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

The best area to stay in Varese is the historic city center, particularly around Piazza Monte Grappa and Via XX Settembre. This district offers easy access to key landmarks like the Basilica di San Giovanni Battista and the Varese Cathedral, as well as charming cafés, local bakeries, and weekly farmers’ markets.

For a more tranquil experience, consider staying near Lake Varese (Lago di Varese), where you’ll find quiet villas and eco-friendly B&Bs with scenic views. Many of these accommodations offer bike rentals and walking trails leading into the nearby Alto Milanese hills. The Villa Panza estate, just 15 minutes away, is also worth visiting for its stunning gardens and art exhibitions.

Top recommended hotel: Hotel Villa Giusti, a restored 19th-century villa with elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a gourmet restaurant serving authentic Lombard cuisine like risotto alla milanese and ossobuco.

Several hotels in Varese provide exceptional views of Lake Varese, especially those located along the northern shore near Varese Lido. The top choice is Hotel Laghetto, a modern boutique hotel set directly on the lakefront with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding hills. It features an outdoor terrace, a waterside restaurant, and complimentary boat dock access.

Another excellent option is Villa Aurora, a restored 19th-century villa nestled in a private garden overlooking the lake. With elegant rooms, a wellness center, and a private path leading to the lakeside promenade, it’s ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and elegance. Both hotels are within a 10-minute walk of the historic city center and offer easy access to cycling routes and seasonal boat tours on the lake.

Visitors to Varese can enjoy authentic Lombard culinary experiences through several unique activities. Start with a guided visit to the Varese Farmers’ Market (Mercato Contadino) every Saturday morning, where local producers sell fresh cheeses, cured meats like Salame di Varese, and organic vegetables.

Join a hands-on cooking class at La Cucina del Borgo, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes such as risotto al tartufo nero (truffle risotto), cassoeula (slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut), and pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta). The class includes a tasting session with regional wines like Franciacorta DOCG.

For a deeper cultural immersion, book a farm-to-table lunch at Agriturismo La Serra, a family-run farm where meals are made from ingredients grown on-site. You’ll dine under open skies with views of the Alto Milanese hills, enjoying seasonal menus that change monthly based on harvests.

Yes, Varese has several family-friendly hotels with spacious outdoor areas. Hotel Gardenia stands out with its large garden featuring a playground, mini golf course, and shaded picnic zones. It offers interconnecting rooms, baby cots, and a kids’ club with daily activities like crafts and storytelling.

Another great option is Agriturismo Il Prato, a countryside farmhouse located just 8 km from the city center. It boasts a fenced courtyard with chickens, rabbits, and vegetable gardens—perfect for children to interact with farm animals. The property hosts weekly “Family Farm Days” with milking demonstrations, bread-baking workshops, and nature scavenger hunts.

Both hotels provide free shuttle service to the city center and nearby attractions like Parco del Muzio and Lago di Varese, making them ideal choices for families seeking comfort, space, and meaningful outdoor experiences.

For beginner hikers near Varese, the Sentiero del Lago di Varese Circular Trail is an ideal choice. This 6-kilometer loop circles the southern shore of the lake, featuring gentle slopes, well-maintained paths, and breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hills. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and even a small birdwatching platform.

Another excellent option is the Monte Mottarone Nature Trail, accessible via a short cable car ride from Varese. The trail starts at the summit and descends through pine forests and wildflower meadows, offering panoramic vistas of the Po Valley and the Alps. It’s only about 4 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for families and first-time hikers.

Both trails have clear signage, rest stops, and emergency stations. Local tour operators also offer guided walks in Italian and English, including equipment rental and refreshments.