Visiting Lake Varese
Lake Varese is part of a chain of seven lakes bordering the province of Varese. It sits north of the Po Valley and at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori massif in the pre-Alps. Lake Varese and its verdant surroundings, with the Alps and Monte Rosa providing a backdrop, prompted the writer Stendhal to praise the region: "Magnificent ensemble; at sunset, we could see seven lakes. Believe me, my friend, you can travel through France and Germany without experiencing sensations like that." Once you are there, make sure to visit Isolino Virginia, which stems from millennia of human activity in the area.
A verdant region in northern Italy
Less known and celebrated than its neighbor Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese is well worth the detour. Its shores are idyllic, and the atmosphere across the nine municipalities lining the water is deeply peaceful. For instance, Gavirate, located on the northern shore, serves as a historic lakeside resort town. In Voltorre, you will discover a pretty medieval cloister characteristic of Lombard architecture near San Michele Church.
A 27 km bike path allows you to circle the entire lake at a leisurely pace. Near Lido Schiranna, you can head out for a canoeing trip. Boat cruises are also available.
A site occupied since prehistoric times
The most intriguing curiosity on Lake Varese is Isolino Virginia, a pile-dwelling site dating back to the Neolithic period. Numerous remains have proven that the formation of this island stems from human activity, with occupation dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Designated as a prehistoric pile dwelling by UNESCO, the island is accessible for visits from the town of Biandronno.
Lake Varese is a must-see in the region. The lake is vast and pretty peaceful. You can walk around it or go biking. I recommend booking a cruise on the lake. There are several options available, depending on your time and budget. For my part, I really loved it, the scenery is magnificent.