Attractions and Places To See in Varese - Top 20

Varese, known as the "Garden City," offers several beautiful natural attractions. Key among them are Lake Varese, which features a well-marked cycle path around its perimeter, and Lake Comabbio, an oasis of beauty and peace also with direct access to a bike path. The Campo dei Fiori Regional Park provides numerous trails through deciduous forests, offering spectacular views. Nearby, you can also find Lake Maggiore and the Brabbia Swamp Nature Reserve.

Yes, Varese is home to significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most notable is Sacro Monte di Varese, a pilgrimage site featuring 14 Baroque chapels leading to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. Additionally, the Isolino Virginia, an islet on Lake Varese, is a UNESCO site with an ancient Neolithic pile-dwelling settlement, and the Archaeological Park of Castelseprio is also a World Heritage Site.

Beyond the Sacro Monte, Varese boasts several historical and cultural gems. Explore the 18th-century Palazzo Estense and its exquisite Italian-style gardens, or visit Villa Panza, known for its contemporary American art collection. Masnago Castle hides beautiful 14th-century frescoes and houses the Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The historic center of Varese itself offers a maze of pedestrian streets and elegant squares.

Varese is excellent for cycling. The Lake Varese Cycle Path is a popular choice, offering picturesque views and a flat ride. Lake Comabbio also has a dedicated bike path. For those seeking more varied terrain, the Valmorea Railway Cycle Path (Valle Olona Cycle Path) provides a scenic route. You can find more detailed cycling routes, including options around Lake Maggiore and Campo dei Fiori, in the Road Cycling Routes in Varese guide.

Sacro Monte di Varese is accessible by car, bus, or funicular. The funicular operates on weekends, connecting the Vellone valley with the village. The site features a two-kilometer cobbled route with 14 Baroque chapels depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, culminating at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. The small medieval village offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lombard plain and surrounding lakes, along with local culinary specialties.

Yes, Varese offers several family-friendly options. The cycle paths around Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio are suitable for all ages. The Panperduto Dam is an interesting man-made monument with easy routes. Many parks and gardens, such as the Estensi Gardens and Villa Toeplitz, provide pleasant spaces for families to relax and explore. The Caldana Sculpture Trail within Campo dei Fiori Regional Park is also popular with families.

For stunning vistas, head to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte at Sacro Monte di Varese, which offers panoramic views of the Lombard plain and surrounding lakes. Another excellent spot is the View from Sasso del Ferro. Many points along the cycle paths of Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio also provide picturesque lake views, such as the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese.

Varese and its surroundings are ideal for various outdoor activities. Besides cycling around the lakes, you can enjoy hiking in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, which offers numerous trails. For runners, there are dedicated Running Trails in Varese, including loops around Lake Comabbio. You can also find specific Waterfall hikes in Varese, such as to the Froda Waterfall.

Varese holds several unique spots. The Icehouses of Cazzago Brabbia, near Lake Varese, are distinctive trulli-like structures. The Cloister of Voltorre, a 12th-century portico near Gavirate, is an admirable example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Castiglione Olona is an enchanting medieval village known for its artistic heritage, including frescoes by Paolo Schiavo. The striking Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Maggiore, offers a profound atmosphere of spirituality.

The best time to visit Varese for outdoor activities is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for cycling around the lakes, hiking in the parks, and exploring historical sites. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities on the lakes, while spring and autumn provide milder weather and beautiful natural scenery, especially with the changing foliage.

Yes, Varese offers easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. The paths around Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio are generally flat and accessible. Within the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, there are numerous trails, some of which are less strenuous. For specific easy hiking routes, you can check the Waterfall hikes in Varese guide, which includes trails like The Froda Waterfall and Ferrera Waterfalls Loop.

Many of Varese's natural areas are suitable for dog walking. The cycle paths around Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio are popular for walks with pets. The Campo dei Fiori Regional Park also offers numerous trails where dogs are generally welcome, though it's always advisable to keep them on a leash and check local regulations for specific areas.