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6 reasons to visit Varese

Here are the top reasons to visit Varese, an enchanting town near Milan that abounds with artistic treasures and natural splendor.

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Here are some of the top reasons to visit Varese, a delightful town near Milan rich in artistic and natural beauties .

I guess not many of you have ever thought of visiting Varese while in Milan, right? Well, you might want to rethink this and add Varese to your travel list, because this relatively unsung jewel near lake Maggiore will steal your heart .

Here are the 6 reasons why I think you should organize a trip to Varese when you are in Milan.

1. The “Garden City”

Varese has been dubbed the “Garden City” because of the  numerous parks and gardens of all shapes and sizes that adorn the town with their well-manicured bushes   and flower beds. These were commissioned in the past by noble families for their private mansions and today they are open to the public.

One of the most impressive parks in town is that of Palazzo Estense, dominated by a huge fountain that in the summer is the protagonist of a “sound and lights” show.

2. Milan’s little Versailles

Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi once described Varese as Milan’s little Versailles while referring to the magnificent Palazzo Estense . This palace was built in the XVIII century for Francesco III d’Este, the Duke of Modena, who was so impressed by the beauty of Varese that he wanted it as one of his feuds. Apparently he had Schönbrunn, the summer residence of the Habsburg family, in mind when planning this palace, so it’s no surprise that the place is truly impressive.

3. A charming city center

Varese’s pedestrian city center is really pretty, dotted with lively piazze and cozy cafés nestled under porticoed streets. One of my favorite spots is Broletto , a delightful XV-century courtyard that used to host the local grains market and today houses little shops and a café.

4. Beautiful villas

There are some pretty amazing villas in Varese that used to be the home of aristocratic families and now are open to the public. One of these is the splendid Villa Panza , sitting on top of a hill and opening up onto a fantastic 30,000 sqm Italian garden. The villa was built in the XVIII century as the noble mansion of a Marquis to host social events and today houses a XX century American art collection.

Next door you’ll find Ville Ponti , a complex of two elegant villas immersed in a huge park. Nowadays they are used as an event and congress center. Other historic mansions not to miss are Villa Toepliz and the Masnago Castle , just 2 km from the city center, whose unpretentious exterior hides beautiful frescoes dating back to the XIV century. The castle is also home to the Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

5. A sacred mountain

One of the top attractions in Varese is its sacred mountain called Sacro Monte di Varese . It’s one of the 9 holy mounts scattered around Lombardy and Piedmont that have been included in the Unesco World Heritage Site list. Basically, these are mountainside cobbled paths that are dotted with elaborate chapels depicting Biblical scenes and culminate in a sanctuary. They were created between the XVI and XVII centuries as places of pilgrimage and today they continue to attract both devotees and lovers of hiking in the unspoiled nature .  

6. Fantastic lakes

The area around Varese is renowned for its beautiful lakes, with the closest one being Lake Varese , just 6 km from the city center. It’s lined with picturesque villages and can be explored using the well-marked cycle path. The lake is not suitable for swimming, but it’s still a great place to chill out and enjoy the natural landscape and mountain views.

The pearl of the area around Varese is Lake Maggiore , the second largest body of water in Italy after Lake Garda. It’s immersed in a beautiful landscape of mountains and hills and surrounded by some fantastic places to explore, including impressive castles, quaint villages and the fascinating archipelago of the Borromean Islands.

If off-the-beaten-path places are your thing, then you should head to Lake Ghirla , a picturesque body of water near the Swiss border surrounded by a pristine landscape, or Lake Monate which is perfect for a refreshing swim in these hot summer days.

How to get to Varese

Varese is a great day trip from Milan , being only 50 km away from it. There are several trains connecting the two cities from Milan Porta Garibaldi Passante station in just about an hour. Varese is also pretty close to the border with Switzerland, so it could be a great weekend idea for those traveling from that region.

If you are traveling by car, I suggest to leave it in the underground parking site at Le Corti shopping center . It’s not cheap (€8 for a day) but it’s super handy and right at the entrance to the city center, where you can also catch the bus to Sacro Monte di Varese.

The city is quite compact and you can easily visit all the main sights on foot. In any case, there is a great local network of buses available. Tickets cost €1.40 and can be bought at any tabaccheria or directly on board (have the correct amount at hand, though).

Useful tips

• A must when you are in Varese is the aperitivo ritual at Da Pirola cafè . Order an Apollo 11 , their signature pink cocktail named after the historic moon landing. There are also bottles on sale if you are looking for a special gift.
• Another local delicacy to try is the buosino made at Pasticceria Buosi , an explosive mix of hot chocolate and coffee, topped with frothy milk and grains of dark chocolate and served with a chocolate teaspoon.
• Good places to eat in Varese include the historical Golden Egg Bar and Osteria di Piazza Litta , but if you are planning a romantic meal you should consider Al Borducan , in the fascinating village of Santa Maria del Monte

Until next time,

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32 thoughts on “6 reasons to visit varese”.

I think you just let the secret out! This place is absolutely gorgeous and doesn’t look anywhere nearly as crowded as the more popular Italian cities. The town center is just gorgeous, I love the architecture. I’m visiting Milan soon and this looks like the perfect day trip outside of the busy city. So glad I found your blog!

Thank you Maggie! I’m trying to encourage people to explore more of Italy beyond the usual suspects and Varese is such a good example of beautiful, off-the-beaten-path places that deserve more attention 🙂

You’re right I hadn’t ever thought of visiting Varese, but your posts makes me want to visit! I love cities with a lot of parks and gardens, it’s a good way to have a break in nature while still having all the convenience and excitement of a city. Those villas and historic mansions would be really nice to see. I bet they are really impressive.

Yay, thanks Elizabeth!

I have been to Italy many times, almost every year. But I haven’t heard about this place. Indeed it is a perfect destination from Milan. I will for sure to check this hidden gem.

Fantastic Mijia, hope you’ll be able to visit Varese on one of your next trips to Italy 🙂

Didn’t know this beautiful lake town is just 50km away from Milan ! Hope to visit this some day ! Palazzo Estense is beautiful but I still think Schönbrunn is much more grand !

So under the radar yet so beautiful!

I’ll be honest, I’ve never even heard of Varese until now. It is absolutely beautiful though – both its nature scenes and gorgeous villas + architecture. The Golden Egg Bar has my attention. Are they known for a golden egg dish?

Ahahah, unfortunately no, “just” super yummy paninis!

Varese looks like a living Art Gallery of sorts. So beautiful as if it has emerged from the imagination of an artists mind. The enchanting streets, beautiful villas and the ethereal lakes look so riveting. Time seems to have stood still here. Would love wake up in this beautiful place in Italy someday! It would be like waking up to a dream.

Thanks so much Sandy, what amazing words 😀

The architecture of Varese is so unique and beautiful! I wish I would have had more time in Italy to explore beyond the touristy places. Reason to return!

This is the beauty of Italy – if you scratch the surface you find even more beautiful jewels!

Varese is a pretty place that I would love to visit. You are right, I have never thought of visiting this place while in Milan. But after reading through your blog, and knowing about the architecture, this is something that I would not like to miss when in Milan. Thanks for sharing details about the lovely Versailles of Milan, plus thanks for the useful tips. I am surely going to order Apollo 11.

Yay, great choice Shreya! 😉

I’ll be frank with you, before reading your post I had not even heard about Varese. I love the offbeat parts pf Italy and this seems like my kind of place. The city centre and the streets look so quaint. But the one thing that tugged my heart is Lake Varese. I would love to cycle here.

And you can do it with a great day trip from Milan, how cool is that?!

Varese looks amazing! I love hearing about lesser-known places like this that are rich with history, culture, and art. I love all the gardens as well–and right on the water! Definitely putting Varese on my next trip to Italy. Thanks for the tip!

That looks like a place, where I would like to go around with my camera. I am not that much into architecture photography, but I would love to give it a try there on all the beautiful villas and city center.

Milan is in my list of places to visit on my second trip to Italy (there are so many places I couldn’t make it to on the first trip) and this little day trip looks perfect! I love the sound of a garden city, the fact that is has so many gardens means it must be so green! I also love the charming city centre, such a lovely place to take a stroll, have a meal. Also, Palazzo Estense looks pretty cool. And the fact that there are lakes, adds icing to the cake! Varese is going in my list 🙂

Based on your post, it seems that Varese is another romantic place to visit. I love the view overlooking the town, and even that view near the creek. Mesmerizing feeling.

I thought I did my fair share of exploring in Italy but I never heard of this place! The garden city reputation it has is quite interesting and rather descriptive. When I come back to Italy this is definitely one of the first places I’ll want to visit.

Wow! Varese looks absolutely beautiful! I shall definitely return to your blog later on, as I am 100% going to have to spend more time visiting Italy. The Italian kitchen and your wines has been one of my absolute favourites for ages, and only this June did I visit Italy first time. I only had 3 days in Milan, which went past way too quickly, and so now I am definitely planning on going back, seeing more – and of course just keep going on with regards to the eating and drinking. 😉 Gorgeous photos!

My wife and I will be in Milan and have a day trip to Varese in a week. I am excited to see all the beautiful places you posted about. Thanks for doing that.

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Varese Travel Guide

Visit the lombardy city and province with 4 unesco world heritage sites.

Why go to Varese? Varese is the capital of the Province of Varese, the territory that counts the highest number of places of international interest in the region of Lombardia, with four UNESCO World Heritage sites surrounding the city. We stayed three nights in the area. A week would have been better.

