10 Good reasons to visit Varese

We 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.

It offers several lakes — Varese is a land bound to water: rivers and glacial lakes are scattered all over the territory. Visit the Varese Lake, the Maggiore and the Ceresio. Here you can take a romantic walk near their shores, practice water sports and pleasant cruises.

It is a splendid garden city — Beautiful mansions embellished with orchards and Italian Gardens have given the label of "Garden City". Proof of it are landmarks such as the Estensi Palace and Gardens, characterized by its organized flower beds, waterworks and chapels, or the Villa Mirabello Park, with its centuries-old trees.

It has beautiful monuments — Just think of the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage in Legguino, perched on the rock overhanging at the Maggiore Lake or the church of Santa Maria in Piazza and the Basilica of San Giovanni at Busto Arsizio. Then picture the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli Sanctuary in Saronno, with frescoed indoors by Bernardo Luini, and the suggestive cloister of Voltorre in Gavirate. The Province of Varese is full of monuments that await for you.

It has the Sacro Monte — Inserito tra i patrimoni Unesco dell'Umanità, il Sacro Monte di Varese sorge a breve distanza dalla città. Lo si raggiunge percorrendo la Via Sacra, punteggiata da quattordici Cappelle devozionali, che si conclude al Santuario in cimo alla Salita, dove si trova il borgo di Santa Maria del Monte. È una piacevole passeggiata, che abbina fede e cultura, paesaggi mozzafiato e storia antica.

It is perfect for art lovers — Contemporary art finds its home in Varese. As a matter of fact, here lies Villa Panza, which will amaze visitors with its well-assorted permanent collection and international temporary exhibitions. After that, head to Gallarate and visit the MAGA, since it displays the works of Sironi, Prampolini, Dorfles, Fontana, Carrà and Melotti.

Its villages are a splendid canvas — There are paintings on the towns' walls and houses that even spring over the streets' corners. Some villages in Varese are open air art galleries. Visit Arcumeggia, Boarezzo, Marchirolo, Peveranza and Runo, you will discover the painters' homes, murales and even frescoes that narrate local history and traditions.

It is a culinary destination — Varese's geographical diversity shows also in the variety of its culinary specialties. Cheeses, cured meats, wine, honey, freshwater fish and game are just a few of its great products. Do you need some examples? Taste the sparagus of Cantello, which are firm and have a pink tip, the DOP Luinese Formaggella cheese, Sesto Calende's fine ravioli made with a perch, crawfish and wild mint. Does this whet your appetite?

It was loved by Stendhal — "It is a magnificent vision! The seven lakes can be seen at sunset. Believe me, you may travel all over France and Germany, but you will not ever prove such sensations elsewhere. My spirit was tormented by love of such beauty, it is just too beautiful. I have found something there can be no disagreement: the scenery between Laveno and Varese." Stendhal was in love with the land of lakes

The dream of flying is real here — A few kilometers away from the Malpensa airport awaits Volandia, the Flight Park and Museum, the result of the reconstruction of the historic headquarters of Officine Aeronautiche Caproni founded in 1910. Here you can find over 60.000 square meters of industrial archaeology, giving you a glimse of aviation history: its 11 rooms illustrate visitors about the first Air Balloon flights until the arrival of the Convertiplane, perfect fusion between horizontal and vertical flight. Thrilling settings, flight simulators, video rooms, a didatic planetarium and a pavillion dedicated to space will make your visit even more stimulating.

It encourages exploration — How so? by visiting the Campoà dei Fiori, located between the Varese Lake and the Cuvia Valley. It is a massive calcareous rock that harbors a network of caves that have not yet been explored. Among the most famous ones we find the Marelli Cave, which comprises a series of dens that take visitors to subterranean lakes, and the Remeron Cave, that can be visited thanks to the infrastructure that allows access to it.

Travelling on historic trains

Vintage trains offer unprecedented views of Lombardy's landscapes, for a priceless experience that combines history and beauty.

Lifestyle

Historic and Quality Accommodations

2024 Lombardy Style Award

Lifestyle

Picnic time in Lombardy

Sunshine, warmth, green grass and a delicious spread: it's the perfect time for a picnic in Lombardy

Lifestyle

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Lifestyle

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...

Lifestyle

April 2025 Events in Lombardy

April brings the spring to Lombardy, with trips out of town, seasonal flavours, art initiatives, and sporting events

Lifestyle

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

Lifestyle

5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy

Lombardy offers glamorous experiences that combine the allure of luxury with the discovery of natural and cultural treasures

Lifestyle

Paolo sarpi a little bit of china in milan

Oriental atmospheres, Asian deliciousness in this suggestive corner of China in Milan

Lifestyle

Roaring engines in Lombardy

A visit to Lombardy's museums dedicated to four-wheels

Lifestyle

Trams in milan

Take a seat on its wooden benches and enjoy a journey through the old days in Milanese history and tradition

Lifestyle

November 2025 Events in Lombardy

The light mists and soft light make November in Lombardy the perfect time to rediscover villages, museums, and seasonal flavours

Lifestyle

VIP Tour at Monza ENI Circuit

Experience all the thrills of the Monza Circuit with a super-exclusive visit..

Lifestyle

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.

Lifestyle

9 ideas for a romantic weekend in Lombardy

Lifestyle

A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains

Steam engines, railcars, electric trains, old Centoporte ("one hundred doors") carriages: board these vintage trains for an unforgettable tour of Lombardy's scenic beauty

Lifestyle

Around Milan on the historic streetcars

An alternative way to visit the city

Lifestyle

Historic windows, a memory of Lombardy's expertise

Historic shops selling hats and flowers, pastry shops, trattorias and workers' cooperatives, shops selling musical instruments, butchers and printers.

Lifestyle

The Milan of the balconies

The railing houses, a Milan a bit retro but not out of fashion

Lifestyle