A site of ancient settlements (archaeological remains dating back to the Bronze Age and the period of the Roman Empire have been found), Premeno today is a significant tourist centre of the Verbania hinterland, proud of its long tradition of hospitality allied to the natural beauty of the place.

Immersed in the green of the surrounding woodland, rich in broad-leaved and deciduous trees, the village of Premeno is situated in a soft valley between the hills of “Sasso Corbe” and “Pizzo d’Omo” that protect it from the cold, north winds giving it a mild climate all year round. Premeno’s panoramic position over the waters of Lake Maggiore, its proximity to the main lakeside towns of Oggebbio, Cannero and Cannobio and the  natural surroundings  make it  a perfect place for a stay in pre-alpine environment.

These reasons made Premeno a focus of interest during the 20th century for Lombard upper-middle class society, whose members decided to build their elegant villas such as Villa  Calvi, Villa Bonomi, Villa Murari, Villa Mangiagalli and  Villa Bernocchi in the town (the last-named, where important exhibitions, concerts and meetings are held, is now town council property).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The old stone baite (small mountain houses) in the alpine meadows of the area and the well-kept mule-tracks where you can come across votive chapels still testify to the ancient rural life of these places. 

In the little hamlet of Esio, ancient forms of handcraft still exist today: the working of copper, wrought iron and especially wood,  used particularly to make agricultural implements.