Where to Stay in Cannero Riviera and Surroundings

Jul 31, 2025

Introduction

Cannero Riviera’s famous Castelli di Cannero are the ruins of medieval fortresses perched on islets just off the village’s shore. Nestled on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Cannero Riviera is a tranquil lakeside village known for its mild microclimate and lush vegetation. In fact, it’s nicknamed a “Riviera” because orange and lemon trees flourish here – a rarity in alpine regions. The waterfront of Cannero is particularly scenic: a palm-lined promenade and flower gardens invite leisurely strolls, and a sandy lido beach (awarded the Blue Flag for clean water) offers safe swimming in summer. Just offshore, you’ll spot the Castelli di Cannero – the evocative ruins of two 16th-century castles on tiny islands. At sunset these crumbling turrets glow amber, reflecting centuries of history and legend (from noble feuds to pirate hideouts). With its pretty harbor, year-round blooms, and storybook castle ruins, Cannero Riviera promises a peaceful, romantic atmosphere that feels untouched by time.

Why Stay with Hartmann Feel At Home

Hartmann “Feel At Home” is an ideal base for exploring Cannero Riviera and the Lake Maggiore region, especially if you value tranquility, comfort, and personal service. Although Hartmann is located in the village of Gignese (about 40 minutes’ drive from Cannero), its setting offers an oasis of calm that many lakeside hotels can’t match. The B&B occupies a lovingly renovated 1930s villa surrounded by a private park of century-old trees. Here you can wake up to birdsong and mountain breezes – the hillside location (~700 m elevation) means cooler summers and extra privacy. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with modern amenities seamlessly integrated into a historic mansion (free Wi-Fi and independent air conditioning in every room, for example). True to its name, Hartmann makes guests “feel at home,” providing thoughtful communal spaces like a living room with a fireplace, a bright breakfast room, a dedicated yoga studio, and even an outdoor whirlpool tub in the garden for relaxing soaks under the trees.

What really sets Hartmann apart is the warm, multilingual hospitality. This is not an impersonal hotel but a family-run B&B where the hosts treat every guest like family. Owners Francesca and her team speak Italian, English, German, French and more, and they go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. Guests often praise the “wonderful, very warm and kind” service and personal touches. Need help planning a day trip or finding a local restaurant? The hosts are happy to provide insider tips and even make reservations. Little gestures – a welcome drink on arrival, help with your bags, flexible check-in times – add to the feeling of being an honored guest in a friend’s elegant villa. And despite the high-quality service and beautiful setting, Hartmann is affordable and great value. Rates include a generous homemade breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, and private parking, so you get more for your money than at many hotels. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic retreat, a family with kids, or a solo backpacker on a budget, Hartmann’s combination of tranquility, personal service, and affordability is hard to beat.

Accommodation Overview

Hartmann Feel At Home features six uniquely designed guest rooms plus one shared dormitory, each decorated in bright colors inspired by the chakras. There’s truly an option to suit every type of traveler. All rooms were fully renovated in 2022, so they feel fresh and immaculate, yet the villa’s historic character (like original hardwood floors and even a turret room up top) adds a touch of charm. Here’s an overview of the accommodations and their highlights:

  • Family Suite (“Swadhisthana Orange”) – Quadruple: A 50 m² family suite on the ground floor, essentially a small apartment with two adjoining rooms (two single beds plus a sofa bed) that can be separated by a sliding door. It sleeps up to 4 adults comfortably, with extras like a walk-in closet and even a private corner for yoga or stretching. There’s a large en-suite bathroom with a spacious shower and dual sink area – perfect for families needing space to spread out. This suite is ideal for a family of four or even two couples traveling together, offering plenty of room to relax.
  • Double Rooms (“Manipura Yellow”, “Ajna Turquoise”, “Sahasrara Violet”) – Couples: Hartmann offers several intimate double rooms (16–20 m²) featuring either a French double bed or twin beds. These rooms are cozy, quiet, and filled with natural light – perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking comfort after a day of sightseeing. One double room is tucked in the villa’s top-floor turret, boasting a lovely view where you can even glimpse Lake Maggiore from the balcony door. Each double has its own modern en-suite bathroom (with walk-in shower, toilet, bidet, etc.) and thoughtful touches like soft lighting and stylish decor to create a calming retreat for two.
  • Triple Room (“Anahata Green”) – Friends/Small Family: This is a spacious 30 m² room with two single beds on the main level and a small loft bed above. It can sleep up to 3 adults (or a couple with 1–2 children). The clever layout makes it fun for kids (who love the loft bunk) or convenient for friends sharing. Anahata Green has a large en-suite bathroom as well, and its size and flexible bedding make it a great choice for a small family or group of friends traveling together.
  • Shared Dormitory (“Muladhara Red”) – Budget option: For solo travelers or backpackers, Hartmann offers a dorm-style room that can accommodate up to three people in two single beds plus a bunk-style sofa bed. Uniquely, this dorm room includes its own private bathroom, so even budget guests get a hot shower and modern facilities to themselves. The dorm is a fantastic low-cost option for those who don’t mind sharing a room or for a small group looking to save money while still enjoying the villa’s comforts. It’s bright, clean, and an uncommon find in a B&B – making Hartmann welcoming to hostel-style travelers as well.