Varese is tucked into the northwest corner of Lombardia, with the Swiss boundary a few miles to the north, and Lago Maggiore and Piemonte a few miles to the west.

The streets of Varese's old city teem with people going about their business during the day--at night becoming a havien for Aperitivo time, when the din of conversation combines with cheers for soccer goals seen on televisions or heard on the radio. The food selection in restaurants spans a variety of cuisines; you can get Japanese, Chinese or Indian food as well as food from other regions. At times, local cuisine seems to hold a back seat to more exotic fare from afar, and Lombardia wine selection seemed amazingly sparse. 

Varese is often refered to as the garden city, and if you stay in the center you'll have easy access to the gardens around the Palazzo Estense, which are free to visit. Walk through the park to arrive at the museum of Villa Mirabello, dedicated to the archeology of the territory. The museum seems small when you visit the inovative exhibits on the first floor, but go upstairs and you'll learn of the long history of the area.

Lake Varese

Near Varese to the west is its lake, lago di Varese , home to Isolino Virginia , an island that was home to one of the oldest pile-dwelling settlements in the Alps. The small, triangular island made UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2011 as part of a grouping known as the “Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps”.

Map of Varese Attractions

The blue markers indicate restaurants, specialty food shops and things to see, and the green marker is where we stayed and recommend staying if you favor apartments over hotels.

What to See in Varese: Top Attractions

Madonnina in Prato

Originally a small chappel outside the walls of Verese, in the late 15th century it was transformed into a church. It fell into disrepair and Between 1995 and 1996, a complete interior and exterior restoration fixed earlier restoration errors and brought the frescoes back to life. It is amazing to view today--although the area is no longer the meadows but a continuation of the modern city.

Archaeological Museum

Villa Mirabello, built in the late 1600s, is the seat of Museo Civico Archeologico . The area's rich cultural heritage is well-explained and represented by many artifacts. A visit is a must if you're curious as to how the area evolved over time.

Estense Gardens

Duke of Modena and Governor of the Duchy of Milan n 1765 bought the palace and grounds, emplorying architect Giuseppe Bianchi to handle the renovations necessary to turn it into his summer residence. The gardens behind the villa were transformed into French formal gardens and Italian gardens and today are free to the public. 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Near Verese

In this corner of Lombardia, there are four important and diverse UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Sacred Mountain, north of Verese is easily reached and the most mentioned on the Internet.

The 2 km long cobbled path takes you to the village of Santa Maria del Monte, where you might, visit the Baroffio and Casa Pogliaghi museums and the Shrine and the Convent of the Romite Ambrosiane .

The other easy-to-reach UNESCO site is the Isolino Virginia , a triangular island that looks like a boat tied to the western shore of Lake Varese. This is one of the most important sites of the Prehistoric pile dwellings around the alps. 

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps comprises a selection of 111 out of more than 1000 known archaeological pile dwelling sites in six countries around the Alps (Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia). They date from from 5000 to 500 BC. Dwellings are situated under water, on lake shores, along rivers or in wetland, offering exceptional conservation conditions for organic materials like wood, textiles, plant residue and bones.

On the small island of  Isolino Virginia in Lake Varese there is a restarant, little museum (a majority of the finds you'll see in the archaeological museum of Varese. An educational path illustrates the prehistory of Lake Varese.)

Castelseprio Archaeological Park - Church of Santa Maria Foris Portas - Santa Maria Assunta - This trio of sites includes a Roman fort, a historic church, and an Abbey founded in 737.

Fossil lovers will be happy to note there is a site in the territory shared with Switzerland: Monte San Giorgio ’s transnational paleontological district, where there is ample evidence of history dating 230-245 million years ago.  A path connects the sites.

Where to Eat in Varese

Varese offers a slightly different culinary experience than the rest of Italy. There are only a few restaurants specializing in the traditional food of the Lombardy region, but there are many options for creative cuisine drawing from the past but modernized for today. There are international options as well--from sushi to Indian cuisine.

If you are wandering about the historic center in the evening, you'll notice crowds forming at the outdoor tables of Varese's popular watering holes around 6. You are winessing Varese's  aperitivo , where folks gather in a crowd to listen to the big game or just gossip the evening away with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine--and some food, nibbly stuff.

It's a great way to put something in your stomach before dinner, and carries on the fabulous Milanese aperitivo tradition. You need to try it if you have the time. It's a great tradition of the culture, a happy hour but slightly different.

After our stay in Varese, we came away with two favorite restaurants and a pizzeria, marked on the map above.

La Posteria rates a 5 out of 5 for location. Tables are available in a covered monastic courtyard in the center of Varese. The restaurant offers great, inovative food--and half-portions are available. This allows the diner to have a small order of pasta, which brings back the days when you didn't have to stuff yourself silly when you ordered a full Italian meal.  I loved my Rigatini “Felicetti” con ragù di coniglio, porri e cedro--rigatini with a ragu of rabbit, leeks and cedro, a citrus the French call citron.

Vecchia Trattoria della Pesa in Varese offers well-prepared food as well. It's not so easy to find local specialties in Verese outside of a few from Milan. The hit of the day was called "Risottino alla Parmigiana con pesce persico di lago di Garda". Or a parmigiano rice with fried lake perch from lake Garda. It was a very fine dish and could have been what Italians call a  piatto unico , a single dish meal in itself.

La Piedigrotta Varese  gets two thumbs up for its great pizza and and the artisanal beer selection.

And finally, If you are staying in an apartment--perhaps like the one we review below--you might want to have a meal on the balcony that you don't have to cook, and for that we recommend the  Gastronomia del Corso offering a great selection of ready-to-heat and ready-to-eat food and good wine. We enjoyed a fantastic slightly fizzy Reisling with our pizza, and thought it so good we bought a bottle to take home with us to the Lunigiana .

Where to Stay in Varese

We stayed in a fabulous apartment in the heart of old town Varese. Make note that it is not a historic building but a modern apartment with more luxury than you're paying for. One room had a large desk with plenty of electrical access to power your stuff. The little balcony had a fine view of the old town, and underground, secure parking was free. There were two very modern bathrooms. The living room featured a sound system with subwoofer and a huge tv along with a very comfortable sofa. The windows kept sound out. It was all very efficient and functional, so much so it kept reminding me of neighboring Switzerland--at a bargain price. Check out Central Loft Varese .

If a rental apartment isn't your thing or your time in Varese is limited, see the lodging map below for more lodging options in Varese.

How to Get to Varese

Varese has a convenient train station located just southeast of the historic center. Trains on that line run on the Porto Ceresio–Milan railway.

The Autostrada A8 takes you from Milan to Varese in about 40 minutes.

Enjou planning your trip to Varese, Italy. 

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Best Things to Do in Varese, Italy: a Local’s Guide

This article covers the best things to do in Varese Italy and some interesting day trips from Varese.

If Varese is known as the Garden City , there is a reason. It is not only because of the wonderful park of the Estensi Gardens where you can admire Palazzo Estense , centuries-old trees, and neat flower beds. 

What is remarkable about Varese is the geographical context in which the city is set, between its lake and the two mountains that represent the virtual symbol of the city: the Sacro Monte and the Campo dei Fiori.

From there, you can admire a panorama that is unique in the world, to the point that the Sacro Monte, is defined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Varese is a city in northern Italy, in the western part of Lombardy , very close to Switzerland and not at all distant from the border with Piedmont, less than 25 km away from Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano and about 40 km away from Lake Como .

The city is well-served by public transportation, several bus routes, and as many as two different train lines. Connections with Milan (less than an hour) and the Malpensa airport area (reachable in about 40 minutes) are direct and convenient, allowing many tourists to travel to the city, but also to go out to do other activities and visit other places in the surrounding area.

Here are the most interesting things to do in Varese according to a local resident.

About the author : Massimo Airoldi is a copywriter from Varese. He loves his work, which leads him to travel around northern Italy, getting to know new places and people every day.

The best things to do in Varese Italy

Take a walk through the historic center.

The city center runs from the area of the train stations (there are two of them close to each other), starting from Via Morosini and going all the way to Piazza Montegrappa (the city’s living room ) and Corso Matteotti (a pedestrian area renowned for the presence of stores, boutiques, and high-end cafes). 

The main piazza is precisely the one just mentioned and is characterized by a beautiful central fountain that is a meeting point for local young people. Others like to sit at one of the cafes and have tea, breakfast, or simply get together during the day. 

From the Piazza Montegrappa begins Corso Matteotti , which is pleasant to walk slowly without danger from motor vehicles, and it is nice to walk along both the main street and the two parallel outside streets (also limited traffic). 

The Corso leads directly to Piazza San Vittore , which takes its name from the Basilica of the same name. Just walk another 300 meters to the nearby Estensi Gardens exactly behind the municipal palace, also the work of the rich mid-18th-century family of the same name. 

Here you can spend a couple of hours relaxing on the many benches available and strolling through the entire park discovering unique vegetation. Enjoy strolling through centuries-old plants, colorful flowers, and pergolas, with a charming fountain as a backdrop.

Have Aperitivo and Buosino  

For Varese locals, the aperitivo in Piazza Montegrappa is a real “must.” If you are walking in the city center, head to the main piazza to one of those bars you will find around its perimeter and have a great aperitivo . If, on the other hand, you prefer tea, then stop at one of the historic pastry shops on Corso Matteotti, where tradition dictates that the warm drink is accompanied by a slice of Dolce Varese or an artisanal pastry.

