We want to make your stay as pleasant as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a few helpful tips and recommendations for you. You’ll certainly find some of this information very useful.
You are in Cheglio, one of the three hamlets of Trarego‑Viggiona, high above Lake Maggiore at over 700 meters. The small villages of Trarego, Cheglio and Viggiona together have only around 400 inhabitants—up here, life is still calm and unhurried.
A walk through Cheglio is highly recommended: the narrow, winding alleyways—some of them centuries old—have a special charm. In places they are so tight you can barely open an umbrella. Authentic, quiet, and full of atmosphere.
Trarego Viggiona, a small and charming village above Lake Maggiore, has very limited infrastructure. That’s why this little supermarket is all the more valuable—for locals and guests alike. It also reflects the warm village culture, where personal interaction and good service are truly appreciated.
Address: Via dei Martiri, 19, 28826 Trarego Viggiona
Phone: +39 323 788043
A charming mini supermarket / local corner shop with a surprisingly wide range of everyday items—often far more than you’d expect at first glance. This includes fresh foods such as cheese, wafer-thin Prosciutto di Parma, bread and pastries.
According to visitors’ reports, the shop is a regular meeting place in the village: if something isn’t in stock, it is—whenever possible—usually sourced later the same afternoon.
Perfect for a quick shop: whether it’s bread, prosciutto, cheese, fruit and vegetables or household items—the store is very convenient and popular with locals and visitors alike.
When it comes to food, Trarego has a lot to offer – small, but excellent.
Ristorante Usignolo
Our favorite restaurant — and no longer a hidden gem! The food is first-class: regional specialties, homemade pasta, meat and fish dishes.
Reservations are essential – call +39 0323 788356. The Grassi family also speaks German.
www.ristoranteusignolo.it
Ristorante Luna
A cozy restaurant with a lovely terrace—also serving excellent pizza! Perfect for a relaxed evening with the family.
Reservations: +39 0323 788050.
Elios Bar
Our favorite bar—about a 10-minute walk toward Cheglio. Easygoing, charming, and with a great view of the mountains.
The bar opens early and offers a generous breakfast if you pre-order the evening before. If you drop in spontaneously, you’ll find Italian croissants (cornetti), cake, and very good coffee.
It’s also worth visiting during the day or in the evening: snacks, pizza, salads, burgers, pasta—and, depending on the season, a wonderful roast venison with polenta.
Via Guglielmo Marconi 4, Trarego-Viggiona
+39 0323 61107
A trip to Milan is definitely worth it—for shopping, culture, or simply a change of scenery.
We took the train from Verbania‑Pallanza and were in the city center in just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Our tip: park for free in the station car park, and the platforms are right there, easily reachable on foot.
Via alla Stazione 2, 28924 Verbania VB, Italy
The train ride is pleasant and straightforward—
A round trip cost about €9.20 per person.
Ideal for a relaxed day in the fashion capital—without the hassle of parking or city traffic.
This hike first takes you down the main road to Viggiona. Passing the cemetery, you head into the forest—at the next fork, be sure to keep right. There you can even discover old trenches from earlier times.
The path then continues parallel to the lake toward Carmine Superiore—a fascinating little place that can only be reached on foot. From there you continue on to Cannero until you finally meet the main road. Follow it either into the village center or straight down to the lakeside.
This hike starts at the bar in Trarego. From there you walk down to Cheglio, through narrow alleys, and then across green meadows toward the forest. Along the way you pass a small chapel and a typical rustico (stone house)—a wonderful spot for a picnic break with a fantastic view.
The route takes you past beautiful villas and charming houses until you finally reach the lakeside in Cannero.
Tip for the way back: from Cannero, a school bus runs back to Trarego twice a day at lunchtime. The departure point is directly opposite Patrick Simonelli Immobiliare—at the small bus stop in the village center.
This route takes you on foot from Trarego down to Cannobio—a lovely walk, especially on Sundays when the popular weekly market takes place.
Since parking in Cannobio is often scarce in high season, we often use this hiking route ourselves. One of us leaves the car down in Cannobio and later picks up the others.
Alternatively, you can also take the boat from Cannero to Cannobio.
Not only is it stress-free, it’s also a lovely little boat trip—arriving directly at the old harbor right in the heart of things.
Little escapes into nature – with a view of the lake
The Trarego waterfall
Very close to Casa Valentina – just outside the Trarego district (at the upper end of the village) – a small, idyllic waterfall is tucked away. A lovely mini outing for a refreshing moment in nature.
Right by the church in Trarego, opposite the impressive ruins of the former Hotel Miramonti, there’s more to discover than just the beautiful view:
A small but excellent art exhibition, “Eli, the Woman in the Wind,” takes place here regularly—especially around Easter.
The artist Elisabeth Gerster and many other artists present their work here in the open air: sculptures, paintings, and poetic texts—set within nature and the old village center.
A magical place that connects past and present in a very special way—well worth seeing!
Verbania is the largest town on Lake Maggiore and only a 25-minute drive from Casa Valentina. A stroll through the small alleys around Piazza Ranzoni in Intra is especially worthwhile—here you’ll find lovely boutiques, cafés, and real Italian town life.
