The Valle Cannobina is full of tiny little villages instead Val Grande is the most biggest wild area of Europe.
Very interesting is to start a trip from Cannobio to Locarno, passing through the Valle Vigezzo, and the Centovalli. Interesting stops are: the Orrido of Sant'Anna( Medieval Church and bridge), Malesco, Santa Maria Maggiore, Re and Ponte Brolla. www.vallecannobina.it
From Cannobio you can also go, using a narrow mountain foot path, to Carmine Superiore which is an ancient village situated on a massive rock where you can see most of the lake.
For experienced hikers there is the national park Val Grande, full of mountain paths but only to go with experienced guides! www.parcovalgrande.it