The Via delle Genti from Verbania Intra to the Swiss border was the old connecting road between the towns of Verbano and Switzerland. The Via then continued in Switzerland along the villages of Lake Maggiore to Locarno and then on the Magadino plain where it connected to the road that went up to the Gotthard Pass. The section from Verbania to the State border takes place in two pleasant stages that can be covered all year round, except when there is imminent snowfall. It is an itinerary that takes place halfway up the coast, always with a splendid view over Lake Maggiore allowing you to go through small villages and the Riserva del Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, finally reaching the wonderful lake towns of Cannero and Cannobio.

The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, together with other Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of Piedmont and Lombardy, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. It is a complex of Baroque order, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, immersed in a magnificent natural environment and thick woods. Cannero Riviera has typical characteristics of the Mediterranean coastal resorts: the natural inlet that shelters it from cold winds and the sunny position facilitate the growth of luxuriant vegetation, full of cedars, lemons, olive trees, oranges, palms, azaleas, rhododendrons and very renowned camellias. The village has been awarded the Orange flag of the Italian Touring Club. Cannobio is the last town on the Piedmontese shores of Lake Maggiore before the Swiss border. It was an important strategic and commercial hub due to its geographical position, which is still represented today by the presence of numerous 17th-19th century palaces along the cobbled streets and roads of the old town centre, such as the 16th century residence of Palazzo Omacini and Palazzo Pironi.

It is possible to go from Sacro Monte di Ghiffa down to the port of Ghiffa in 25 minutes. From Cadivecchio you can go down to the port of Oggebbio in 10 minutes. For boat timetables see website www.navigazionelaghi.it.

Source: Unione del Lago Maggiore
Itinerary code: VGE
Recommended period: All year round
Historical interest: Yes
Access by public transport: Yes
Classification: Medium and low mountain provincial
Provinces crossed: Distretto dei Laghi

The train station is Verbania Pallanza. From the station there are buses to Intra, Cannero, Cannobio, State border (for timetables see www.vcotrasporti.it). The same line is used for the return journey. There is also a navigation service in the ports of Intra, Ghiffa, Oggebbio, Cannero and Cannobio with the possibility of returning by boat (for boat timetables see www.navigazionelaghi.it).