Top 20 Lakes around Lago di Varese

For swimming and water sports, Lake Monate is highly recommended for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, canoeing, and pedal boating, especially in summer. Lake Maggiore also offers opportunities for water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Lake Ghirla is another charming option for swimming during the warmer months.

Yes, many lakes in the Varese area are family-friendly. Lake Varese itself features a flat cycle path along its edge, perfect for all ages, and equipped areas with services. The Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese is a pleasant spot for families. Lake Monate is great for swimming and pedal boating, and its surrounding villages like Osmate and Cadrezzate are ideal for picnics.

Lake Varese is famous for its almost completely flat, approximately 30 km long cycling path that encircles the entire lake. This well-marked route is suitable for cyclists of all levels. Lake Comabbio is also connected to Lake Varese by a bike path, offering another excellent option for cycling, particularly in spring and autumn. You can find various cycling routes in the area, including the Lake Varese Cycle and Pedestrian Path.

Absolutely. The area around Lake Varese is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Neolithic stilt settlement on Isolino Virginia, a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible by boat from Biandronno. The 12th-century Cloister of Voltorre is a remarkable example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Don't miss The Icehouses at Cazzago Brabbia, historic cisterns used to preserve fish. The Sacro Monte di Varese, another UNESCO site, offers panoramic views and cultural significance.

The lakes region offers stunning natural beauty. The Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, at the foot of Lake Varese, boasts diverse flora and trekking trails. The Brabbia Swamp Nature Reserve (Palude Brabbia) is a paradise for birdwatchers. For panoramic views, the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese near Bodio Lomnago is a great spot. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso on Lake Maggiore, perched on a cliff, also provides breathtaking vistas.

Beyond cycling, the lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, especially in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park and around Lake Ganna. Birdwatching is excellent at the Brabbia Swamp Nature Reserve and Lake Comabbio. Water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are available on Lake Maggiore, while Lake Monate is perfect for canoeing and pedal boating. You can find various hiking options in guides like Hiking around Lago di Varese.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling and walking around lakes like Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is perfect for swimming and water sports on Lake Monate and Lake Ghirla. Even winter has its charm, with Lake Ganna offering striking snowy landscapes when its waters freeze.

While not entirely hidden, Lake Ghirla is a charming, smaller lake ideal for relaxation and nature, often less crowded than the larger lakes. Lake Ganna, nestled within the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, is another beautiful spot, particularly striking in winter and offering hiking trails in other seasons, with the medieval Badia di Ganna nearby.

Visitors particularly enjoy the serene views and the blend of outdoor activities with cultural exploration. The flat cycle path around Lake Varese is a major draw, praised for its pleasant, easy ride and many panoramic points. The idyllic spots where rivers like the Bardello flow into the lake, such as Between the Bardello River and Lake Varese, are also highly appreciated for their scenic beauty.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For example, the Easy hikes around Lago di Varese guide lists routes like the 'Devil's Bridge from Gropello Loop' and sections of the 'Lake Varese Cycle and Pedestrian Trail' that are considered easy. These trails often offer pleasant walks through nature without significant elevation changes.

Yes, public transport options are available. The city of Varese is well-connected, and from there, local buses often serve the towns and villages around the various lakes, including Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, and Lake Monate. For Isolino Virginia on Lake Varese, a ferry service is available from Biandronno.

Many of the paths and natural areas around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. The extensive cycle path around Lake Varese is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering flat terrain and scenic views. Always check local regulations for specific areas or beaches.