There’s something deeply Italian about a weekly market. The scent of roasted coffee, the sound of laughter, the rhythm of friendly voices bargaining over baskets of oranges—it’s where life unfolds slowly, colorfully, and with a smile.
Around Lake Maggiore, three markets stand out as absolute must-visits: Cannobio on Sundays, Luino on Wednesdays, and Verbania-Intra on Saturdays.
Whether you arrive by boat or from your camping Lago Maggiore site nearby, these markets will fill your holiday with taste, culture, and that irresistible Mediterranean atmosphere.
Cannobio – The Sunday Market by the Lake
When Sunday morning dawns over Cannobio, the quiet lakeside promenade transforms into a festival of colors. Stalls appear as if by magic, stretching along the shore of Lago Maggiore, their awnings mirrored in the calm blue water. The smell of fresh focaccia mingles with mountain air drifting down from the Alps.
The Cannobio weekly market is famous for its idyllic setting. You can wander between stalls piled high with local products: Piedmontese cheese, mountain honey, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and bottles of extra-virgin olive oil. The vendors call out cheerfully, encouraging you to taste or smell their specialties.
In addition to food, Cannobio offers an array of leather handbags, linen dresses, and artisan crafts—perfect souvenirs from your Lake Maggiore holiday.
When your shopping bag feels heavy, grab a cappuccino at one of the cafés lining the promenade. From your table you can watch ferries glide across the water while locals meet friends for a morning chat.
Good to know:
The Cannobio market runs every Sunday from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early for parking—or better, stay close enough to walk if you’re camping nearby. The market pairs beautifully with an afternoon swim or boat trip.
Luino – The Legendary Wednesday Market
If Cannobio is charming, Luino is spectacular. The Luino market (Wochenmarkt Luino) is one of the largest and oldest in northern Italy, dating back to 1541. Every Wednesday, its streets overflow with more than 350 vendors and thousands of visitors from both Italy and Switzerland.
The atmosphere is electric. Vendors shout friendly greetings; the smell of grilled chicken, fresh bread, and coffee fills the air. The market winds through Luino’s narrow alleys, past pastel-colored houses, down to the harbor where boats dock from Cannobio, Verbania, and Swiss towns like Ascona.
What to buy at Luino:
- Italian leather belts, handbags, and shoes
- Cashmere sweaters and cotton dresses
- Fresh cheese, cured meats, and olives
- Spices, truffles, and regional wines
- Antiques, pottery, and home goods
The Luino market is more than a shopping trip—it’s a full-day experience. You can arrive by ferry in the morning, wander through the labyrinth of stalls, and enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The sound of live accordion music, the colors, the aromas—it’s a sensory feast that perfectly represents the Italian art of living.
Tip for campers:
If you’re staying at Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort, you can take the morning ferry directly to Luino. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the mountains rising from Lake Maggiore.
Verbania-Intra – Saturday’s Local Gem
The Saturday market in Verbania-Intra is beloved by locals. Less crowded than Luino but equally vibrant, it’s where residents do their weekly shopping—and where visitors can experience authentic Italian daily life.
Located around Piazza Mercato and nearby streets, the Intra market offers a mix of fresh produce, clothing, and household goods. Farmers bring seasonal vegetables, fishmongers display their catch from Lake Maggiore, and bakers sell warm bread still fragrant from the oven.
You’ll also find flowers, plants, shoes, and handmade jackets—a little of everything, but with unmistakable Italian style.
After shopping, stroll down to the lakeside promenade for gelato or a light lunch. From here, ferries connect to Pallanza, Stresa, and the Borromean Islands, making Intra the perfect combination of market morning and sightseeing afternoon.
Don’t miss:
A short detour to the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, just minutes away, where exotic plants bloom in spectacular color from spring to autumn.
Three Markets – Three Moods
Each market around Lago Maggiore has its own soul:
- Cannobio: relaxed and scenic, ideal for families and slow travelers
- Luino: grand and bustling, for those who love energy and variety
- Verbania-Intra: authentic and local, perfect for foodies and culture lovers
Together, they offer a full portrait of Italian life—from Alpine farms to lakeside cafés. Many travelers plan their week around them: Wednesday in Luino, Saturday in Intra, Sunday in Cannobio. It’s a rhythm that feels natural, timeless, and deeply enjoyable.
Camping Lago Maggiore – Your Perfect Home Base
What makes visiting these markets even better is staying at a camping Lago Maggiore site. Camping by the lake gives you the freedom to move easily between towns while enjoying nature, comfort, and community.
Central and Connected
Lake Maggiore is perfectly positioned: the three main market towns are all within about 40 minutes of each other. From your campsite, you can explore one market each day without long drives.
For example, Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort sits directly on the lake with easy access to the ferry terminal. You can:
- Walk to Cannobio’s Sunday market,
- Take the ferry to Luino on Wednesday, and
- Drive or sail to Verbania on Saturday.
This flexibility makes camping the most convenient and eco-friendly way to experience the region.
Nature Meets Comfort
Modern campsites around the lake provide all the amenities you need:
- Spacious pitches and mobile homes
- Private beaches and swimming areas
- Restaurants serving Italian specialties
- Playgrounds for children and bike rentals
- EV-charging points for electric cars
Imagine returning from the Luino market with bags full of cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil—then preparing your own Italian lunch under the trees by the water. It’s authentic, sustainable, and wonderfully relaxing.
For Every Traveler
Whether you’re a couple in a campervan, a family with kids, or a solo traveler exploring northern Italy, camping Lago Maggiore offers the perfect balance between freedom and comfort. You can enjoy morning swims, afternoon siestas, and evening strolls under pink sunsets—then plan the next day’s market adventure.
After the Market – Exploring More of Lake Maggiore
Once you’ve had your fill of market treasures, the lake invites you to slow down and explore further:
- Take a ferry to the Brissago Islands and walk through tropical gardens.
- Visit Ascona and Locarno for art galleries and lakeside promenades.
- Drive to the Verzasca Valley or Valle Cannobina for hiking and waterfalls.
- Or simply relax on your camping Lago Maggiore beach and watch the boats drift by.
The beauty of Lake Maggiore lies in its diversity—one day you’re bargaining for Italian leather, the next you’re swimming beneath snow-tipped peaks.
Practical Tips for Market Days
- Bring cash – some stalls don’t accept cards.
- Arrive early – markets start around 8 a.m. and get crowded.
- Carry reusable bags – better for the planet and easier to pack.
- Try local food – cheese, salami, fruit, and focaccia are unbeatable fresh.
- Check ferry timetables – traveling by boat is scenic and stress-free.
Conclusion – Taste, Travel, and Live Like a Local
Visiting the markets of Cannobio, Luino, and Verbania is more than a shopping trip—it’s a window into Italian life. The laughter of the vendors, the smell of espresso, the sparkle of the lake—all combine into an experience you’ll remember long after your holiday ends.
From your camping Lago Maggiore base, it’s easy to join this rhythm: shop in the morning, relax by the water in the afternoon, and enjoy the slow, joyful pace that defines life around Lake Maggiore.
So pack your sun hat, grab your shopping bag, and let the markets lead you through the colors, flavors, and smiles of northern Italy. Here, every market day feels like a celebration—and every moment by the lake reminds you why Lago Maggiore is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations.