Cannobio Travel Guide

Tourist 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 holiday 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.

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! (33 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Villa Sassa
Villa Sassa
4 out of 5
Via Tesserete 10, Lugano, TI
The price is £232 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£232
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lugano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (853 reviews)
"Immaculate, spacious room, and comfortable bed. Strong, hot, shower. Decent air conditioning. The only oddity is lack of microwave, but you get an oven instead (and food reheated that way tastes better, anyway). If you like windows open, the road by the property is not quiet on weekday mornings, ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Villa Sassa
Hotel Splendide Royal
Hotel Splendide Royal
5 out of 5
Riva Antonio Caccia, 7, Lugano, TI
The price is £438 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
£438
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lugano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (410 reviews)
"Wow! This is a magnificent hotel in every way! It is beautiful, luxurious and filled with old world elegance. Our room was beautiful with lovely views of the lake. The breakfast was one of the most expansive and delicious spreads that I’ve seen. I could not recommend this more highly!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Splendide Royal
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! (33 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 May 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! (4 reviews)
"Wir hatten einen sehr schönen Aufenthalt in der Wohnung. Einen atemberaubenden Ausblick"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, 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 7 Oct 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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