No matter which room you choose, you’ll enjoy the same high-quality amenities. All rooms include a comfortable bed made up with soft linens, an en-suite bathroom stocked with a courtesy toiletry set, fluffy towels, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a hairdryer, and more. Daily housekeeping keeps everything spotless. Each room has views of the gardens or surrounding greenery, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. The combination of a historic villa ambiance and modern conveniences ensures you have a restful stay. Every morning, guests can look forward to a delicious breakfast served in the dining room or on the terrace – featuring local breads and pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and made-to-order Italian coffee (the owners take pride in using fresh, organic ingredients). In the evenings, you can unwind in the main hall by the fireplace or take a relaxing dip in the outdoor hot tub. Hartmann provides a level of comfort and hominess that stands out – it truly feels like your own elegant lakeside villa.

Why Choose Hartmann Feel at Home Near Cannero Riviera?
Peaceful hills, lakeside charm, and the comfort of feeling truly at home.

Tucked between the mountains and the water, Cannero Riviera is one of Lake Maggiore’s most enchanting destinations. Known for its mild climate, palm-lined promenades, and the mysterious Castles of Cannero rising from the lake, it’s a place where time slows down and the scenery speaks for itself.

Just a beautiful drive along the lake, and a world away from the bustle, you’ll find Hartmann Feel at Home—a peaceful guesthouse in the hills above Stresa, where families, couples, and nature lovers discover something priceless: space, silence, and a deep sense of ease.

Here’s why Hartmann Feel at Home is the perfect base for visiting Cannero Riviera:

✔️ Spacious, light-filled apartments surrounded by greenery
Each apartment is designed for comfort and calm, with private outdoor space, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy furnishings that make you feel immediately at ease. It’s your home in the hills.

✔️ Safe outdoor space where children can play freely
While Cannero Riviera is perfect for lakeside walks and swimming, we offer something extra: a secure garden where children can play in the grass while parents relax in the shade, listening to the breeze in the trees.

✔️ Family-focused amenities to simplify your stay
We’ve thought of every detail to make your stay with children easier:
🛏️ Cribs, highchairs, nightlights, step stools
🧸 Books, toys, and board games
🍼 Fridge, microwave, and bottle warmer
🛌 Flexible sleeping setups for any family size

✔️ Healthy breakfast on request
Enjoy a fresh start to your day with local and seasonal ingredients: fruit, bread, jam, yogurt, honey, and more. We’re happy to adapt breakfast to your needs and preferences.

✔️ Perfect location: close to Cannero, far from the crowds
In just under an hour’s scenic drive, you can reach Cannero Riviera, spend the day exploring the lakeshore or visiting nearby Cannobio, and then return to your peaceful, private hillside retreat in the evening.

✔️ Free parking, fast Wi-Fi, flexible check-in/out
Avoid lakeside parking stress and strict hotel timetables. With free private parking, stable Wi-Fi, and flexible schedules, you can fully enjoy your time—your way.

✔️ Multilingual hosts who genuinely care
We speak English, Italian, German, and French, and we’re always available to help—whether you’re looking for a hidden beach, a scenic drive, or the best place for local food and wine.

Whether you’re visiting in spring, when Cannero blooms with camellias and citrus trees, in summer, for boat rides and long swims, or in autumn, when golden light dances on the lake—Hartmann Feel at Home is your peaceful home base near Cannero Riviera.

Because the best part of every trip isn’t just where you go—
It’s where you feel at home.

