Cannero was built on an alluvial promontory on the small river Rio di Cannero. Situated on the shore of the upper part of Lake Maggiore, the town has a climate that is more Mediterranean than sub-alpine, thanks to its sheltered situation and its sunny exposure. Because of its extremely mild climate the town was given the additional name of “Riviera”. Its temperate summers and mild winters are ideal for producing luxuriant vegetation: limes, lemons, olives, oranges, palms, azaleas, rhododendrons and world-famous camellias flourish here.
The town has also been given a picturesque and shady lakeside promenade and has an enchanting historic part with narrow alleys, arbours, restaurants and many small shops. The bathing beach of Cannero Riviera is also a beauty spot that attracts a great number of visitors, especially in summer. Visible on two offshore islets are the famous Castelli di Malpaga, also called Castelli di Cannero. The ruins of the castle are spread over the two islets and from the shore look as if they themselves are growing out of the water.
Cannero Riviera has a full calendar of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, excursions, guided visits and concerts. Two must-see events are the traditional Spring Camellia Show and the famous Citrus Fruit Festival.
Cannobio is the last locality on Lago Maggiore before the Swiss border. Today the small town is a popular destination for tourists and one of the leading holiday resorts in the entire province. Because of its geographical position, Cannobio was a major strategic and economic centre already in Roman times. The late thirteenth-century Palazzo della Ragione, today called Parasio for short, dominates the town centre, and the church of San Vittore. The lakeside promenade of Cannobio is renowned as one of the most beautiful on the entire Lago Maggiore.
Cannobio is also well-known for its Lido, a broad, well-appointed beach which is a magnet for bathers and sunbathers, as well as water sports enthusiasts.
Behind the town a road leads into the mountains of the Cannobina Valley, a paradise for hikers and lovers of unspoiled nature; the valley is part of the Val Grande National Park. Don’t miss the natural spectacle of the Sant’Anna Gorges, cut deeply into the rock by the rushing Cannobino river.
