Lake Varese is a wonderfully peaceful destination for a luxury villa holiday in the Italian Lakes. Surrounded by the lush countryside of Lombardy and backed by the mountains of the Varese province, the lake offers a beautiful combination of pretty lakeside villages and spectacular natural scenery. Just a short distance from Milan and Lake Maggiore, it is also ideally placed for exploring some of northern Italy’s most popular attractions.
Boasting beautiful views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, our handpicked luxury holiday villas on Lake Varese provide the perfect base from which to explore the lake and the surrounding countryside.
EXCELLENT
Based on 50 reviews
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Miki LeibowitzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Cassina Rossa in Forte Dei Marmi was a perfectly located villa to enjoy all things Forte & truly feel like a local! The communication with the owner and her representatives was so easy and they were VERY helpful with anything we needed during our stay. We so enjoyed waking up every morning and either taking our coffee intown while it was super quiet and watching everything wake up around us or on most mornings we rode the bikes that were supplied to us to the wonderful market that was literally down the street and picked up anything we needed fresh for the day. The kitchen was beautifully equipped and we made espresso most mornings and either sat outside on ground level patio or on the roof top overlooking the mountains. It was comfortable enough to have lunch and dinner at home a couple of times and fun setting a beautiful table with their pretty dishes, linens, etc. Having Bagno Vasco the very authentic classic beach club included was a dream and a big savings! Great food, easy location to bike or drive to and the position of our chairs, umbrella and sunbed right next to the sea was great. We were there for over 2 weeks and for a nominal amount he supplied us with their towels each day so we didn’t have to bring back and forth. The villa’s proximity to the center of town can’t be beat. It’s quiet enough to be a bit removed and beautiful to see the mountains whenever walking or riding home but so close to all the wonderful restaurants & very upscale & unique shops. Forte has such a unique vibe day and night especially on market days (Wednesday and Sunday). The markets are so full of clothing, housewares, etc that you’ll need to bring an extra bag or ship stuff home. People come from everywhere to take advantage of it. The location of Forte Dei Marmi is so central and close to other towns like Pietrasanta up in the hills which allows you to experience a completely different more typically Tuscan area within a short 15-20 min drive and it’s also very close to Lucca, Pisa & Carrara (where they get the marble) only 1 1/2 hours from Florence and Portofino if you are staying longer and want to take some wonderful daytrips. Forte Dei Marmi doesn’t have the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi coast but the beauty of looking one direction and seeing the beaches and looking the other and seeing the stunning mountains including Carrara is truly unique and offers its own special beauty. Another plus is that it is very flat so much easier than many Italian towns to walk and ride bikes which everyone does everywhere. It’s fun to see everyone (mostly Italians which we loved) fully dressed for dinner on bikes as it’s truly the chosen form of transportation for the young and old. We can’t wait to return!!Posted on Google![]()
Victor JohansenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jo at Bookings for You is absolutely wonderful to work with. We have booked properties in Sorrento and Sicily over the past two years (2022 & 2024) and have not been disappointed. The properties were 1st class and just phenomenal. Jo lists only the best based on; location, amenities, condition & cleanliness. I highly recommend Bookings for You when planning & booking your stay in Italy; you won't be disappointed. First class service and first class properties!Posted on Google![]()
Jackie MorganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service , prompt and efficient responses to enquiries . Villa was just what we wanted for a family holiday , and Fiona was a great asset ! ThanksPosted on Google![]()
JoyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have just spent a fabulous week in Villa Speracedes booked with Bookings for You. Bookings for You provided excellent communication with us both prior to and during the trip to ensure that everything ran as smoothly as possible for us. The apartment was great: comfortable, very well equipped and the terrace was fabulous with a seating area for meal times, comfortable loungers to relax on and down the steps, loungers beside the pool. All having magnificent views across the valleys. Highly recommended!Posted on Google![]()
Rob AherneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fabulous stay in Villa Assisi - a big villa with private pool in a hotel resort complex. It was very peaceful, despite a very central location, and the pool was a fantastic luxury given the super-hot temperatures. We were able to use the hotel facilities, such as the tennis court and bicycles, as well, so it felt like the best of both worlds. We were well looked after by Bookings for You too. Highly recommended.Posted on Google![]()
evan sohunTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
An amazing place. Had such a great stay with my family and the hosts were so helpful all along. Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
Diane SafranTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The villa is Beautiful. The staff wonderful especially the chef and Benne. Daniela is a wonderful host. Our family had a wonderful time Thank youPosted on Google![]()
Ella JonesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! We had the most amazing holiday at Golfo Gabella on Lake Maggiore and will definitely be rebooking for next year 😊
Although Varese is not directly on the shores of the lake, it is the main town in the area and an excellent base for exploring the lake and surrounding countryside from your Lake Varese holiday villa. Known as the ‘Garden City’, Varese is filled with elegant villas, beautiful parks and tree-lined streets. We particularly recommend visiting the magnificent Palazzo Estense and its gardens, before heading up to Sacro Monte di Varese for wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Varese, Gavirate is one of the area’s most popular lakeside towns. Its attractive waterfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll and it makes an excellent day out while staying in a luxury holiday villa on Lake Varese. We also recommend exploring the town itself, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants and local shops – making it a great place to come for a long lunch followed by a bit of retail therapy.