Where to Eat in Cannero Riviera

After you’ve settled in at Hartmann, you’ll likely spend your days out and about – and that includes enjoying the local cuisine in Cannero Riviera. Despite its small size, Cannero has a nice selection of restaurants, trattorias, and cafés catering to different tastes and budgets. Here are a few recommended spots in town:

  • La Trattoria da Gino & Gabi – Family-Run Italian (Approx. €): A beloved local trattoria tucked up on Via Dante, known for its authentic home cooking and friendly service. This family-run restaurant offers a comfortable dining room and a terrace with a garden view. The menu features classic Piedmont and Lake Maggiore dishes – think fresh lake fish, hearty pastas, and regional specialties – all at reasonable prices. One TripAdvisor reviewer even called it “the best quality and choice…with particularly good service” in Cannero. It’s popular with both locals and visitors, so consider making a reservation in high season.
  • Il Giardino – Lakeside Pizzeria & Restaurant (€): As the name suggests, Il Giardino boasts a lovely garden terrace right by the lake. It’s a casual spot perfect for families or anyone craving Italian comfort food. They serve up tasty wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and simple grilled dishes, plus daily specials featuring local ingredients. Sitting under the pergola with a view of the water, you can enjoy anything from a quick pizza lunch to a relaxed dinner. Prices are budget-friendly and portions generous. This is a great choice for an easy meal with a view – perhaps after a day at the beach. Children will love the pizza (and the gelato available nearby), while adults might savor a carafe of house wine as the sun sets.
  • Ristorante Sano Banano – Café-Bar & Italian Kitchen (€€): With its quirky name and vibrant atmosphere, Sano Banano is a Cannero institution. It sits just off the main lakeside piazza and combines a café, bar, and restaurant. By day, you can stop in for a cappuccino or light lunch; by night, it becomes a lively restaurant serving a wide range of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The menu has everything from thin-crust pizzas to fresh lake fish (perch and trout), steaks, and salads. It’s known for its fun, friendly vibe – often bustling in summer with outdoor tables filling up in the evenings. Prices are moderate, and the quality is consistently good (it’s ranked among the top eateries in town). If you’re looking for a casual dinner or aperitivo spot with local color, Sano Banano is a fantastic pick. Don’t miss trying the risotto with perch filet or the lemon tagliatelle if they’re on the menu, paired with a local white wine.
  • Lido Caffè (da Mauro e Ari) – Beachfront Café & Snack Bar (€): Located right at the Lido di Cannero (the town’s beach), this informal café is ideal for a relaxed bite with a beautiful view. It offers sandwiches, salads, gelato, and refreshments during the day, as well as cocktails, beer, and aperitifs later on. You can grab a quick lunch here between swims or enjoy an aperitivo in the late afternoon while overlooking the lake. Prices are very affordable – an espresso or gelato won’t break the bank – and the atmosphere is super laid-back. It’s essentially a beach bar, so expect self-service and plastic chairs, but also expect one of the best waterfront seats in Cannero. It’s especially lovely at sunset, when you can sip a Spritz as the sky turns pink over the Castelli di Cannero in the distance.
  • Piccola Cannero Ristorante – Intimate Modern Italian (€€): This “little Cannero” restaurant is a newer addition to the dining scene and has quickly earned a great reputation (it’s highly rated by travelers for its quality and value). Piccola Cannero is a cozy, elegant osteria with a creative menu that puts a modern spin on local cuisine. The chef here emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients – you might find dishes like herb-crusted lake fish, homemade gnocchi with lemon sauce (a nod to Cannero’s citrus heritage), or slow-cooked ossobuco. With only a handful of tables and a stylish yet unpretentious vibe, it’s perfect for couples looking for a quiet dinner. The service is attentive and multilingual, and the wine list showcases some excellent Piedmont wines. Despite the top-notch food, the prices remain fair (house wine is very good and reasonably priced, as one review noted). Be sure to book ahead if visiting on a weekend, as the limited seating can fill up fast.

No matter where you dine, you’ll get to experience the honest flavors of this region – from lake fish to mountain cheeses. Cannero Riviera’s cuisine often features fresh perch and char from Lake Maggiore, chestnuts and mushrooms from the surrounding forests, and of course citrus in season. A leisurely lakeside lunch of fresh perch accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine is a must-try here. Many restaurants also offer vegetarian pasta dishes and other local specialties (like rich polenta or minestrone) to suit different tastes. For dessert, keep an eye out for treats like tiramisù or torta di pane (bread pudding cake) which occasionally appear on menus. Buon appetito!

