Casa Dono is charming holiday apartment on the beautiful Lago Maggiore in Switzerland. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel relaxed from the moment you arrive.
Housed in a traditional Ticinese building, the apartment has retained many of its original features like the sloping ceiling with timber rafters. It is comfortable decorated with a stylishly mix of modern furniture, vintage collectables, natural soft furnishing and coffee table books.
The open plan layout views over the lake from the lounge, dining and bedroom. Casa Dono has a modern kitchen blending rustic character with modern conveniences.
Positioned on the top floor with a private entrance, the apartment faces north and has a commanding view over the lake.
Casa Dono’s sits on the hillside in the village of Piodina. It’s a peaceful and quiet enclave, where the neighbours are predominately locals. Narrow pathways from the house, wind down between the houses to the village’s town square and small church.
Border hopping for eating or shopping is easy from Casa Dono; its a twelve-minute drive to the nearest Italian town Cannobio [above]. The local village of Brissago sits on the lake [below] and has a ferry stop, many cafes, restaurants and a small supermarket. Larger resort towns of Ascona and Locarno are within 10-20 mins drive.
About the region
The southern region of Switzerland is called the Ticino, and is best known for its mild climate that is almost Mediterranean in character. The area has perfect conditions for palm trees and exotic plants to flourish. Italian is the spoken language of the Ticino.
Lago Maggiore is the largest lake in the region (65kms long), with the northern end lying in Switzerland and the remainder in Italy. You can read more about what do on around Lago Maggiore on our blog.
Location
Exploring Lago Maggiore
Casa Dono’s location make it a perfect base to explore the lakes, walk in the mountains, drive up the valley’s and enjoy the regional food from rustic villages. Simple food can be found at the mountain grotto’s, like the one above – Grotto al Mater in the Cannobio valley in Italy.
Eating regional produce
Italian food for dinner? Drive 6kms to our closest Italian neighbour Cannobio (above) to experience Italian food and culture at its best. There are plenty of restaurants and pizzerias on the lakeside promenade. For something a bit more fancy, Cannero Riviera has a wonderful selection of old-style lakeside hotels with lovely traditional dining rooms.
Hiking around the lake
Switzerland and Italy have many hiking tracks dotted around the lake, many with spectacular views. Some walls can be completed in an hour or two, some can take most of the day. It’s a chance to unwind as you meander along ancient stone tracks, passing through lush vegetation, alpine meadows and forests of chestnut trees. If you don’t fancy carrying your lunch, on most of the trails you will find signs to a local grotto or cafe.
Ascona and Brissago
Exploring the beautiful Swiss towns of Ascona and Brissago is a must. Situated in a pretty bay, accessible by ferry, Ascona has many boutiques, art galleries and a promenade full of restaurants and cafes. The local village of Brissago is known for it’s lido for swimming, sailing club and pizzeria on the lake.
Isole di Brissago
A ferry ride to Ascona with a stop at the Brissago Island is an enjoyable way to spend a day. The island’s botanical garden has over 1700 varieties of sub-tropical plants.
Nearby places to explore
There are many places to discover within easy reach of Casa Dono. You can read about some of our trips on our Piodina travel journal. In our experience the easiest way to get around the region is by car.
- 10 mins to Cannobio, Italy
- 1.5 hrs to Varese including a ferry ride, Italy
- 1.50 hrs to Malpensa (Milan) airport hub
- 2.25 hrs to Milan, Italy
- 2.5 hrs to Torino, Italy – read more
- 15 mins to Ascona, Switzerland
- 1hr to Lugano, Switzerland
- 1hr to Mogno, Switzerland – read more
- 3.5 hrs to Zurich, Switzerland
Our local tips
Taste
Osteria Borei Via Ghiridone, Brissago +41 91 793 01 95 Our favourite! Make a booking for Friday and Saturday evenings. Three kms up the road from Casa Dono, high on the hill is this family run osteria has an outdoor terrace. Fabulous regional and lake views and food – known for their risotto – con funghi porchini or the Borei [saffron], delicious meats, great wines and a lovely starter platters of local salami and cheeses – Piatto Ticiniese con formaggio. It’s a few degree’s cooler there, so don’t forget to take something warm to wear. It’s closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Pizzeria Gabbinetta – Via Gabbinetta 6, Brissago T: +41 91 793 17 60 A casual friendly restaurant offering pizza, pasta as well as more substantial meals right on the lake. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the early evening and watch the sunset over the mountains. Easy parking in the town hall area, just off the main road, and walk down to the lake. Open all day from about 9:30am.
Markets
Many of the villages dotted around Lago Maggiore have markets. Our favourties are in the Italian towns of Cannobio on Sunday morning and Verbania on Saturday.
During the summer months they are very busy and we advise you to get there early. Both have a great vibe, great food and general Italian wares like belts, bags, scarves, and gloves The Cannobio market (pictured below) is along the lakeside promenade and the more authentic Verbania market starts at the main roundabout and heads into the city.
