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Best things to do in Varese and surroundings

Gemonio is a small town located in the province of Varese, in Lombardy, with several interesting activities for tourists within a 20km radius.

These are just some of the things to do that tourists staying at Casa Noa enjoy the most.

In the town of Gemonio:

  1. Bodini Museum: A small museum dedicated to the sculptor Floriano Bodini, where you can admire many of his works. Website.
  2. Salvini Museum: The Salvini Museum in Cocquio Trevisago is an ancient mill transformed into a museum, containing an exhibition of tools and machinery related to ironworking. There is an ancient water mill, still functioning. The museum also hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Nice place to visit, just to view the building and his surroundigs. Website.
  3. Church of San Pietro: A small and ancient church with frescoes and a very suggestive atmosphere.  Map Link.

Around Gemonio:

  1. Lake Maggiore: About 10 km away, Lake Maggiore offers various activities such as boat trips, water sports, and walks along the shores. Here are some beautiful towns on Lake Maggiore worth visiting: Laveno Mombello, Luino, Angera, Arona, Baveno, Stresa, Verbania.
  2. Borromean Islands: The Borromean Islands ( website ) are one of the main tourist attractions for those who love nature, art, and good food. We recommend two options for visiting the islands:
    1. You can leave your car in Laveno Mombello and buy a specific ticket at the ticket office to reach all the islands open to the public (cost: €26 adults, €13 children, family discount for 2 adults + 2 children). From Laveno Mombello, take the ferry to Verbania-Intra (navigation: 20 minutes); once there, take the boat to the islands, which will be visited in this order: Isola Madre, Isola Superiore (or Isola dei Pescatori), Isola Bella. Public transport information.
    2. You can drive to Stresa (Map Link), and from there take the public boat or a private tour.
  3. Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso: About 8 km away, this picturesque hermitage built on a cliff overlooking Lake Maggiore offers a breathtaking view. Website.
  4. Villa della Porta Bozzolo: About 5 km away, in Casalzuigno, this historic villa owned by FAI, with its splendid Italian gardens, is a must-see. Website.
  5. Campo dei Fiori Park: About 15 km away, it offers multiple trails for hiking or cycling, with spectacular views of the Prealps and the Lombard plain. We particularly suggest this easy itinerary that leads to the Forte di Orino, a spectacular viewpoint over the Varese lakes. About 10km round trip, it takes 2 hours at a slow pace. Website.
  6. Sacro Monte di Varese: About 20 km away, part of the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a devotional complex with chapels and a panoramic path. A small village perched on the mountain where it is also nice to get lost in the small streets. Website.
  7. Rocca di Angera: About 20 km away, a splendid fortress overlooking Lake Maggiore with a doll museum and an incredible view. It is also recommended to visit the town of Arona. Website.
  8. Laveno-Mombello: About 10 km away, a town on Lake Maggiore with a cable car that leads to Sasso del Ferro, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Map link.
  9. Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto: About 20 km away, located in Verbania, these spectacular botanical gardens host a vast collection of exotic and rare plants. Map link.
  10. Varese: a lovely small city for a walk, an aperitif, and a lunch or dinner. It is recommended to visit the Estensi Gardens, a very beautiful and tranquil free park. Map link.
  11. Other interesting places about an hour's drive away: Lugano (Switzerland), Como, Locarno (Switzerland), Bellinzona (Switzerland)

Recommended activities:

  • Hiking, trekking, and trail running: The area offers many trails for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Contact me personally for advice on trekking or trail running routes in the area. I can provide GPX tracks depending on your level of preparation and adventure.
  • Cycling: Several bike paths and scenic roads to explore the surroundings. In particular, you can do the complete tour of Lake Varese (25km) and Lake Comabbio (12km). Contact me for more details, advice, and GPX tracks.
  • Food and wine: Try the local cuisine in typical trattorias and restaurants, tasting Lombard specialties. Inside the apartment, you will find a list of recommended restaurants and bars for lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
  • Beaches: Contact me and I will try to recommend the best beaches on Lake Maggiore and the beautiful Lake Monate.