What to Do Around Cannero Riviera

One of the joys of staying near Cannero Riviera is the easy access to both lake and mountain activities. This peaceful village invites you to slow down and soak in the natural beauty, but there are also plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Here are some highlights to add to your itinerary:

  • Stroll the Lakeside Promenade & Citrus Park: Start with a gentle walk along Cannero’s picturesque waterfront promenade. The lakeside path is lined with palm trees, flower beds, and benches perfect for admiring the view of the lake and the distant Borromean Gulf. As you wander, you’ll notice citrus trees growing in local gardens – oranges, lemons, even kumquats. Be sure to visit the Parco degli Agrumi (Citrus Park), a small botanical garden in town dedicated to Cannero’s historic citrus-growing tradition. You can learn about the different varieties and perhaps smell the fragrant blossoms. Every March, Cannero hosts a Citrus Festival celebrating these gardens, when the park and village fill with the scent of orange blossoms and guided tours showcase fruit-laden trees. A stroll here, especially in spring, is a feast for the senses.
  • Relax at the Lido Beach: Cannero Riviera boasts one of Lake Maggiore’s best natural beaches, the Lido di Cannero. This gently curving sandy beach has clear, clean water (the town has a Blue Flag designation for high water quality) and is a wonderful spot to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic. In summer, the lido offers facilities like umbrellas and loungers for rent, a floating platform to swim out to, and pedalò (paddleboats) or kayaks for hire. It’s an ideal afternoon for families – kids can splash in the shallow areas while parents relax on the sand. There’s also a beach volleyball court and a snack kiosk (the Lido Caffè mentioned above) for ice cream or drinks. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, definitely allocate some time to bask by the water and take a refreshing dip with the Alps in view. Few experiences beat lounging on Cannero’s beach on a sunny day, surrounded by mountains and palm trees.
  • See the Castelli di Cannero: You can’t miss the sight of the Castelli di Cannero – the two small island fortresses just offshore. While these ruined castles cannot be visited inside (they’re unsafe and off-limits to the public), they are absolutely worth viewing up close by boat or from various viewpoints on land. Locally, they’re steeped in legend: it’s said they were once a hideout for medieval bandits and later fortified by the Borromeo family in the 1500s. Today, the stone walls and crumbling towers rising out of the water make for a stunning photo op and fire the imagination. How to see them? You have a few options. You can simply admire them from Cannero’s northern promenade or the little marina – at sunset they look particularly magical, often illuminated by golden light. Even better, take a boat trip to get closer: in summer, some boat tours or taxi boats will circle the islands so you can snap pictures of the ruins up close (ask at the harbor or your hosts about arranging a boat). The castles almost look like they’re floating on the lake’s surface. Plans are underway to restore and possibly open the Castelli di Cannero as a tourist site in the future, but for now, viewing them from the water or shore is a must-do. It’s a unique attraction that sets Cannero apart from other lake towns. Don’t forget your camera!
  • Hike into the Hills (Monte Morissolo & More): Behind Cannero Riviera rise green terraced hills and chestnut forests that offer great hiking opportunities. If you’re up for some exploration, hit the trails to enjoy fresh air and panoramic viewpoints over the lake. A popular excursion is Monte Morissolo, a mountain above Cannero known for its World War I fortifications and sweeping vistas. You can either drive partway up or hike from the village (there are well-marked paths, but they are steep). Near the summit of Morissolo, you can actually walk through old military bunkers and tunnels carved into the rock – an eerie but fascinating experience, and when you emerge, you’re greeted by breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore from high above. It’s a moderate hike suited for fit walkers (or adventurous mountain bikers). Even if you don’t go that far, short walks around Cannero can be rewarding: wander uphill through the old town’s narrow alleys to discover the Piazzetta degli Affreschi (a tiny square adorned with murals), or take the gentle trail to a small chapel overlooking the village. In autumn, the hills are dotted with chestnut trees – locals often go foraging, and there are autumn chestnut festivals in and around Cannero (including a Sagra della Castagna in October). Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a quick viewpoint, the natural backdrops around Cannero provide a lovely contrast to the lakefront – and a chance to work off all that gelato!
  • Boat Trips & Nearby Towns: Cannero Riviera’s location makes it a great jumping-off point for exploring other lake towns. Cannobio, for instance, is only 5 km to the north – a charming larger town known for its Sunday market and lively waterfront promenade. It’s easy to drive there in about 10 minutes, or you can even hop on a ferry (some ferry routes connect Cannero to Cannobio, especially in summer). Cannobio’s old town is lovely to explore, with medieval buildings and plenty of cafés; if you’re there on Sunday morning, the market sells everything from cheeses and salami to clothes and crafts, drawing visitors from all over. A bit further up, just across the Swiss border, lie Brissago and Ascona – postcard-perfect Swiss towns that can be reached by car or boat in 30–40 minutes. Ascona, in particular, has an artsy vibe, colorful houses along the lake, and great restaurants. Heading south from Cannero, you can easily visit Verbania (the provincial capital with its Villa Taranto botanical gardens) or Stresa and the Borromean Islands on day trips. Regular ferries and hydrofoils link many of these towns, so you could plan a scenic boat ride that lets you see the Castelli di Cannero, stop in Cannobio, and even continue to Locarno (Switzerland) on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. Check the Navigazione Laghi ferry timetable for routes – in summer, for example, a boat from Stresa or Verbania might stop at Cannero on certain days. If you prefer land, a scenic lakeside drive (the SS34 road) connects all these communities, making for a wonderful road trip with the lake on one side and mountains on the other. In short, from Cannero you can conveniently explore both the Italian and Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore. After each excursion, you’ll appreciate coming “home” to the peace of Gignese at Hartmann B&B, away from the tourist crowds.

