Varese is truly the “land of lakes”, with its territory dotted by numerous bodies of water. It is also known as the “garden city”, a name earned thanks to the many gardens that grace its historic villas. But Varese is also rich in artistic and cultural heritage: among its many artistic and architectural treasures, murals and frescoes painted on the façades of houses in some villages turn the city into a true open-air art gallery.

The city lies at the foot of the Sacro Monte mountain, part of the Campo dei Fiori range in the Varese Prealps, which is also home to an astronomical observatory and the Prealpine Geophysical Center.

The surrounding landscape is varied and lends itself to countless itineraries, thanks to its diverse geography—diversity that is also reflected in the richness of its gastronomic offerings. From cheeses to cured meats, from local wines and honey to lake fish and game, Varese’s culinary scene is full of local excellence. Don't miss specialties like Cantello asparagus, Formaggella del Luinese DOP, and ravioli stuffed with perch, river shrimp, and wild mint. Whether in the city center or along the lakeshore, you’ll find plenty of typical trattorias and country inns where you can savor authentic traditional cuisine.

Imbarazzo della scelta anche su dove dormire. Diverse sono le residenze di lusso e gli agriturismi che si affacciano sul lago in un landscape tra verde e pace, sia in località Sacro Monte per cui serve l’auto e altri anche in centro città. Soluzioni veramente alternative anche se un po’ costose ma che permettono di vivere fino in fondo la città.