• Active & Green

Discover Varese and the history of the "Garden City"

Contacts

Amongancient villas, crystal clear lakes and enchanted villages, Varese invites you on a journey where nature meets history in a timeless embrace.

If you're wondering what to see in Varese in a day or what to do in Varese in a weekend, you've come to the right place. The province of Varese, the green heart of Lombardy, offers a unique mix of art, culture, nature and tradition, ideal for all types of travelers: families, couples, outdoor lovers or history buffs.

An itinerary among historic villas and villages to explore

The city center of Varese is a real gem to discover. Prominent among Varese's tourist attractions is Villa Panza, a period residence transformed into a contemporary art museum, set in a garden of rare beauty. Not far away, the Sacro Monte of Varese, a UNESCO heritage site, offers an unforgettable walk among historic chapels and breathtaking views.

If, on the other hand, you wish to immerse yourself in the charm of the villages, villages near Varese to visit such as Castiglione Olona or Laveno Mombello await you with their cobbled streets and authentic Lombard tradition.

Nature and lakes: walks and outdoor activities

Nature lovers will find Varese a paradise to explore. The walk around Lake Varese is an experience not to be missed, with 28 km of bicycle and pedestrian path through reed beds, parks and scenic spots. For those seeking outdoor activities in Varese, Campo dei Fiori Park offers hiking, trekking and relaxation trails surrounded by greenery.

Not just Lake Varese: also discover lesser-known lakes in Lombardy, such as Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio, perfect for a day of relaxation, water sports or family picnics.

Family experiences and out-of-town trips

Not sure what to do in Varese with children? Villa Mylius and its park are perfect for a family day outdoors, while its proximity to Milan makes Varese an ideal destination for an out-of-town excursion full of culture and nature.

Plan your trip to Varese with us!

Varese is a destination that surprises and conquers, including unspoiled nature, art and history. Explore Varese with us and be inspired by its views, authentic villages and historic villas.
Find out more on our website for detailed itineraries, events and suggestions to make your visit unforgettable.
Don't miss your chance for an authentic experience in Lombardy's pre-alpine lakes-subscribe to our channel to stay updated on news and special offers!


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Places

Campo dei Fiori Regional Park

  • Itinerari
Campo dei Fiori Regional Park

Palazzo Estense

  • Art & Culture
@inlombardia - Palazzo Estense di Varese
114 mt

Arco Mera and Basilica of San Vittore

  • Art & Culture
View of the ceiling of Arco Mera with some zodiac signs and the dome of the Basilica of San Vittore in Varese
127 mt

Varese: the old town

  • Lifestyle
Varese: the old town
127 mt

The Gardens of Palazzo Estense

  • Active & Green
The Gardens of Palazzo Estense
160 mt

Basilica di San Vittore

Entering the historical core, walking through the streets of the center you'll be enchanted by the vision of the Basilica
  • Religious Tourism
Basilica di San Vittore, Churches of Varese
175 mt

The Ginkgo Biloba in the Estensi Gardens

  • Art & Culture
The Ginkgo Biloba in the Estensi Gardens
196 mt

Cloister of S. Antonino

One of the most historic places in the centre of Varese, known for the spring blossoming of azalee.
  • Art & Culture
Chiostro di Sant'Antonino - Varese
211 mt

Infopoint Varese

  • Infopoint
Infopoint Varese
220 mt

Ancient mills and rural structures

  • Art & Culture
Ancient mills and rural structures
257 mt

SHOPPING DISTRICT

  • Lifestyle
SHOPPING DISTRICT
257 mt

Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau

  • Active & Green
Cascate Varese
257 mt

Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum

  • Art & Culture
Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum
316 mt

The Plane Tree of Villa Mirabello

  • Art & Culture
The Plane Tree of Villa Mirabello
330 mt

The Cedar of Villa Mirabello

The majestic tree dominates the historic centre of Varese and leaves anyone standing under its imposing foliage speechless.
  • Art & Culture
The Cedar of Villa Mirabello
330 mt

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza

Villa Menafolio Litta Panza (VA) is a Mecca for art lovers and tourist who come to visit the contemporary art exhibitions it hosts.
  • Art & Culture
Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza
769 mt

Villa Torelli Mylius

  • Parks
Villa Torelli Mylius
797 mt

Ville Ponti

An ancient residential complex owned by a Ponti’s family and now an efficient Congress Centre, property of Varese Chamber of Commerce.
  • Art & Culture
Ville Ponti
847 mt

Panza Art Collection

  • Art & Culture
Panza Art Collection
847 mt

The Cork Oak of Villa Augusta

With its thick, wrinkled bark, it amazes visitors of Villa Augusta Park.
  • Art & Culture
The Cork Oak of Villa Augusta
1 km

Events

Youth Festival 2025

Varese
11/07/2025 - 13/07/2025
  • Sport
Youth Festival 2025

Palio dei Castelli 2025

Via Roma, 29, Castiglione Olona (VA)
04/07/2025 - 13/07/2025
  • Villages
Palio dei Castelli 2025
7.74 km

Alba Prealpina

Località Villa Vergano
Galbiate, 23851, Villa Vergano, Pizza Giovanni XXIII
20/07/2025
  • Music and show
Alba Prealpina
14.55 km

Activities

Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese

  • Cycle Tourism
Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese
14.15 km

Where to sleep

B&B VARESE CENTRO

Varese
B&B VARESE CENTRO
134 mt

Foresteria Lombarda "Varese Suites"

VARESE
Foresteria Lombarda
192 mt

Repubblica di Oz Rooms and Apartments

Varese
Repubblica di Oz Rooms and Apartments
192 mt

B&B Prodi Varese

VARESE
B&B Prodi Varese
211 mt

B&B Al Sei Rooms

Varese
B&B Al Sei Rooms
211 mt

Casa per ferie Varese Via Griffi 5 - Congregazione Ancelle San Giuseppe Lavoratore

VARESE
Casa per ferie Varese Via Griffi 5 - Congregazione Ancelle San Giuseppe Lavoratore
247 mt

ALBERGO RISTORANTE BOLOGNA SRL

Varese
ALBERGO RISTORANTE BOLOGNA SRL
258 mt

VARESE LOVELY STAY

Varese
VARESE LOVELY STAY
317 mt

Loc. Tur. Montalbetti Giuditta via Cattaneo

VARESE
Loc. Tur. Montalbetti Giuditta via Cattaneo
319 mt

Ripoli La Foresteria

VARESE
Ripoli La Foresteria
336 mt

HOTEL EUROPA

Varese
HOTEL EUROPA
363 mt

HOTEL DI VARESE

Varese
HOTEL DI VARESE
365 mt

CRYSTAL HOTEL VARESE

Varese
CRYSTAL HOTEL VARESE
370 mt

STAURENGHI34APARTMENT

Varese
STAURENGHI34APARTMENT
407 mt

Locazione Via Staurenghi

VARESE
Locazione Via Staurenghi
408 mt

La Suite del Centro

VARESE
La Suite del Centro
462 mt

Cav Via Morosini Varese

VARESE
Cav Via Morosini Varese
464 mt

L.T. Varese via Sabotino sub. 119

VARESE
L.T. Varese via Sabotino sub. 119
490 mt

Kibilù Via Orrigoni

Varese
Kibilù Via Orrigoni
502 mt

MAGENTA APARTMENT

Varese
MAGENTA APARTMENT
533 mt