Booking and Contact Information

Ready to plan your stay at Hartmann Feel At Home? Booking is straightforward, and the hosts are very responsive. You can reserve a room directly on Hartmann’s official website (which has an online booking system), or get in touch via phone or email – the owners speak multiple languages and typically reply quickly. For reference, the B&B’s contact details are:

Hartmann is also listed on major booking platforms (often with excellent reviews and a rating around 9.4/10 for comfort, cleanliness, and staff). However, booking directly with the B&B might offer better rates or more flexibility, so it’s encouraged to contact them directly when possible.

Getting to Hartmann from Cannero Riviera: By car, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes (about 30 km). The most efficient route is to head south along the lake to the A26 motorway near Verbania and take the A26 highway in the direction of Stresa/Milan. Use the Carpugnino exit (which is about 5 km from Gignese), then follow the signs uphill for Gignese/Mottarone – you’ll reach Hartmann’s gates in about 5 minutes from the highway exit. The road is paved and easy, and there is free private parking on-site for guests (a big plus, as parking in this hilly area can be limited). Alternatively, you can enjoy a more scenic drive along the lakeside road (SS34 and then SP42 via Stresa): from Cannero, drive through the string of lakeside villages (Cannobio, Oggebbio, Ghiffa) to Verbania Intra, continue to Stresa, and then drive up the hill to Gignese. This coastal route is incredibly pretty but slower, especially in summer traffic. Many guests choose one route to arrive and the other to depart, to experience both the convenience of the highway and the beauty of the lake road.

Public transport: Cannero Riviera itself is served by ferries and buses, but reaching Gignese by public transport requires a couple of steps. The nearest major train station to Hartmann is Stresa, which lies on the Milan–Domodossola–Swiss border railway line (about 1 hour by train from Milan). If you are coming from Cannero without a car, one option is to take a ferry or bus down to Verbania or Stresa first. In summer, for example, you could take a morning ferry from Cannero to Stresa (check schedules, as not all ferries stop at Cannero daily). From Stresa, it’s only 8 km up to Gignese. You can grab a taxi from the Stresa ferry pier or train station – the ride up the hill is about 15 minutes and costs roughly €20–25. There is also a local bus (Line 34) that runs between Stresa and Gignese about 4 times a day (Monday–Saturday). The bus is very inexpensive (a few euros) and winds up the panoramic road; travel time is around 15 minutes. Be sure to check the timetable in advance since the service is infrequent – the Hartmann hosts can provide the latest schedule or advice on timing. If you’re coming via air or long-distance train into Milan, you can take a train to Stresa and then proceed as above.

The Hartmann team is happy to assist with transfers if needed – they can arrange a shuttle or pick-up from Stresa, Verbania, or even Milan Malpensa Airport by prior arrangement. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them about transportation questions; their goal is to make your arrival as smooth as possible. In fact, upon arrival you’ll be welcomed like friends, and given all the information you might need: local maps, ferry timetables, hiking trail info, and restaurant recommendations are readily available at the B&B. Check-in times are flexible (just let them know if you’ll arrive late), so you can travel at your own pace.

In Summary: Hartmann Feel At Home offers a special lodging experience for visiting Lake Maggiore’s quieter gems like Cannero Riviera. Couples will appreciate the romantic, peaceful ambiance and personal touches; families will love the spacious suites, kid-friendly amenities, and safe garden to play in; and all travelers will enjoy the warm multilingual hospitality and local knowledge the hosts provide. By choosing Hartmann in Gignese as your base, you truly get the best of both worlds – the adventure and beauty of Lake Maggiore (from Cannero’s sunny shores to Stresa’s sights) are within easy reach, and at day’s end you return to a calm, comfortable home-away-from-home in the hills. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable Italian lakes vacation. Enjoy your visit to Cannero Riviera and its magical surroundings, and benvenuti from the Hartmann family!

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