When I first started planning a summer break, I knew I wanted to be near water. I dreamed of mornings by the lake, warm afternoons exploring small towns, and evenings watching the sunset from a cozy terrace. After some searching, one destination kept appearing: Cannobio, a charming Italian town on the shores of Lago Maggiore, also called the Langensee.
What made Cannobio stand out wasn’t just the lake—it was the variety of how you could experience it. Some travelers camped right at the water’s edge. Others stayed in stylish Ferienwohnung in Cannobio, complete with balconies and lake views. I decided not to choose—I booked both.
First Days: Living the Apartment Life at Lago Maggiore
My trip began in a Ferienwohnung Lago Maggiore located in a quiet part of Cannobio, just minutes from the promenade. The apartment had everything I needed: a kitchenette, a comfortable bed, fast Wi-Fi (useful for researching gelato spots), and, most importantly, a small balcony that overlooked the lake.
From the first sunrise, I was hooked. The light on the Langensee Camping was magical. It changed color throughout the day—from blue-grey in the morning to bright sapphire by noon and golden in the evening. I’d eat breakfast watching boats drift past and plan my day over espresso.
Cannobio itself was an easy town to fall in love with. The center is full of life, but never overwhelming. There are bakeries on nearly every corner, cafés spilling onto cobblestone streets, and a weekly market that brings together locals and tourists alike. One morning I bought fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and handmade pasta from a vendor and made dinner back in the apartment, enjoying it with a bottle of wine on the balcony.
The Shift to Camping
Midweek, I switched from my apartment to a nearby camping Lago Maggiore experience. I rented a small tent at a lakeside campground just south of the old town. The vibe was completely different: open, natural, and friendly.
Here, mornings started with a dip in the lake instead of a shower. Breakfast was a croissant from the on-site café, and evenings were spent sitting around a fire with other travelers. I met a couple from Austria traveling in a campervan, a solo cyclist from Belgium, and an Italian family camping with their dog.
The facilities at the campsite were excellent: clean bathrooms, a small shop, and a pier where people fished or watched the sunset. From my tent, I could see the moon rise over the Langensee—a memory I’ll never forget.
Lago Maggiore: The Star of the Show
It’s impossible to overstate the role of Lago Maggiore in the Cannobio experience. This is Italy’s second-largest lake, stretching 65 kilometers and crossing into Switzerland at its northern end. The lake’s clean, deep waters are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating. It’s also lined with walking paths and beaches—some sandy, others with smooth stones.
Locals call it the Langensee, and you’ll hear both names used. What impressed me most was the peaceful energy of the lake. Even when busy, it felt calm. I rented a kayak one afternoon and paddled past villas with private docks, olive trees leaning toward the water, and children skipping stones at the shoreline.
Why Lakeview Cannobio Made a Difference
During both phases of my trip, I stayed at accommodations provided by Lakeview Cannobio. Their holiday apartments are especially well-maintained—modern, with smart layouts and often incredible lake views. The attention to detail was noticeable: from the quality of the linens to the thoughtful kitchen equipment.
Even at the campground, Lakeview’s influence was visible. Their pitches were well-kept, shaded, and located near the best access points to the lake. Whether in a Ferienwohnung or under canvas, I always felt like I was staying somewhere designed with care.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Choose—Combine
What made this trip so memorable wasn’t just Cannobio itself—it was the way I got to experience it from two very different perspectives. The Ferienwohnung Lago Maggiore gave me rest, quiet, and luxury. The camping Lago Maggiore offered community, adventure, and closeness to nature.
In Cannobio, you don’t have to choose between a holiday apartment and a tent. You can have both. Spend your mornings sipping espresso on a balcony, and your evenings around a campfire by the Langensee. Wake up one day to the sound of birds in the trees, and the next in a cozy apartment with a lake breeze blowing in.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Cannobio has a rhythm that suits everyone. It’s not flashy or crowded—it’s timeless. A place where you can slow down, reconnect, and fall in love with the simple joy of being by the lake.
I left Cannobio with a lighter mind and a full heart. And yes—next time, I’ll do both again.
