Valle Cannobina: The Cannobino Valley near Cannobio
Beautiful valley and hiking destination near Cannobio – an excursion for the whole family
Valle Cannobina / Cannobina Valley
Are you one of those people who want to see, smell, hear, and feel picturesque natural landscapes not just in films, but in real life? The Valle Cannobina, right on our doorstep at Lake Maggiore, fulfills this wish. Often early in the morning, a remarkable natural spectacle begins with huge clouds of mist rising toward the sky. Foxes and deer are often seen in the Cannobino Valley. In the sunny lower reaches, numerous plants such as kiwi, figs, vines, and palms thrive.
Nestled between the Gridone (2188 m) to the north and Monte Zeda (2156 m) to the south, the Cannobino Valley stretches about 25 km in a northwesterly direction, starting from Cannobio. The winding valley road leads up to Finero at around 900 meters and continues to Malesco. There, it joins the Val Vigezzo, where you can also find the Val Vigezzo ski resort.
Valle Cannobina at a glance
- Location: Starts directly in Cannobio and leads about 25 km into Val Vigezzo
- Mountains: Gridone (2,188 m) and Monte Zeda (2,156 m)
- Villages: Falmenta, Cavaglio, Spoccia, Cursolo, Orasso, Gurro, and Finero
- Highlights: Orrido di Sant’Anna, natural swimming spots, old stone bridges, chestnut forests
- From Lakeview: Orrido di Sant’Anna in a few minutes, Ponte Falmenta in about 20 minutes by car
- Admission: None, the valley is freely accessible
Orrido di Sant’Anna at the valley entrance
Just a few kilometers from Cannobio, near the district of Traffiume, the Cannobino river has carved a gorge up to 25 meters deep into the rock: the Orrido di Sant’Anna. Smooth rock walls, deep green water, and an old stone bridge make this spot one of the most beautiful photo opportunities in the area. Directly at the gorge stands the Church of Sant’Anna, built in 1638 by locals who had emigrated to Rome. From Cannobio, you can even reach the gorge on foot – a beautiful start to an excursion into the Valle Cannobina.
The villages in Valle Cannobina
Cavaglio. Spoccia. Cursolo. These are villages that combine coziness and harmony. The towns of Crealla and Socraggio also invite you to relax. Visitors forget their everyday stress and linger with their thoughts in the picturesque landscape.
Falmenta is a place that feels like a model mountain village. The lovingly restored stone houses show how construction has been done here for centuries. Also worth seeing is the Church of San Lorenzo from 1565 with its artfully carved wooden altar.
A very special village is Gurro: According to legend, Scottish mercenaries who could no longer return home after the Battle of Pavia in 1525 settled here. Dialect and traditional costumes still recall this connection today; you can learn more about it in the small Ethnographic Museum in the village square. At the very top of the valley lies Finero, one of the gates to the Val Grande National Park.
Hiking and swimming at Ponte Falmenta
Directly below Falmenta, you can start beautiful hikes in the Valle Cannobina at Ponte Falmenta. After a short descent from Ponte Falmenta, you reach a suspension bridge from which you can enjoy a great view into the gorge. Several hiking trails start here, some over impressive old stone bridges and with wonderful natural swimming spots. A beautiful path leads over an old mule track with many steps up to Crealla. If it's too hot by the lake in summer, you'll find wonderful refreshment here away from the hustle and bustle. The paths are family-friendly; children enjoy the refreshment in the cool river as much as their four-legged friends.
If you are looking for peace, relaxation, and green oases, the Valle Cannobina is the right place for you: You will hardly find a greener oasis of peace and unspoiled nature on Lake Maggiore. You will also look in vain for large crowds of tourists, as are often found in the Valle Verzasca or Valle Maggia, in the Valle Cannobina. Between old stone houses and untouched nature, you almost get the feeling that time has stood still. You will almost always find a quiet natural bathing spot with clear, clean water. Please still keep an eye on your children. Even if the rocks invite you to jump into the water, they are not without danger!
Those who like longer tours can hike on the old Strada Borromea, a historic pack animal trail through the valley that commemorates the visit of Saint Charles Borromeo in 1574. You can find more tour tips around Cannobio on our page for hikers.
Chestnut trees and picnics by the river
Particularly noteworthy: the gigantic chestnut trees that can be found everywhere in the Valle Cannobina. They impress young and old alike. On hot summer days, they provide pleasantly cool shade. A picnic under a chestnut tree next to a babbling brook offers a magnificent view of the crystal-clear water. Therefore, our tip: In addition to hiking equipment, don't forget something for a picnic – it's worth it!
Through the valley by car
Valle Cannobina begins directly in Cannobio; simply follow the valley road toward Malesco. The road is narrow and very winding, so it's better to plan a little more time. If you like, you can make a beautiful round trip out of it: via Malesco into Val Vigezzo, further through the Centovalli to Locarno, and back to Cannobio along the lake. By the way, you can also experience the same route through the Centovalli in a very relaxed way with the Centovalli Railway.
The Valle Cannobina is practically right on our doorstep. For your hiking vacation, stay with us in a mobile home in Cannobio, a vacation apartment on Lake Maggiore, or on a pitch for a motorhome, caravan, or tent. Dogs are also welcome in many of our accommodations—find out more under vacation with a dog on Lake Maggiore.
Insider tips from locals
To make your trip extra special:
- We recommend the Cannobina Valley as a significantly quieter alternative to the Maggia Valley and the Verzasca Valley.
- Around Ponte Falmenta, there are beautiful natural swimming spots.
- A picnic under the chestnut trees is especially lovely.
Questions and answers
A somewhat touristy natural valley with hiking trails, swimming spots on the Cannobino river, and picturesque villages, considered a green oasis of tranquility.
Leona Bunch
Leona Bunch writes for Lakeview Cannobio and guides our guests around Lake Maggiore. She has known the lake since childhood from countless holidays. Since 2026 she has been travelling around northern Italy in her camper van, looking for excursions, hikes and hidden gems that she can try out and recommend to our guests.