If, on the other hand, you’re in the mood for a tasty coffee, you can’t escape from the Buosino . That is a hot beverage that consists of a selected blend of coffee and chocolate with a light milk foam that is punctuated with chocolate chips, served in a clear cup, and with a very special and unique spoon.

Try your first Buosino at the Pasticceria Buosi .

By meeting locals at a café, you will have the opportunity to discover what Italians look like and their ways.

See Villa Panza and Villa Toeplitz

The presence of many noble villas makes Varese one of the most attractive cities in northern Italy .

Villa Panza is an 18th-century building that sits on a small hill in town, with a splendid hall, ancient stables, and many contemporary artworks on display. The beautiful Italian garden is an added value. 

The villa can also be reached by public transportation (strongly recommended to avoid the parking problem), and admission tickets can be purchased online or on-site. 

Villa Toeplitz is located in the Sant’Ambrogio district, at the initial part of the ascent to Sacro Monte, and boasts an immense park with many trees of a very valuable and historic nature. The area is well-served by city buses.

Lake Varese bicycle trail

A beautiful bicycle path of about 28 km embraces Lake Varese starting from Località Schiranna locality and takes you through part of the surrounding area. 

It is possible to walk part of it and find refreshment in pleasant local farmhouses, or, with a bicycle, it is nice to ride the entire route. The lake is swimmable in some areas and it is also possible to go rowing.

Visiting this lake is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Varese. It is also a way to discover an off-the-beaten-path natural attraction in Italy .

Hike in Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori 

The two mountains that protect the city’s back are definitely worth a visit. The more athletic travelers might plan to hike up Sacro Monte and then continue to the higher peak of Campo dei Fiori via one of the trails that connect the two peaks. 

Photography enthusiasts be prepared to take a panoramic picture worthy of a painting. On the clearest days (best in winter) one can catch a clear view of Milan’s skyscrapers and scout out the first peaks of the Apennines around Parma. 

The view from Campo dei Fiori is different, it opens its gaze to the lake and the Alps. 

Trekking enthusiasts will also find pleasant trails that start right from the Campo dei Fiori or Sacro Monte and wind for several kilometers. In this regard, it is nice to pass by the old abandoned hotel, an elegant and historic structure that is still able to attract people’s curiosity and gazes.

If, on the other hand, you want to isolate yourself from the world and find relaxation, there is nothing better than a stop in the area of the Sanctuary and a walk inside the old village of Santa Maria del Monte .

Here you’ll find narrow, ancient alleys where only people walk by, without the danger of cars and motorcycles. Immediately behind the Sanctuary is the Pogliaghi Museum , which is worth a visit.

A place that holds all the fascination of northern Italy off the beaten track .

Visit the Broletto

In a street near the historic, about 300 meters from Piazza Montegrappa, is the Broletto , or an ancient courtyard that was originally a place where merchants exchanged and sold grain. 

The presence of a very elegant arcade takes you back in time, and the memory is corroborated by the Biumi Palace that surrounds the courtyard. 

The Biumis were one of the city’s noble families who stayed in Varese between the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the palace and the quaint courtyard are practically adjacent. During a stroll through the streets of the center, it is worth making a stop at the Broletto.

The Broletto is one of those lesser-known Italian monuments that will take you back in time.

Relax at the Estensi Gardens 

Palazzo Estense hosts the administrative headquarters of the municipality of Varese and the city library . 

At the back, the property extends with a large park that was actually the gardens of the noble family’s residence. Estensi Gardens are among the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

Francesco III d’Este, a duke from Modena, was governor of Lombardy when it was under Austrian hegemony. When he passed through Varese he was impressed by the beauty of the area and asked Maria Theresa of Austria if he could have the town as his fiefdom. Thus, he acquired the palace and had it restored so that he could spend his summer holidays there. 

Much attention was focused on the gardens, inspired by those of the royal house of Schonbrunn. The gardens are arranged in the Italian style with a fountain, a pond, many flower beds full of flowers and ornamental plants in the lower part, and then going up and finding specimens of centuries-old trees. 

Also within the park is Villa Mirabello , another villa in the city. 

Entrance to the gardens is free of charge with continuous hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Those who may be staying in another part of the city can reach the Palazzo Estense by bus, as there are no less than two stops that lead right near the entrance that provides access to the park. 

Hundreds of people spend time at the Estensi Gardens every day, it is one of the best things to do in Varese.

Taste the best dishes from Varese

Varese is home to many delicious dishes ranging from pasta dishes, lake specialties, cheeses, and local desserts. The province of Varese has as many as seven lakes and, at the same time, it also counts several farms that find space in the hills of the northern part of the territory.

Traditional recipes in and around Varese are characterized by genuine and often rustic tastes, just like the delicious polenta accompanied by different varieties of wild meat, such as venison and wild boar. 

Perch risotto

This type of risotto made with lake fish is a decidedly refined dish that comes from the culinary tradition of Lake Maggiore and Lugano. Perch has a delicate and balanced flavor. The base for preparing this dish consists of a sauté of onions, carrots, and celery in which the risotto will then be introduced and whipped. 

Fundamental is to cook the perch in another pan and season it to taste with a splash of white wine or lemon to enhance the flavor of the raw material. 

Risotto with Cantello asparagus

Asparagus is a very tasty and delicious vegetable, found mostly in the Varese area, especially in the municipality of Cantello , a town near Switzerland. 

This vegetable goes well with many local recipes (both first and second courses), but it is risotto that is the favorite specialty to pair with it.  After arranging for sautéed onions and having the risotto stir-fried properly, it will be possible to insert asparagus into the pot by first boiling it and using the tips, which are more tender and tasty than the stalks.

Risotto with pumpkin

As another tasty first course in Lombard specialties, the province of Varese has another delicacy always with risotto as a base combined with another seasonal vegetable that features a sweet and very special taste, the pumpkin.

Polenta and Bruscitt and game

Polenta is an important specialty for Lombardy as if it were a true regional emblem. All trattorias in the province of Varese offer it during the fall and winter seasons. 

Locals appreciate it as a complete dish, combined with multiple varieties of meat, especially of wild origin.

Meat lovers are very fond of the culinary combination of polenta and Bruscitt. Bruscitt is a typical dish from the province of Varese, more specifically thought up many years ago by the citizens of Busto Arsizio and its surroundings. The so-called “ bruscitti ” are strips of beef cooked separately in a pan greased with lard and butter, in which you can add other flavorings such as pepper, rosemary, garlic, bay leaf, onion, or fennel.

The province of Varese is rich in lakes, so there are several main courses that feature freshwater fish. A lot of fish, such as salmon trout, for example, are served alone with just a few side dishes of vegetables, but sometimes other very tasty ingredients such as polenta or rice are associated. Some fish found in the most famous lakes in the province of Varese are sturgeon, agon, char, eel, perch, and chub. 

Lombard cheeses are some of the tastiest delicacies recognized not only throughout Italy, but also throughout the world. There is, however, one cheese that is among the best specialties of Varese and that is the formaggella del luinese . 

This cheese comes from the Luino valleys, a vast area that collects Lake Maggiore and reaches as far as Switzerland. Formaggella is made from goat’s milk and has an almost soft texture and cylindrical shape.

It is usually an appetizer food or offered at the end of a meal in place of the common dessert, for lovers of local dairy products. 

Desserts – Brutti e Buoni from Gavirate

Desserts are definitely among the most interesting protagonists of some of the traditional recipes of Varese and its surroundings, as they are highly appreciated for their originality and simple yet nuanced taste. 

Apparently, this dessert may look ugly and not very tasty to the eye, but it is actually a tender deception. In fact, this pastry specialty turns out to be a kind of crispy and very crumbly “cream puff” composed of fluffy meringue, hazelnut crumbs, and vanilla flavor. Brutti e buoni are great to enjoy with a cappuccino or coffee. 

These special sweets were created many years ago with a recipe that is still secret today in a small pastry shop in Gavirate, a town 10 km away from Varese. 

Dolce Varese

The Dolce Varese dessert is also called “ amor polenta ” because it is made with maize flour, it is a popular specialty with a light, mellow and refined taste. 

It can be served at the end of a meal or at breakfast with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or with a separate chantilly cream for a snack. Dolce Varese, in short, is one of the best and most recognized typical desserts in all of Lombardy.

Best day trips from Varese

The Varese area offers several tourist attractions that can help enrich an itinerary in Varese for a few days. Here are five of the best day trips from Varese.

Ticino Park

A visit to Ticino Park is an experience that takes up at least a day but is culturally and physically enriching. Taking the train from Varese, one heads to Sesto Calende and on foot continues along the pedestrian loop road to Golasecca. An alternative is to go as far as Tornavento (by car) and then venture on foot on excellently marked trails among the old war routes to discover Austro-Hungarian traces.

 There is also the possibility of renting a bicycle to ride the various trails in the woods or follow waterways. Between Somma Lombardo and Golasecca, the recommendation is for the Panperduto Dam on the Ticino River, which is pleasant to visit.

Ascent to Mount Sasso del Ferro

About a 30-minute train ride from Varese (Ferrovie Nord line) takes you down to Laveno Mombello , a quaint village on Lake Maggiore. From here there is the possibility of crossing by ferry to the Piedmont shore, but also of ascending Monte Sasso del Ferro on foot or by cable bin. The panoramic spectacle you will enjoy from the top is something unique and amazing. The eye widens the view over a part of the province that has as many as seven lakes, visible on the clearest days. Likewise, it is also possible to catch a glimpse of Milan Cathedral.