A little foodie tip: right on Piazza Ranzoni in Intra you’ll find the charming La Casera by Eros—highly recommended for gourmets! While many shops are closed between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, that’s actually the perfect time to treat yourself there to a mixed tasting platter—paired with a glass of the house Prosecco. La dolce vita—relaxed, right in the heart of Intra.
https://www.formaggidieros.it/
The weekly market on Friday in Pallanza and Saturday in Intra is lively, varied, and always worth a visit.
For flower lovers, the famous gardens of Villa Taranto as well as Villa Giulia offer a colorful experience with wonderful views of the lake.
From Verbania, the ferry departs to Laveno on the opposite shore. A real highlight awaits there: the cable car up to Monte Sasso del Ferro. The open ride offers spectacular views—and the lower station is just a few minutes’ walk from the harbor.
Verbania’s hinterland also has a lot to offer: with Lago di Mergozzo and the romantic Lago d’Orta, two smaller, quieter lakes are very close by. A insider tip for design fans: in Omegna there’s an outlet store for the brand Alessi, known for stylish Italian-designed household items.
Adrenaline meets panoramic views! If you’re looking for an extra thrill, don’t miss a ride on the Lago Maggiore Zipline.
Over a length of more than 1,800 meters, you’ll soar across forested valleys at speeds of up to 120 km/h—with breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. An unforgettable experience for adventure lovers!
The launch platform is near Aurano, high above the lake. You can find all information, prices, and online booking at:
www.lagomaggiorezipline.it
Tip: even if you just watch and marvel, the trip is worth it—there’s a small bar, a great viewpoint, and often plenty of open mouths.
Further south you’ll reach Stresa, a place full of elegance and history. The magnificent grand hotels and impressive architecture give the town a special, almost aristocratic atmosphere.
Be sure to make time for a trip to the Borromean Islands, which lie picturesquely off Stresa in Lake Maggiore—a highlight for anyone who loves nature, art, and history.
At the southern exit of town, right by the water, the stylish LOV Beach Lounge awaits—a perfect place to end the day with your feet in the sand and an Aperol Spritz in hand.
A little north of Trarego lies the charming town of Cannobio—lively and wonderfully Italian. Especially on Sundays, the beautiful weekly market with its special atmosphere is perfect for strolling and browsing. Whether it’s fresh fruit, Italian treats, or handmade décor—there’s always something to discover. If you simply want to relax, enjoy a cappuccino at the old harbor or take an easy walk along the promenade.
A bit further: Ascona & Locarno
If you continue north, you’ll reach Switzerland—and with it, two places well worth seeing: Ascona and Locarno.
Ascona charms with its elegant promenade, small boutiques, and Mediterranean flair.
Locarno is known not only for its international film festival but also for its beautiful lakeside setting, long waterfront promenade, and charming old town.
A perfect day trip—with a mix of Italian dolce vita and Swiss elegance.
Down in beautiful Cannero you’ll find a true lakeside highlight: a well-kept beach, charming bars and hotels right by the water—and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Cannero feels almost a bit sleepy—which is exactly why it’s the perfect place for a short break. Whether for swimming, having an ice cream, enjoying a glass of wine in the sun, or simply taking a deep breath—this is a wonderful place to linger.
In town there’s also a small supermarket, bakeries, cafés, and everything you need for a relaxed day out.
Culinary highlights around Cannero and Verbania
In Cannero Riviera right by the lake, two recommended restaurants await: “Soleluna Beach” is a relaxed beach bar at the end of the beach—ideal for a light lunch or a drink with lake views. A bit tucked away but absolutely worth a visit is the charming “Piccolo Cannero,” with authentic cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
Ristorante Magnolia is located right on the shore of Lake Maggiore in Cannero Riviera and impresses with its beautiful garden. In this idyllic setting, guests can enjoy Italian cuisine ranging from fresh fish dishes to wood-fired pizzas. A carefully curated wine list rounds off the culinary experience.
In Trarego/Viggiona, only about a 5-minute drive from Casa Valentina, you’ll find the “Wonderwood” adventure climbing park. Not only older kids but even very young adventurers get their money’s worth here—with age-appropriate courses and lots of fun up in the air. More info: wonderwood.it
A lovely playground with lake views awaits in Cannero Riviera—perfect for a short break during a walk along the promenade.
Another highlight for animal lovers is Parco Villa Pallavicino in Stresa. In a beautiful park setting, you can observe goats, peacocks, deer and many other animals up close—an easygoing day trip for the whole family.
And if you’re up for a real adventure, drive about an hour south to the Safari Park in Pombia. There you can drive through the park in your own car while giraffes, zebras and other wild animals roam right next to you—an unforgettable experience!
A truly worthwhile excursion from Casa Valentina takes you up to Monte Carza—and waiting there is the famous giant yellow bench. It can also be reached with smaller children in about 20 minutes from the parking lot.
From here you have a breathtaking view over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. A magical place to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Whether as a hike or by driving to the nearby parking area, it’s well worth it—and the route is signposted with the yellow bench. Perfect for a small picnic with a view, or simply to enjoy the moment.
