Located along the shores of Lake Verbano, Canobbio is the last Italian municipality on the west side of the lake, at more than 214 meters above sea level.
The origins of the settlement are very old and it is thought to have been founded in Roman times, as evidenced by some recent findings.

There are numerous architectural buildings in the historic center: the core of the 14th-century bell tower and Palazzo della Ragione (1291), Casa Pironi, an elegant medieval building, and the Omacini lakefront facades. For its water quality and positive environmental characteristics, Cannobio was awarded the Blue Flag, a prestigious international award, from 2002 to 2007.

On the lakefront and along the streets leading up to the state highway are 16th-17th century buildings. Walking through the ancient cobblestone-paved streets, it is possible to discover the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione and the Town Hall Tower, the 15th-century Casa dei Pironi, the 16th-century Sanctuary on the Lake, and the 18th-century Collegiate Church of San Vittore.

In thelocality of Traffiume is the Orrido di Sant’Anna: this is a bubbling waterfall carved into the rocks by the waters of the Cannobino stream; a small church from 1665 dedicated to the saint stands nearby.

A pleasant hike, from the lakefront on the road to Cannero, leads to the small village of Carmine Superiore, which stands alone on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake. The Church of St. Gotthard was built here.

Although they are called Castles of Cannero, in reality the two rocky islets that still bear the vestiges of ancient fortifications now in ruins belong to the municipal territory of Cannobio.