Premeno, the site of very ancient settlements (findings from the Bronze Age and the Roman Imperial period have been discovered) is today the major tourist centre of the Verbania hinterland.

It is marked by a great tradition of hospitality and entrepreneurial ability: in 1903 the first clay tennis court in Italy was built here, where important national tournaments were played; since 1965 a nine-hole golf course, which was the first of its kind in Europe, was opened.

Set deep in the lush green of the surrounding woods, rich in conifers and hardwood trees, the village rests in a gentle hollow enclosed by the hills of the "Sasso Corbe" and "Pizzo d'Omo", which protect it from the cold North wind, ensuring a mild climate, which tourists and holidaymakers have always appreciated.
The village is situated close to the lake, it offers the chance to stay in an enchanting pre-Alpine environment without having, because of this to give up the easy and convenient access to coastal sites.

As a result of this during the twentieth century it enthusiastically attracted the Lombard upper-middle class, who decided to build refined villas, such as Villa Calvi, Villa Bonomi, Villa Murari, Villa Mangiagalli and Villa Bernocchi (the latter is now owned by the municipality and important exhibitions, concerts and conventions are held here).

The very green meadows on the gentle slopes bear witness to the central role in the area of the agro-pastoral activities, which existed up to not so long ago. Examples of this ancient rural world can be found in the many refuges standing on the mountain pastures scattered throughout the territory and the well-cared for mule tracks, where often one comes across votive chapels some of which are of considerable artistic value.

It must be mentioned that ancient forms of local handicraft still survive in the hamlet of Esio - crafts such as working copper, wrought iron work and above all, woodwork to produce farming implement.