The Lake Comabbio bike path

A nice walk is just what you need to find relaxation and catch some sun. Not far from Varese is Lake Comabbio. You can reach it on foot (for the more daring) or by bike along part of the Lake Varese bike path, or by bus. 

A nice bike path takes you around the entire lake in about 3 hours (it’s 12 km). The route is flat and allows you to observe water lilies, meadows, and places to stop and rest.

Lake Maggiore

Among the tourist attractions in the Province of Varese, you cannot miss Lake Maggiore.

Reach Laveno Mombello by train and you will find that the boat is right in front of the station. The boats allow many sightseeing tours, including visits to the three Borromean Islands : Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola Pescatori. Also by boat, it is easy to reach Santa Caterina del Sasso , an incredible shrine set in the rock overlooking the lake. Continuing on, the village of Angera is also worth a visit. Here you will find a beautiful lakefront full of greenery, places to have lunch, and the very famous Rocca , a fortress worth visiting.

Luino and Maccagno 

North of Varese, Luino and Maccagno are two nearby towns that you can easily reach by bus. They are two places that welcome, every year, many foreign vacationers: Swiss, Dutch, German, and English.

Most famous is the market in Luino, a regular Wednesday event that is the town’s tourist boast, capable of creating appeal in Europe as well. On that day the town is transformed for a historic and folkloric appointment handed down through the years.

Maccagno , on the other hand, lies a little further north (we are only a few kilometers from the Swiss border) and has a unique setting. There is a church on the lake from which it is possible to observe a pleasant panorama (Santuario della Madonna della Punta), a lakeside promenade that skirts the many small beaches available, and trendy places to enjoy good food or an aperitif.

Conclusions

Is varese worth visiting.

Varese has about 80,000 inhabitants. Although this city in Northern Italy has a rather large land area, its main focus is its historic center, which is really people-friendly . Just to give you an idea, it is possible to walk around the historic streets of Varese in half a day. With one day in Varese, you’ll see the entire beating heart of the city. 

You might want to spend more days in the area.

Varese and its province offer interesting cues in every aspect: art, nature, wellness, and tourism, are evenly mixed. You just need to choose the best activities to perform in order to serenely “build” your ideal vacation it Italy off the beaten path .

It is no coincidence that the area is very popular with foreigners who find Varese great for outdoor activities, relaxation, and peace.

Varese is certainly worth visiting and adding to any northern Italy itinerary.

I’m Lisa, an Italian from Rome who one day discovered she finds incredible joy in traveling to new places. With this blog, I help you discover Italy (especially Rome and its surroundings) as a local would. Find out more about me here .

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Get around
• 7.1 Mid-range
• 7.2 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Varese (Lombard: Varés ) is a pleasant hillside city in Lombardy , a few kilometres from the Swiss border, with a cosy historic centre, stunning views of the namesake lake and the Alps and plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor activities.

Varese is the capital of its province . Its strong tourist vocation developed by the beginning of the twentieth century when the completion of quick connections to Milan , recreational and guest facilities.

Not far away from Milan, Como, Lake Maggiore and Swiss cities such as Lugano , Locarno and Bellinzona , Varese is a perfect base for visiting other centres and sites in Northern Italy and Switzerland.

The nearest airport is Milano-Malpensa that can be reached in 20 minutes by car. There's a well served railway connection to Varese via Milan.

Autostrada dei Laghi A8 from Milan. Coming from Switzerland exit in Mendrisio and drive to Varese going through the customs of Stabio-Gaggiolo

The "Servizio Ferroviario Regionale" connects Varese by train to other major cities in Lombardy and Switzerland (Canton Tessin). Services are provided by Trenitalia and Trenord railway network.

Varese is small enough to get around on foot, and many of the streets are pedestrian-only. Nevertheless if you want to reach and visit towns and villages spread over the area, such as Sacro Monte and S. Ambrogio Olona, we would advise you to use the public transport network , that comprises several lines. Some are mostly within city limits (Urbani) and some are Extraurbani (crossing city limits). Buying a ticket at newstands and bars before boarding is better, otherwise you can buy it on board at the same price of €1.40 for 90 minutes.

Taxis can be found on the main roads or reserve at ☏ +39 0332 241-800 .

Prior to or during your visit to Varese, you can look at the local Convention & Visitor's Bureau site , which has all the local news and events that are happening around the city.

• 45.81875 8.82681 1 Centro storico .  
• 45.81677 8.82344 2 Palazzo and Estensi Gardens with Villa Mirabello .   Residence of Francis III of Este during his Signoria, granded him by the lordship of Maria Teresa of Austria. The palace was built by the architect Giuseppe Bianchi between 1766 and 1771. The parterre of the gardens (Italian style, French influence) is spectacular. The park hosts Villa Mirabello, a Tudor style building, today the seat of the Archeological Museum [dead link] .

• 45.81364 8.83645 3 Villa e Parco Augusta .  
• 45.81656 8.81235 4 Villa e Parco Recalcati .  
• 45.82632 8.82205 5 Villa e Parco Torelli Mylius .  
• 45.82507 8.83146 6 Ville Ponti e Villa Panza . In Biumo Superiore, in the noblest of the ancient "Castellanze", there are Ville Ponti, a complex of two villas, one in Venetian style (16th century), the other in neoclassical, both of them used as congress centers, surrounded by a magnificent English park. Just in front the entrance of Ville Ponti, there is Villa Panza, architectonic masterpiece dating back to the first 17th-century Lombard style. Its marvelous façade overlooking the garden is an evidence of the neoclassical period. Today the Villa hosts an important contemporary art collection. ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.82858 8.80245 7 Castello di Masnago e Parco Mantegazza .  
• 45.84413 8.81298 8 Villa e Parco Toeplitz .  
• 45.82277 8.80852 9 Palace Grand Hotel . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.86039 8.79205 11 Museo Baroffio al Sacro Monte .  
• 45.85893 8.79408 12 Casa museo Lodovico Pogliaghi .  
• 45.8034 8.784 13 Schiranna and lake of Varese . The "Lido of Schiranna" is one of the most pleasant places of the lake, a few minutes from the city centre of Varese. The park is a moment of leisure and it's a really quiet and reserved place that allows you to disconnect from daily monotony. Absolutely not to lose a visit to "Isolino Virginia", regarded as one of the most important Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, from 2011 added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

• 45.81875 8.82681 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Varese and its Province host four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two of them in the city territory, the Sacro Monte and the Alpine Prehistorics pile-dwellings on the lake of Varese. In addition, few kilometers from the city, in Gornate Olona, you can visit the Archeological area of Castelseprio-Torba, part of the UNESCO's patrimony of the "Longobards in Italy. The centres of power (568-774 A.D.)" and the Saint Georges's Mount , a transnational UNESCO World Heritage site (CH-I), one of the most important fossil deposit in the world.  

Swimming & ice-skating

• 45.83238 8.82579 1 Palaghiaccio , via Albani, 33 , ☏ +39 0332 241-300 . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.81611 8.82096 2 F. Fabiano , via Copelli, 7 , ☏ +39 0332 831-450 .  
• 45.81033 8.81857 3 Club Laguna Blu , via Garoni, 7 , ☏ +39 0332 281-919 . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.80136 8.7821 4 [formerly dead link] Relais sul lago , via Macchi, 62 , ☏ +39 0332 310-022 . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.82601 8.81659 5 Robur et Fides , via Marzorati, 51 , ☏ +39 0332 284-475 . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.83185 8.82919 6 racecourse Le Bettole , viale Ippodromo, 27 , ☏ +39 0332 280-489 .  

Hiking, alpinism and skiing

• 45.82064 8.82387 7 CAI-Club Alpino Italiano , via Speri della Chiesa Jemoli, 6 , ☏ +39 0332 289-438 . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 45.81505 8.82597 8 Sci Club Escuriosnisti Campo dei Fiori , via degli Alpini, 1 , ☏ +39 0332 242-438 .  
• 45.80194 8.78031 9 Società canottieri Varese , via dei Canottieri, 21 , ☏ +39 0332 321-098 . ( updated Dec 2016 )

Varese offers quite different events from music to cultural festivals, religious feasts, white nights, cinemas open air and exhibitions throughout the year.

• "Stagione Musicale Comunale"
• "Tra Sacro e Sacro Monte"
• " Varese Estense Festival"
• "Festival dell'Utopia"
• "Di terra e di cielo"
• "Nature Urbane" [dead link]
• "Terra & Laghi"
• "Cortisonici" [dead link]

Many major labels and designer boutiques (Versace, Hermes, Stefanel, Swarowsky, etc.) can be found in Corso Matteotti, the city centre pedestrian main road. High street brands can be found in the adjacent streets and squares, such as piazza Monte Grappa, piazza Carducci and piazza Giovine Italia.

There are some large undercover shopping centres. "Le Corti" in piazza della Repubblica host sports, shoes, clothes, make-up and electrical stores, as well as the "Centro Commerciale Belforte", a vast supermarket discount with cafés and restaurants in the outskirts towards Como and the Swiss border.

You will be spoiled for choice when eating out in Varese. From small pizzerie to top-end restaurants, you can be sure to find a place that suits your budget and taste.

