Description of the attraction
Cannero Riviera is a small resort town located at the top of Lake Maggiore. Due to its geographical position, Cannero boasts a Mediterranean rather than subalpine climate, which is undoubtedly its main advantage. Mild summers and mild winters are ideal for growing lemons, olives, oranges, palms, azaleas, rhododendrons and the world famous camellias that bloom lush here almost all year round.
The city stands on a small floodplain formed by the sediments of the Cannero River. Fertile soils and mild climate became the reason that the first settlements in this area appeared already in the 10th century.
The beautiful Cannero Riviera promenade offers a wonderful view of Lago Maggiore, the Castelli di Cannero islands and the town of Luino, which lies on the Lombard lake shore. Equally stunning views can be found from the numerous hiking trails that run through the hills just outside the city, leading to picturesque villages surrounded by vineyards and chestnut groves. Perched high on a cliff above Cannero is the village of Odgione, and the village of Piancassone is famous for its excellent grappa. You can also visit Ponte, Cassino and Keggio. Along the way, there are tiny churches and chapels and numerous round stone mortars, in which nuts, flaxseed and hemp were ground, olives were pressed and grain was husked.
You should definitely see Castelli di Cannero - three rocky islets lying off the coast of Cannero, but administratively part of the municipality of Cannobio. Castelli - Castles - got their name because of the ruins of ancient fortresses located on two of the three islands. They were built between the 11th and 12th centuries and were called Malpaga. There are plans to restore one of these fortresses, Rocca Vitaliana, and turn it into a tourist attraction.
All year round, Cannero Riviera hosts a variety of events - exhibitions, excursions, concerts, etc. But the most popular are the Spring Camellias Show and the Citrus Festival.
