On the shores of crystalline Lake Maggiore, lie the countries of Switzerland and Italy and tucked beneath the shadows of alpine mountains, the Sunday market in the Italian town of Cannobio, is abuzz with shoppers.

Come by car or come by boat but if you are departing from Switzerland, make sure you remember your passport!   

Steep cobblestone alleys wind from the town center down to the lake, passing shops and eateries where you can fuel up with a flaky breakfast brioche and (a true) Italian cappuccino.

If you take the lake steamer to the market, spy the many paragliders skimming smoothly across the water and rising high overhead as the wind fills their sails.

It’s time to shop!  Fill your market baskets with everything, from shoes to scarves, leather handbags to dried salami and fresh fruits and crisp veggies to bowls of olives, mounds of mushrooms and wheels of cheese.  This market has it all with prices that are phenomenally low! 

Make sure you get there early though.  By two o’clock merchants close up shop but the many cafes that sprawl right into the crowds of people, remain open, serving up classic Italian fare, local beers and magnificent Piedmont wines.  Bask in the afternoon sun and watch the boats go by. 

Majestic mountains, a clear blue lake, an abundance of fresh food and friendly people, Cannobio is the perfect place to spend a Sunday.

© Virginia Foley