Most places to eat are open daily. Some may close one day a week, but this varies. Times may be susceptible to change depending on the season.

• 45.849248 8.820965 1 La locanda di Bacco , Via G. B. Castelli , ☏ +39 0332 220-202 .  
• 45.821 8.82579 2 Vecchia Trattoria della Pesa , Via C. Cattaneo, 14 , ☏ +39 0332 287-070 .  
• 45.81983 8.82409 3 Al Mattarello , Via F. del Cairo, 26 , ☏ +39 0332 830-788 .  
• 45.82058 8.82521 4 Bologna , Via Broggi, 7 , ☏ +39 0332 234-362 .  
• 45.81374 8.80401 5 Osteria del Centenate , Via Centenate, 15 , ☏ +39 0332 236-422 .  
• 45.82246 8.80926 6 Ristorante Palace Grand Hotel , Via L. Manara, 11 , ☏ +39 0332 327-100 .  
• 45.81777 8.7763 7 Tana d'Orso , Via Mottarone, 43 , ☏ +39 0332 320-392 .  
• 45.82911 8.82381 8 Il Gestore , Viale Aguggiari, 48 , ☏ +39 0332 236-404 .  

A multitude of bars and cafes are situated in the city centre. In the summer your best bet is just to wander in 45.81889 8.82631 1 Corso Matteotti and 45.8193 8.82741 2 Piazza Giovine Italia otherwise, if you want to get away from the busy tourist spots, you can find quaint little bars towards the lake and in the district area of 45.825 8.82933 3 Biumo Superiore , close to Villa Panza and Villa Ponti. At 45.8603 8.79275 4 Sacro Monte you'll find different bars and very elegant restaurants, from whose terraces you can admire a spectacular view that embrace Alps, lakes and pianura Padana. A stop even just for a coffee is recommended for example at Hotel al Borducan and Ristorante Albergo Colonne . Tasty dishes can be enjoyed even at Ristorante Milano or Ristorante Montorfano at the end of via Sacra and, in piazzale Pogliaghi, a few minutes on foot from the centre of Sacro Monte, at Trattoria Il Ceppo .

In summer enjoy gelato, an excellent Italian ice cream. The quality mark "gelato artigianale" indicates gelaterie that produce their own ice creams, without industrial processing. Bakeries are open every day, you can enjoy great and inexpensive bread-related food, such as pizza and focaccia. You can find a bakery almost everywhere in Varese, and is a good alternative to bars for a fast lunch.

• 45.81981 8.82396 1 Al sei rooms , Via Speri della Chiesa Jemoli, 6 , ☏ +39 338-577-73-07 .  
• 45.84378 8.80662 2 Villa Adriana , Via Virgilio, 59 , ☏ +39 0332-212-234 .  
• 45.83974 8.81062 3 Casa Lory , Piazza Milite Ignoto, (S. Ambrogio) , ☏ +39 348-242-59-20 .  
• 45.80404 8.83975 4 Hotel Ungheria , Viale Borri, 98 , ☏ +39 0332-264-325 , fax : +39 0332-264-256 .  
• 45.82177 8.82556 5 Hotel Europa , Piazza Beccaria,1 , ☏ +39 0332-280-170 , fax : +39 0332-234-325 .  
• 45.82039 8.82527 6 [dead link] Albergo Ristorante Bologna , Via Broggi, 7 , ☏ +39 0332-232-100 , fax : +39 0332-287-500 .  
• 45.86071 8.79195 7 [dead link] Albergo Sacro Monte , Via Bianchi, 5 , ☏ +39 0332-821-078 .  
• 45.86055 8.79135 8 Hotel Colonne , Via Fincarà, 37 , ☏ +39 0332-220-404 .  
• 45.80676 8.78841 9 [formerly dead link] Relais sul lago , Via Macchi, 61 , ☏ +39 0332-220-404 .  
• 45.81849 8.8298 10 Hotel di Varese , Via Como, 12 , ☏ +39 0332-237-559 .  
• 45.82185 8.80956 11 Palace Grand Hotel , Via manara, 11 , ☏ +39 0332-327-100 .  
• 45.81584 8.83124 12 [dead link] City Hotel , Via Medaglie d'Oro, 35 , ☏ +39 0332-281-304 .  
• 45.82528 8.82482 13 Art Hotel , Viale Aguggiari, 26 , ☏ +39 0332-214-000 .  
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• 10 Good reasons to visit Varese
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• 10 Good Reasons to

W e would like to propose 10 good reasons to visit Varese. The following gallery will provide ten suggestions to come, obviously you will probably find out that there are many more once you stay here. 

Due to numerous gardens commissioned by noble families for their mansions, it has been awarded the nickname of Garden-City . It boasts public parks of all shapes and sizes, with all the necessary installations to go for a pic nic and routes to discover their monumental trees. 

Going out of the city, head to the boroughs of Arcumeggia, Boarezzo or Marchiolo, authentic open air museums, with frescoes and murales painted on the street walls narrate these places' history and traditions.  

Whoever seeks active vacations will be able to practice trekking, skiing and water sports in the mounts and lakes that surround this borderland. At Campo dei Fiori you can explore a series of caves carved out of a karstic effect, leading to an extensive underground tunnel network. 

Workout and culture blend with an inspiring walk to the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage in Legguino, perched on the rock facing Lake Maggiore .  

Furthermore, the Sacro Monte is one of nine UNESCO Heritage Sites Lombardy counts with. 

Browse our list and prepare to journey to this part of the Region. 

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10 Unique Things to do Around Maggiore Lake and Varese Italy

Posted on Last updated: April 9, 2020

Last week, I travelled to the Lombardy (Lombardia) region of Italy as part of the #InLombardia365 project. This is a year-long showcase of the best from Lombardia – through the eyes of national and international bloggers and Instagrammers. 

I got offered the chance to explore the area around Varese and Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), located in the Northwestern part of the country. This region is known for its mountains and lakes, as well as the surrounding historic villas, orchards, gardens and terraces. Varese itself is known as the ‘Garden City’ and often referred to as the ‘Versailles’ of Italy, so you can only expect to be in for a treat, right?

This guide will show you the best things I did in the area, suitable for different types of travellers. Which one of them are you? I’ve added some extra suggestions here and there to make your trip even more memorable. Enjoy!

LOMBARDIA: MAGGIORE LAKE & VARESE SUGGESTIONS

LOMBARDIA FOR NATURE LOVERS

1. hiking monte cadrigna.

When I think about Italy, the second thing I think about (after food!) is definitely nature. And while the cities in Lombardia are definitely worth visiting (such as Milan , Bergamo, Monza, Como and Varese), I can highly recommend to take some time out of your holiday and go on a (short) hike in the region.

We met up with experienced guide Silvano Moroni, who is well-known in the area for his quality guided treks, (Nordic walking) hikes and mountainbike rides. He brought us to the top of Monte Cadrigna, where we got spoiled with an incredible view over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills.

Along the way, we even did some foraging as a girl from the tourism board brought back two massive mushrooms that apparently are edible. Makes for a good risotto!

Website: www.silvanomoroni.it

The Best Trekking Lombardia

2. Boat Trip Around Lake Maggiore

Lago Maggiore literally means ‘Greater Lake’, and that is precisely what it is. It lies at the South side of the Alps and is the second largest lake in Italy on one site, and the largest lake of southern Switzerland on the other side.

We entered the lake from the Italian region of Lombardia (Lombardy) and hopped on board of a beautiful sailing boat with our own private skipper! While I personally enjoyed my time on board when the motor was on, I didn’t like it when the sail went up at all. The boat rocks a LOT more, and I have no balance whatsoever, but if you don’t have that problem, then renting a boat for a (half) day is definitely a fantastic way to see more of the area.

The climate around the lake is mild all year round, so you can expect many gardens growing exotic plants, which I always love! If you’re interested in renting a boat yourself, or going on a group tour, there are plenty of options, just check the website of the tourism board.

Website: www.illagomaggiore.com

It’s as if time stood still in Luino!

The Luino Esplanade

LOMBARDIA FOR HISTORY BUFFS

3. walking up to sacro monte di varese.

The Sanctuary of the Varese Sacro Monte (‘Sacred Mountain’) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2003) that connects 14 chapels winding up a 800 meter high mountain along a 17th-century Holy Road made out of pebbles. Each of the chapels has its own architectural design and represent one of the Mysteries of Jesus Christ’s life in detail, with many sculptures and paintings inside.

The path along these type of sacred mountains (there are 8 others in Italy) resemble the ‘Via Dolorosa’, the road that Jesus walked while carrying the Cross from Jerusalem to Calvary, so pilgrims have the opportunity to visit, on a smaller scale, the buildings in which his Passion took place.

Once you have passed the final chapel, you’ll find yourself before the 2 km ascent which leads to a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the town of the picturesque medieval town of Santa Maria del Monte. The views from here are just breathtaking!

Besides the sanctuary, at the top of the mountain you can also find a cloister, museum and house museum, as well as a permanent nativity scene and different restaurants, bars and bed & breakfasts.

If you’re not feeling up for the climb, then make sure to arrive on the weekend, because there is a funicular that runs between the parking lot at the first chapel and the top of the mountain.

