Sassa

Villa Sassa

4 out of 5
Via Tesserete 10, Lugano, TI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $349 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $349
CA $378 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lugano. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (916 reviews)
"beautiful property with nice spacious rooms; the rooms were cleaned every day and I had no issues during my stay. staff were mostly nice and friendly. the breakfast spread and the restaurant/bar were really good. I also enjoyed the recreational facilities including the gym, pools, spa and sauna. ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Villa Sassa
UNAHOTELS Varese

UNAHOTELS Varese

4 out of 5
Via Albani 73, Varese, VA
The price is CA $178 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $178
CA $205 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Varese. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (679 reviews)
"The property is located about 10 miles to Switzerland border, and nearly 30 miles from Malpensa Airport. It easy to maneuver if you don’t mind Verse’s rich roundabouts. The buildings were designed there will be no future cars. Arese Mall is also about 30 miles. Don’t leave Milan without visiting ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

UNAHOTELS Varese
Villa Principe Leopoldo

Villa Principe Leopoldo

5 out of 5
Via Montalbano 5, Lugano, TI
The price is CA $713 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
CA $713
CA $757 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Lugano. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Lake Lugano and Gabriele and Anna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (330 reviews)
"Excellent service excellent staff, excellent buffet, excellent menu."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Viale Vittorio Veneto 37, Cannobio, VB
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cannobio. Enjoy an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Pieta Sanctuary and Cannobio ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Lovely one-room apartment a few steps from the beach with parking space.

Lovely one-room apartment a few steps from the beach with parking space.

Cannobio
Stay at this apartment in Cannobio. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions San Gottardo Church and Vittorio Emanuele III Plaza are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"Alles Ok"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Lovely one-room apartment a few steps from the beach with parking space.
Appartamenti Ferrari Residence

Appartamenti Ferrari Residence

4 out of 5
Via Darbedo, 23, Cannobio, VB
Stay at this 4-star residence in Cannobio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Pieta Sanctuary and Cannobio Ferry Terminal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
Nice room in a nice neighborhood
"Our room was close to the road and was a bit loud from 6 am."

Reviewed on Oct. 7, 2015

Appartamenti Ferrari Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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