4 of the most beautiful markets on Lake Maggiore
Italian lifestyle, fresh produce, and a unique backdrop—the markets on Lake Maggiore.
Everything you need to know at a glance
The markets on Lake Maggiore combine Italian lifestyle with regional diversity and picturesque scenery. The legendary Wednesday market in Luino, for example, the Sunday market in Cannobio, or the insider tip in Intra—at these markets, you will find local specialties, outstanding craftsmanship, and beautiful clothing.
Each market has its own charm, with the larger markets being lively and international, and the smaller markets being relaxed and authentic. It is best to visit the markets in the morning. You can get there by boat or public transportation.
Market culture on Lake Maggiore
The weekly markets on Lake Maggiore are a lively part of Italian and Ticino culture. For centuries, they have shaped the social life of the lakeside towns and brought people from the region together. Almost every town around the lake has its own market tradition, and you can visit a beautiful market every day of the week:
- Monday: Baveno
- Tuesday: Arona, Ascona (May to October)
- Wednesday: Luino
- Thursday: Locarno, Cannobio
- Friday: Stresa, Pallanza (Verbania), Feriolo (July and August only), Cannero Riviera
- Saturday: Intra (Verbania)
- Sunday: Cannobio
Most markets take place in the morning between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with larger markets staying open longer. However, the times given are more of a guide for the traders. If you visit the markets particularly early or late, some of the stalls may not yet be open or may have already closed.
At the smaller markets in places like Cannero Riviera or Baveno, away from the large tourist crowds, you will mainly meet locals and can experience the relaxed atmosphere of the lakeside towns. Among the numerous markets on Lake Maggiore, four stand out in particular, which we will introduce to you in more detail.
Luino: legendary Wednesday market on Lake Maggiore
Probably the most famous weekly market on Lake Maggiore and one of the largest markets in northern Italy has been held every Wednesday in the Lombard town of Luino since 1541. Around 400 market traders present their wares in Luino at numerous stalls stretching from the town center to the lake promenade.
The range of goods on offer extends from food, flowers, and clothing to handicrafts, household goods, and leather goods. The stalls selling fresh cheese, sausages, lake fish, and seasonal fruit and vegetables are particularly popular. The huge market attracts locals as well as market fans from other regions and abroad.
When? The market takes place on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The liveliest time is between 12 noon and 2 p.m.
Cannobio: Sunday market on the promenade
Every Sunday, around 300 stalls line the entire promenade of Cannobio on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. The market stalls stretch from the piazza to the imposing pilgrimage church of Santuario della Santissima Pietà.
From regional cheese and salami products to fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and clothing – the selection is huge. The food stalls selling Italian specialties are mainly located in the Lido Cannobio car park, while clothing and leather goods can be found mainly on the promenade.
When? The market takes place on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Locarno: Market on the Piazza Grande
Every Thursday, the impressive Piazza Grande in Locarno is transformed into a lively market on Lake Maggiore. Vendors spread out their wares under the arcades. You will find a diverse mix of regional foods and handcrafted products.
The assortment ranges from spicy mountain cheese and fresh fruit to wood and ceramic art. The spacious piazza offers plenty of room for a leisurely stroll and invites you to linger in one of its numerous cafés.
When? The market is held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In January and February from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in November and December from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In winter, the market is only held every two weeks.
Insider tip: Market in Intra
The Saturday market in Intra, a district of Verbania on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, is considered one of the most authentic markets and an insider tip. Despite its comparable size, the market in the historic center is significantly less frequented by tourists than those in Luino and Cannobio.
Here, it is mainly locals who haggle at the stalls for the best prices for fruit, vegetables, sausages, and cheese. Clothing, leather goods, flowers, and household goods are also part of the assortment.
When? The market in Intra is open on Saturdays from around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Culinary insider tip: Villa Emden on Isola di Brissago
Perhaps you'll snack on something at the beautiful markets on Lake Maggiore and buy some specialties to take home. For a proper lunch or dinner, we recommend a visit to Villa Emden on Isola di Brissago. The hotel in the middle of Lake Maggiore is home to an excellent restaurant.
Chef Joao Antunes was named "Discovery of the Year in Ticino" by GaultMillau, and the restaurant was awarded 14 GaultMillau points. The restaurant's ambiance is just as impressive as its cuisine. The two Brissago Islands are located in the Botanical Garden of the Canton of Ticino.
The neoclassical Villa Emden is therefore surrounded not only by tranquil waters and mountains, but also by thousands of subtropical plants from all over the world. You should enjoy a meal in the airy terrace room or in the villa's garden.
With an American Express credit card, you receive special benefits. As a cardholder, you can conveniently reserve your table via the Travel & Lifestyle Service. In many restaurants, such as the GaultMillau restaurants in Switzerland, you also benefit from special dining benefits.
Are you traveling to the markets on Lake Maggiore with your Gold Card or Platinum Card?
Markets on Lake Maggiore: a living tradition between Switzerland and Italy
The markets on Lake Maggiore offer a wide range of specialties, from the finest foods to clothing and handicrafts. The panorama of the water and mountains that you can enjoy while strolling through the market is particularly charming.
The best way to book your trip to Lake Maggiore is with American Express. Depending on your card model, you can benefit from exclusive travel advantages, such as a comprehensive insurance package and attractive benefits at hotels and events.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The Saturday market in Intra is considered the most beautiful and diverse market on Lake Maggiore. It delights visitors with its location on the waterfront, its fragrant stalls full of cheese, sausage, flowers, and spices, and its authentic Italian atmosphere.
The market in Cannobio takes place on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Not all traders adhere to the official opening hours, which are only guidelines. It is best to arrive early.
The weekly market in Cannero Riviera takes place every Friday morning in Piazza degli Alpini, just a few steps from the lake. Its location among palm trees, oleanders, and the lake shore makes the market particularly atmospheric.