Website:  www.in-lombardia.it/…/sacro-monte-varese

The Holy Road that leads to Sacro Monte Varese

4. Visit Other Castles, Monasteries and Villas in the Region

We just visited the Sacro Monte, but of course there is plenty of more history to discover in the Lombardia region. Here are some quick suggestions:

Rocca Borromeo in Angera The Rocca di Angera is a castle that stands on a lakeside hilltop on the Southern shores of Lago Maggiore. Before 1227, the castle belonged to the Della Torre family, but they lost it to the Visconti family after a battle in 1277. In 1449 it passed into the ownership of the Borromeo family, who expanded and refurbished the castle over the centuries and still own it to this date. In the castle, you can find a doll museum where you can see over a thousand dolls made between the 18th century and the present day.

See All Hotels in Angera

Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso in Leggiuno De Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso (Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso) is a 14th century Roman Catholic monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lago Maggiore. You can get there on foot by descending down a long winding stairway, taking an elevator or a ferry. The hermitage features 19th century frescos and consists of three buildings: two convents and a church.

See All Hotels in Leggiuno

Villa Della Porta Bozzolo Casalzuigno The comune (municipality) of Casalzuigno lies about 14 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Varese and includes 16th-century Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, that has an impressive 18th century Italian garden with stairs, fountains, water features and an aedicula (small shrine) decorated with frescoes. The rose garden is said to be impressive!

If you’re interested in seeing more of Italy’s heritage, I can recommend checking out the work of the FAI (the Italian equivalent for the National Trust). They are a non-profit foundation that takes care of special places in Italy for the benefit of people today and future generations by educating and protecting of the natural and cultural wealth of the country.

See All Hotels in Casalzuigno

Website: www.fai-international.org

Collect stamps of the Lombardy Region in your own passport!

LOMBARDIA FOR ART ADMIRERS

5. visit to villa panza varese.

Giuseppe Panza di Biumo was, together with his wife Rosa Giovanna, an important collector of modern art. He lived since he was born in 1923 in both Milan as Varese and started building his collection in 1956. Their focus was European and American paintings and sculptures of the mid-1940s through early 1960s. After that, they mostly collected very minimalist and conceptual art pieces.

While he sold most of his works by now, about 10% of his 2500-piece collection still remains in the 18th-century Villa ‘Menafoglio Litta Panza’, which you can visit just outside Milan. The villa was built in the 18th century as the Marquis of Menafoglio’s party place and was acquired by the Panza’s in the 1950s.

We had the chance to have a look ourselves and I can say that while I am not a huge modern art fan, I was definitely impressed by the way they incorporated the modern works in relation to the old building and existing furniture that dates back to the 18th to the 20th century. At the mansion, you can also find a wing (formerly the stables), where artists have created works especially for this building.

Even if you’re not a modern art fan, I can still recommend a visit, even if it was just to stroll through the immense English Garden and enjoy the view over the city!

Website:  www.in-lombardia.it/…/villa-e-collezione-litta-panza

See All Hotels in Varese

Enough good spots for selfies here, haha!

Art works blending in with the rooms

Art in the Stables

The Villa right next to Panza is also pretty impressive!

LOMBARDIA FOR FOODIES

6. lunch at postporta restaurant in gallarate.

If you’re flying into Milan–Malpensa Airport and are looking for a restaurant nearby on your way to Varese or Lago Maggiore, then perhaps do as we did and stop in the small town of Gallarate.

You can have lunch at the cute Postporta Restaurant (their risotto is bomb!), but also don’t skip a quick peek in their cathedral (the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta). It’s almost like walking onto a movie set, so gorgeous are the decorations here.

See on Tripadvisor

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7. Dining at Grotto Mazzardit Restaurant in Tronzano

Want to taste delicious local Lombardia food? Then The Grotto restaurant is a great choice! This charming restaurant offers traditional cuisine based on fish and selected meats coming from the area. They have a wine cellar that’s impressive to say the least and while dining, you can look out over the shore of Lake Maggiore.

While we were here at night and unfortunately couldn’t really get a good sense of the area around the restaurant, apparently form the terrace you can see both the Swiss as the Piedmont side of the lake, as well as the Alps covered in snow!

This restaurant is only open from March to mid-October, but if you’re here during this months, I can highly recommend a visit!

See All Hotels in Tronzano

The Grotto Italian Restaurant, perfect for tasting local Lombardia wine!

LOMBARDIA FOR KIDS

8. learning at volandia in somma.

The whole of Lombardia is pretty kid-friendly, but I think a favourite will be the transport museum of Volandia, located right next to the Milan–Malpensa Airport. This Museum of Flight is an aviation museum housed in the former industrial buildings of the Caproni company and covers over 60,000 m² (645,000 square feet), of which 20,000 m² (215,000 square feet) are indoors.

You can see about 45 planes, helicopters, balloons and other flying machines, but there are also cars, motorbikes and many scale models and historically significant artifacts on display. My personal favourite section was, of course, the building dedicated to the universe and space travel. And good news: soon there will be a completely new building where this collection will be housed in!

At Volandia, we had a great guided tour by Giuseppe, who showed us all the highlights of the museum (there are many) and even let us sit inside of the DC-3, a propeller-driven airliner that revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. We also stepped inside the plane in which the Pope flew on many occasions, that was pretty special!

General entree tickets are 11 Euros for Adults and 5 Euros for Kids (3-11).

Guided tours only run at a minimum of 15 people, then it’s € 2 per person.

Website:  www.volandia.it

See All Hotels in Somma

On-board the DC-3 plane

My favourite part of the museum: SPACE!

LOMBARDIA FOR LOVERS

9. candle lit dinner at al borducan in varese.

Feeling romantic on your trip to Lombardia? Then you NEED to book yourself a dinner (or stay) at the four star “romantic hotel” Al Borducan in Varese. It’s right at the bottom of the Sacro Monte that I wrote about earlier and you can only dine here as a couple. At night, they light up their round dining hall with candles, which looks incredible of course!

The restaurant is decorated with frescoes and also features a terrace with a panoramic view of the lakes and the massif of Campo dei Fiori and also has a private garden. If you decide to stay, you can expect a room that is furnished with the original antique furniture from the Bregonzio family.

Another highlight of this restaurant is the fact that they serve their own “Elixir”, a one-of-a-kind herbs and oranges infused liquor invented by herbalist Davide Bregonzio 1872. Strong, but tasty for sure! The elixir is also used in the restaurant to enhance their historic recipes.

10. Wellness at Camin Hotel Colmegna in Luino

While I only stayed in one of the Varese hotels, I think I can already confirm that the Camin Hotel Colmegna is one of the most beautiful.

Right next to Lago Maggiore hotel Colmegna has stunning views from pretty every room. The rooms also have free wifi (mine a bit flaky, I was on the top floor) and very comfortable bathrooms with everything you need. Hotel Lago Maggiore is also bike- and kid friendly, so it really is a place everyone can enjoy.

In the garden of the hotel, that runs along the lake, you can find a jacuzzi overlooking the water, a green house with the Colmegna spa, massage and yoga facilities, the ‘torretta’ historical tower and even a beach! You can rent a (paddle) boat here or just relax and eat all day.

There is breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, dinner and a bar available, so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty here! We had dinner at the hotel one night and the food was very good. On another note, they had the softest napkins I’ve ever touched in my life, haha.

Website: www.caminhotel.com

See All Hotels in Luino

View from my room on the lake!

Many wellness options at the hotel

Amazing food in the restaurant of the hotel

I hope you found this guide to the Lombardia region of Italy useful! There really is a lot to see and do here, and we barely touched the surface in the days of my visit. Below you can find some more inspiration and practical information to plan the rest of your stay.

Website Turismo Lombardia:  www.in-lombardia.it/en

Website Varese:  www.in-lombardia.it/…/tourism-varese

Website Lago Maggiore:  www.illagomaggiore.com/en_US

Handy free app with points of interest: www.in-lombardia.it/en/pass-app

Lombardia Online Magazines: www.in-lombardia.it/download-magazine

Where to Stay Lake Maggiore Hotels Varese:

I stayed at Camin Hotel Colmegna in Luino.

See all hotels in the Lombardia region of Italy on Booking.com

• Hotels in Angera
• Hotels in Casalzuigno
• Hotels in Gallarate
• Hotels in Leggiuno
• Hotels in Luino
• Hotels in Milan
• Hotels in Somma
• Hotels in Tronzano
• Hotels in Varese

Here is my Lombardia Map with all the places I recommended in this article:

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Incredible views from the plane (London to Milan)

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Wednesday 12th of August 2020

Hey Nienke, love the great guide and all the photos! Definitely seems like there's plenty of things to do around Lake Maggiore, will put it high in my travel wish list! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Agware Gideon

Thursday 27th of June 2019

I love this

Saturday 8th of December 2018

Nienke & Nick Thanks so much for this incredible post of the Lombardia Region in Italy! Could there be a more all-around perfect spot to experience all that Italy has to offer? Your post made us feel like we were right back there on Holiday. Thx again! Kevin

Wednesday 21st of November 2018

wow the alps look really awesome and your photos say it all. Would love to visit.

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48 Hours in Varese

Val nicastro visits the “garden city” north of milan that is, among other things, home to a palace that one italian poet described as “little versailles”.

With an enchanting old town, unmatched natural beauty and plenty to explore, Varese and its surroundings are one of Lombardy’s best-kept secrets.

Only one hour’s drive from Milan and a stone’s throw from Malpensa airport, this lovely town at the foot of the Alps sits quietly in the embrace of beautiful lakes, verdant valleys and monumental parks – a location that has earned it the nickname of “Garden City”.

