Villa Cortese(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best areas to stay in Varese are city center and Lago di Varese waterfront. Staying in the city center offers easy access to Piazza Monte Grappa, Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, and local cafés. For scenic views, opt for accommodations near Lake Varese, where you can enjoy peaceful mornings with mist rising over the water.

Top choices include Hotel Villa Caccia, a boutique hotel with elegant rooms and free Wi-Fi, and B&B Albergo del Sole, a budget-friendly option just a 5-minute walk from Varese Train Station. These locations provide excellent connectivity to Lombardy’s major cities like Milan and Como.

Visitors to Varese can explore the Church of San Marco, renowned for its 17th-century frescoes and serene interior. The annual Festa di San Marco in September features traditional parades, folk music, and local crafts, offering a deep dive into regional heritage.

Don’t miss a hands-on artisan bread-making workshop by Lake Varese, where you’ll learn to bake Pane Varesino—a local specialty made with native wheat and slow fermentation for a crisp, layered texture. In the evening, stroll along the Paderno River Promenade, where illuminated historic buildings reflect on the calm waters, creating a dreamlike atmosphere perfect for photography.

The Lago di Varese waterfront area is ideal for families. It features spacious green spaces, playgrounds, and family-friendly walking paths along the lake. Nearby, Parco Zoologico di Varese houses native European animals such as red foxes, wild boars, and goats, with interactive feeding sessions that delight kids.

Family-friendly restaurants nearby serve classic Italian dishes like Lasagne alla Bolognese and freshly baked desserts. With a 15-minute walk from Varese Train Station, this area offers convenient access and a relaxed, child-friendly environment perfect for a stress-free vacation.

Must-try dishes in Varese include Risotto al Ragù Varesino, a rich risotto simmered with slow-cooked beef ragù and local rice, delivering deep, savory flavors. Another highlight is Pesce al Forno del Lago, fresh lake trout grilled over charcoal and drizzled with lemon and herbs, showcasing the bounty of Lake Maggiore.

Visit Bottega del Cioccolato, a local artisan chocolate shop offering high-cocoa dark chocolates (70%+), with flavors like almond and raspberry—perfect as souvenirs. Don’t miss Piazza del Mercato, where morning markets burst with fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and seasonal fruits, offering an authentic taste of daily life in Varese.

From Varese, take ATM Bus Line 42 directly to Lake Maggiore, a scenic 30-minute ride through rolling hills and farmland. To reach Lake Como, transfer to Milano Centrale Station via regional train, then board a Trenitalia Frecciarossa high-speed train—just 45 minutes away.

For a more immersive experience, rent a bicycle and follow the Via dell'Inferno trail toward Sargnano, passing historic villages and ancient churches. Many hotels offer free bike rental services, making it easy to explore the countryside at your own pace and enjoy a true slow-travel adventure.

Key historical buildings in Varese include the Church of San Marco, built in 1680, featuring exquisite Baroque frescoes and altarpieces showcasing master craftsmanship. The Palazzo Comunale, a neoclassical municipal building from the 19th century with a prominent clock tower, once served as the city’s administrative hub.

The Centro Storico district houses several 18th-century noble mansions now converted into museums and art galleries. Notably, Museo Civico di Varese displays local historical artifacts, vintage photographs, and exhibits tracing the city’s transformation from an agrarian society to an industrial center—offering deep insight into Varese’s cultural evolution.