During the mid-1800s, such a beautiful landscape prompted the development of the tourist industry in the area. Varese became the preferred holiday destination of the wealthy Milanese, who built grand mansions and parks that today represent an important part of the city’s diverse sightseeing agenda – one that offers visitors a wondrous 48-hour travel adventure.

“Little Versailles”

The first surprise awaits me at the Estense Palace, one of the city’s key symbols and the starting point of my adventure in Varese. As soon as I enter the gate from the busy Via Sacco, I hear myself whispering “wow” at the view that opens up in front of me.

A fantastic park in all its green glory sprawls over a hill, with trees and hedges trimmed with geometric precision framing views of the pink facade of the palace. No wonder that the Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi once described it as “Little Versailles”.

The Duke of Modena Francesco III d’Este, who gained the lordship of Varese from the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, commissioned its construction in the 18th century, taking inspiration from Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.

Today the palace is the seat of the local administration and can only be visited when the offices are open. Do venture up the hill to Villa Mirabello, home of the Civic Archaeological Museum and a 19th century Lebanese cedar tree.

Varese Old Town

Varese old town is an elegant treasure trove of sights. Corso Matteotti, the pedestrianised main street in pink porphyry, is flanked by colourful buildings and porticoes were locals lived and had their shops back in the 18th and 19th centuries, now replaced by upscale boutiques and cafés.

I stop at Pirola, just off the main street, to try the famous Apollo 11, the local aperitivo named after the historic moon landing, before continuing my exploration.

A scenic spot along Corso Matteotti is Piazza del Podestà, guarded by the old governmental palace and a bronze monument dedicated to the victorious battle fought in Varese in 1859 as part of the Second Italian War of Independence.

Right in front of it, the Arco Mera connects the old town to the religious district centred around Piazza San Vittore, where you can see the cathedral, the bell tower and the 13th-century Baptistery of San Giuseppe, the town’s most ancient monument.

From Piazzetta del Podestà you can also reach the Broletto, an arcaded 16th-century courtyard that looks like something out of a storybook. What I like about Varese is that there are plenty of places like this around town.

Continuing along Corso Matteotti, a huge wooden portal leads into the Cloister of Sant’Antonino, a 16th-century Benedictine convent turned into a residential oasis of peace and quiet.

When you get to Piazza Carducci, walk down Via Carlo Cattaneo to see another magical courtyard, home to the fabulous La Posteria restaurant.

Then go back to the square and indulge in some window shopping on Via San Martino della Battaglia.

Beautiful Mansions

From the old town, it’s an easy walk up the Biumo Hill to see Villa Panza, one of the many beautiful mansions that dot the Varese territory.

Its late owner, Giuseppe Panza, was an avid art collector and filled the Renaissance interiors with a superb collection of contemporary American art. The result is a juxtaposition of styles that’s as fascinating as it is unusual.

The jewel in the crown, though, is the fabulous Italian-style garden: 33,000 square metres of natural arcades, flowering shrubs and geometric patterns, with a lovely restaurant for relaxing meals.

Another period mansion worth checking out is Villa Toeplitz, a short drive from the town centre.

Built in 1901, it was purchased by the banker Giuseppe Toeplitz in 1914. With the help of his wife, Edvige, an avid traveller, he turned the villa’s gardens into one of Italy’s most beautiful parks.

The design takes inspiration from oriental gardens and boasts paths, statues, exotic species and attractive water features. Set in the grounds, Museo Castiglioni hosts a fascinating collection from expeditions the Castiglioni brothers made in Africa.

With another five-minute drive I’m at the Masnago Castle, a corner of medieval beauty immersed in another beautiful park with a hundred different varieties of trees and shrubs. The castle originally served as a fortress and then became a grand mansion.

Though the exterior looks unprepossessing, its rooms are filled with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from court life in the 15th century. The castle houses the Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Varese, which has works by Hayez, Guttuso and Pellizza.

Lakeside Cycling

For a bit of fresh air after all the sightseeing, I rent a bike at Lido Di Schiranna, a popular lakeside destination, and explore the trail around Lake Varese, a lovely basin of glacial origin close to the city centre.

The cycling trail is 28km in total but I do just a bit of it to enjoy the tranquillity of the place and some fine views. The path is well marked and runs around the entire perimeter of the lake, passing through meadows, woods and picturesque villages.

One of the gems on Lake Varese is Isolino Virginia, an islet where people lived in houses built on stilts thousands of years ago and which is now part of the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps UNESCO site. You can get there by boat from Biandronno, on the other side of the lake.

With more time, I would have also visited the ancient ice-houses at Cazzago Brabbia and Gavirate, another great lakeside spot with a curious pipe museum and the medieval cloister of Voltorre.

Sacred Mountain

My second day in Varese is mostly dedicated to the town’s holy mountain, the Sacro Monte di Varese . It is one of nine sacred mountains in Piedmont and Lombardy that UNESCO listed as a World Heritage Site for their spiritual meaning, artistic value and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

I take bus line C and get off at the Prima Cappella (First Chapel) stop, where the trail starts. From there, a wide cobbled pathway departs, snaking through the mountainside for about two kilometres.

Along its route, 14 chapels filled with statues and frescoes depict biblical scenes relating to the life of Jesus. Though this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the views alone are well worth the visit.

Santa Maria Del Monte

The cute village at the end of the trail, Santa Maria del Monte, is a real surprise to end your tour on.

There are flower-filled balconies lining cobblestoned alleys, some great viewpoints over the Alps and the lakes, and one of Italy’s most romantic hotels, the Burducan.

Santa Maria del Monte also boasts a number of interesting sites to explore, including a lovely sanctuary, the fifteenth chapel, with Baroque interiors and a crypt covered in ancient frescoes.

For art lovers, the Baroffio Museum has a very interesting collection of paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture.

Meanwhile the Pogliaghi Museum boasts an incredible collection of 1,500 artworks and some 580 archeological pieces gathered by the owner, architect Ludovico Pogliaghi throughout the years, including the life-size plaster of the main portal of the Duomo of Milan that he was commissioned to create.

The Tuscan Island of Lombardy

In the afternoon, I explore the surroundings of Varese and venture south to Castiglione Olona, intrigued by the nickname Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio gave to the place: the “Tuscan island of Lombardy”.

I must say he was quite right. Walking around this old village frozen in time reveals wonderful examples of Tuscan Renaissance art and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a novel set in the 1600s.

It was the papal diplomate Cardinal Branda Castiglioni, an enlightened man of his time, who decided to revamp the ancient hometown of his family, based on the humanistic principles of the 15th century.

In order to realise his vision of an ideal citadel, he called the most important artists around. From among them, the Tuscan master Masolino da Panicale and his assistant Lorenzo di Pietro painted amazing frescoes that can still be admired in the Collegiate complex and the cardinal’s private palace. Just one more surprise from a destination filled with wonders.

Things to see and do in Varese

Sacro Monte di Varese |One of the nine UNESCO-listed sacred mountains of northern Italy, the Sacro Monte di Varese is a 2km devotional trail passing by 14 chapels and ending in the lovely village of Santa Maria del Monte. Watching the sunrise or sunset from up there is magical.

Estense Gardens | The Italian-style gardens of the summer palace of Francesco III d’Este are spectacular – one of the finest public parks in the whole of Italy. During the summer, they often serve as a beautiful backdrop for plays and operas.

Villa Panza | One of Varese’s most impressive villas, Villa Panza was built in the 18th century amidst a magnificent park with lovely views of the city. The villa is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary American art, amassed by its late owner Count Giuseppe Panza over fifty years.

Palia dei Castelli | Between June and July, the village of Castiglione Olona hosts an historical re-enactment that features parades with more than 250 people in period clothing, plus flag-throwing shows, a barrel race and fireworks displays.

Campo dei Fiori Observator y | On top of the Campo dei Fiori mountain (1,230m) there’s an important astronomical observatory founded by the astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1956. It offers guided visits by day and night (booking required) and has wonderful panoramic views on the lakes and the mountains.

Getting There

BY PLANE: The closest airport is Milano Malpensa, which is only a 30-minute drive away, while Bergamo Orio al Serio airport is about one hour away.

BY TRAIN: Trenord and Trenitalia trains connect Varese with Milan in about one hour; there are also frequent connections with other major spots in northern Italy, such as Como.

BY CAR: Varese is well connected to Milan via the A8 motorway “Autostrada dei Laghi”.

Images by Val Nicastro

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Lake Varese

Varese is a comune and city located in the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy. The city is located 55 km from Milan and is the capital of the Varese province. Varese lies at the feet of the famous Sacro Monte di Varese which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It also overlooks the Lake Varese. The rivers Olona and Ticino pass through the province and there are in all seven lakes in the province which include four smaller lakes and three large ones which are the Varese Lake, Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore.

In ancient times the town had been established because of its strategic location on two important roads that lead to Tortona and Parma across the Boco and Cento Croci Pass. From the coastal region the roads from Varese passed through the valley of the Po River which made it quite an important location. Trading routes had flourished in the territory. The town had been first established by the Byzantines, several ruins of that settlement had been found under the present castle of the town. The Lavagna Counts had existed in the territory from the 11 th century.

Getting to Varese

Varese – Via Vittorio Veneto

The airport closest to Varese is located in Milan which is 55 km away. In Varese the state run Ferrovie Nord Milano and Ferrovie dello Stato. Several trains run on these lines that connect Varese to Milan. Plenty of trains leave for Varese from the Milan train station every day. The city is also served by an extensive provincial bus service. Visitors can travel to the city by the state buses from Milan and from the other cities in the region. Those who are travelling by road can use the A8 highway which connects it to Milan.

Moving Around the City

Varese is spread over an area of 54 sq km and is in fact quite compact. Within the city there are not many places to visit; the main attraction is the Sacred Mountain. The best way to explore the city is on foot since the center of the city is quite compact and it is also pleasant to walk around in the city. The streets in the city are quite pedestrian friendly. Visitors can also use the public transport buses which operate in Varese. The buses cover all the important areas of the city and are quite comfortable too. Visitors can also travel by these public transport buses to reach the Sacro Monti di Varese.

Attractions in Varese

Sacro Monte di Varese

The Sacred Mount of Varese is the most important tourist destination in the city. It rises 883 meters above sea level. It had been built as a devotional path which extends on the slopes of Monte Velate which is located in a beautiful panoramic position and looks down on the lakes and the plains of the region. The sacred way had been built starting from 1604 on the initiative of Cappuccino Friar Giovanni Battista Aguiggiari who had planned to build fourteen different chapels along to way to be dedicated to the Mysteries of Rosary.

The place of honor was to be given to the last chapel which had been based on the celestial vision of the Virgin who had been crowned and received in Paradise. This chapel was to be built at the end of the route and had been envisioned by Sant’Ambrogio. The project had been realized soon enough because of the generous support of the local wealthy families and the communities of Varese. The work started and it continued till 18 th century.

Out of all the nine Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardia, the Sacred Mountain of Varese is known to be the most uniform and beautiful. The construction of all the chapels, the three arches and the three fountains had been designed by only one architect Giuseppe Bernascone who was also known as Il Mancino. All the chapels have beautiful porticos of different shapes and look very grand. There are windows and doors with grates which have been replaced by windows now. Visitors can today see the group of beautiful figures which have been placed inside.

Many important architects had worked on the chapels of the Sacred Mount of Varese from the Lombard region at the time. These architects included Giovan Mauro della Rovere, Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli who was called Morazzone, the Recchi Brothers, Francesco Silva, Dionigi Bussola, Antonio Busca, and Il Legnanino better known as Stefano Maria Legnani. Monsieur Pasquale Macchi had invited Renato Guttuso in 1983 to paint a beautiful acrylic in a contemporary style to the Flight of Egypt on the outside wall of the chapel which has been dedicated to Nativity.

Stay and Accommodation

Varese – San Massimiliano Kolbe Church

Varese is a very important pilgrimage location for the people of Italy as well as from other countries. Every year hundreds of people from all over the world travel to Varese to visit the Sacred Mount in order to visit the beautiful chapels on the devotion path. Because of this there are plenty of good hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and country residences that are located in the city. Visitors can also stay in an Agritourism houses and rent villas or apartments in the area. Some of the best known hotels in Varese are hotel Acquario, hotel Al Borducan, Art hotel, hotel Varese business & resort, hotel Bologna, Ca Dei Santi hotel, city hotel and hotel Colonne.

Eating in Varese

In Varese there are plenty of good restaurants and pizzerias in all price ranges. There are also many good traditional trattorias and osterias in the city. Some of the best known restaurants in Varese are Antico Borgo, Albergo Ristorante Stelvio, Ristorante Al Pravello and Dal Penna Osteria.

Varese – Town Centre

Shopping in Varese

In Varese there are plenty of good places where visitors would be able to shop for religious items and art pieces, including small sculptures. Visitors can also buy handicrafts and locally made artifacts and souvenirs from the small gift shops in the city.

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Varese

L ocated at the heart of a region rich in natural beauty, Varese earned the appellative of “Garden City”, thanks to the numerous green spaces which scatter and encircle its urban fabric.

Patron saint.

Until year 1927, the city territory was divided into a historic village (“borgo”), namely the centre of the local religious and civil functions, and the “castellanze”, seven small and fortified districts which rise on the hills that surround the centre (Giubiano, Bosto, Casbeno, Biumo Inferiore, Cartabbia and Bizzozero) and which nowadays still host several great sites of interest.

Our itinerary begins from the Town Hall, i.e. “Palazzo Estense”. The Palace was in fact formerly built to be the summer residence of Duke Francesco III d’Este, during the second half of the Eighteenth century. Designed by architect Giuseppe Antonio Bianchi, its style is visibly inspired to the Lombard Late Baroque, not lacking Neoclassical influences as well. While walking inside, we will be surprised to see a beautiful landscape opening: a typical Italian park inspired by the gardens of the Schönbrunn Residence. Here we will find Villa Mirabello: located on the homonymous hill from which to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and of the Alps, it hosts today the Civic Museum collections. In case we wished to visit religious monuments, on the other hand, we may start from the Collegiate Basilica of San Vittore. Built in the Seventeenth century on the foundations of a Thirteenth century structure, it overlooks Corso Matteotti with the height of its bell tower. Beside the Church we admire the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista and, within a short distance from here and from the central square Piazza Monte Grappa, the Church of San Giuseppe, containing Sixteenth century frescoes attributed to Giovanni Battista del Sole, Melchiorre Gherardini and Giovanni Battista Ronchelli. After our visit, we may take a walk in the surroundings of the Square, which represents the converging point of the streets of the historic centre, from Corso Aldo Moro with its porticoes, to Via Volta and Corso Matteotti.

Monte Grappa square is characterized by a rationalistic architecture: in order to build it, it was decided to raze the late-medieval nucleus of the town to the ground. From the central square, a pedestrian area departs leading us to Piazza Carducci: along the way we encounter the picturesque Piazzetta del Podestà, with its famous Monumento del Garibaldino. A few footsteps away, we find the Cloister of S.Antonino, originally part of a Benedictine monastery founded in 1578, consisting in a portico supported by double columns, which still show visible traces of coeval frescoes. Moving towards the “Castellanze”, we will come across wonderful villas and noble residences. Among these, in Castellanza Casbeno, Villa Recalcati deserves a particular mention. It was edified during the Eighteenth century, and nowadays it hosts the Province of Varese and the Prefecture offices. Another prestigious building is certainly Villa Toeplitz, in locality Sant’Ambrogio, at the foot of the renowned Sacro Monte: a destination for several tourists because of its quaint Italian style gardens, which not uncommonly host woodpeckers and squirrels. Another architectural complex of great importance is Masnago Castle. Edified between the Middle Ages and the Eighteenth century, today it has the appearance of an elegant noble residence, though it was originally designed to be a fortified defensive structure.

The Hall of Leisure and the Hall of Vices and Virtues are enriched with precious frescoes attributable to the international Gothic art movement. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is housed in the complex as well. It is also recommended to visit Ville Ponti, in Biumo Superiore: dating back to the second half of the Nineteenth century and designed by architect Giuseppe Balzaretto, today it hosts another Estense Palace, which is a congress centre. Beside it we admire Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza, whose over three hectares park hosts an Italian-style garden and some English-style areas. Its rooms and stables exhibit a collection of contemporary art formerly belonging to the Panza family, consisting also of some site-specific installations. From year 1996 on, its environment is safeguarded from organization FAI and it hosts art exhibitions of international interest.  It is also worth mentioning Villa Augusta (in Giubiano) and Villa Baragiola, with its rich English-style gardens.

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Estense gardens, villa mirabello and civic archaeological museum.

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Palazzo Estense

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Sacro Monte Varese

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Basilica di San Vittore

Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi

Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Cloister of S. Antonino

From varese to campo dei fiori.

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Path of the sun and path of the moon

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Belvedere Path

Varese: the old town

Villa e Parco Toeplitz

Villa Torelli Mylius

• Lake Lugano

Museo Civico Archeologico

Ancient mills and rural structures

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Villa panza, piazza litta, 1 varese.

Villa Baragiola

Villa Recalcati

Corso Matteotti

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Piazza Monte Grappa

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Varese itinerary

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Eating in Varese

Monument Varese

Museum Varese

Parchi Naturali di Varese

Park Campo dei Fiori

Bike trail of Lake Varese

• Lake Maggiore

How to arrive

IN AEREO Milano Malpensa 35 km, Linate 70 km, Orio al Serio 110 km

IN TRENO trenord.it tilo.ch

IN AUTOMOBILE Autostrada A8

How to move

IN AUTOBUS ctpi.it

BIKE SHARING bicincitta.tobike.it

Information

INFOPOINT VARESE Piazza Monte Grappa, 5 T. +39 0332 281913

WIFI Varese Wifi

SCOPRI DI PIÙ comune.varese.it

Useful numbers

EMERGENZE 112

OSPEDALE Ospedale Filippo del Ponte  Via Filippo Del Ponte, 19 T. +39 0332 299111

Ospedale Macchi–Va Viale Luigi Borri, 57 T. +39 0332 278111

CARABINIERI Comando Provinciale Carabinieri Varese Via Aurelio Saffi, 55 T. +39 0332 4501

• Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori
• Luino and surroundings
• Between two lakes
• Ticino valley
• From Saronno to Tradate
• Painted Villages
• Lakes and Rivers
• Villas and gardens
• Fortresses and castles

Choose Your Location

• Hermitage Santa Caterina
• Lake Varese
• Cadorna line
• Ville Ponti
• Malpensa Airport
• Bicycle Touring
• All experiences

Choose where to live your experiences

• General info

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