Set on the western side of Lake Varese, Biandronno is a peaceful village surrounded by the iconic green landscapes of Lombardy. This town is particularly appealing if you’re looking for a quieter escape, with the lake and countryside providing a beautiful setting for walking and cycling. From here, you can also visit the nearby Isolino Virginia; a small island in the lake and an important archaeological site which can be reached by boat. Another great day out from your luxury villa on Lake Varese.
Just a short distance from the eastern shore of the lake, Azzate is a charming hilltop village with beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Its historic centre is characterised by traditional buildings and quiet streets, while its elevated position provides a lovely perspective across the lakes and mountains of Lombardy. Azzate serves well as both a wonderful base for your Lake Varese villa holiday and also an excellent day trip if you’re staying further afield.
The lake’s northern and eastern shores are an excellent choice for a luxury villa rental on Lake Varese. We love the combination of peaceful lakeside villages with beautiful countryside and views towards the surrounding mountains coupled with the joy of discovering the unpretentious lakeside towns and villages.
Gavirate is one of the main towns on this side of the lake, while smaller villages such as Bodio Lomnago offer a quieter and more rural atmosphere and both are great for a lakeside lunch from your Lake Varese luxury holiday villa. The area is particularly appealing to walkers and cyclists, with routes following the lakeshore and continuing into the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking to explore the area from your luxury villa rental on Lake Varese, this is a wonderful place to start. You’ll be close to the water while also having easy access to the attractions of Varese and the wider Lombardy region. The northern shore is also a good choice if you want to combine relaxing days beside the lake with trips to nearby Lake Maggiore and the mountains.
The southern and western shores of Lake Varese offer a wonderfully peaceful setting, with small villages, woodland and open countryside surrounding the lake. For days out from your luxury villa rental on Lake Varese, Biandronno and Cazzago Brabbia are particularly appealing – especially if you’re looking for a quieter experience away from the larger towns. The landscape here is ideal for enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and discovering the area’s rich natural surroundings.
This side of the lake is also a great choice for nature lovers. The Palude Brabbia nature reserve lies close to the southern shore and provides an opportunity to explore one of Lombardy’s most important wetland areas. With a more rural atmosphere and plenty of space to relax, the southern and western shores are perfect for a luxury Italian lakes villa holiday focused on peace and relaxation, while the attractions of Varese and the other Italian Lakes remain within easy reach.
Sharing your luxury holiday villa in the Italian Lakes with friends and family can be the perfect way to make life-long memories together. The area has so much to offer, that every generation of a family can be kept busy discovering the natural beauty, history and abundance of adventure sports available in the region. Villa Varese is a stunning 16th century luxury holiday villa set amid mature, spacious gardens in a historic village overlooking the lake. The interior is filled with period furnishings and incredibly vibrant frescoed ceilings. It is a stunning luxury villa rental on Lake Varese – perfect for a holiday or as a venue to celebrate a special occasion.
Is there anything more relaxing than holidaying in a luxury villa with a private pool? And while we love to swim in the Italian Lakes, there’s nothing better than returning to the haven of your own private pool, where you can cool off and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Villa Limona is a stunning luxury Italian Lakes holiday villa, set in a charming hamlet and within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. It is ideally placed for exploring both Lake Varese and Lake Maggiore, but its real jewel is the magnificent 20 metre swimming pool. More than big enough to accommodate all of the family; it’s the ideal spot to relax on a warm summer day, enjoying the magnificent views over the lake and mountains beyond
One of the area’s highlights is Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site set on the slopes of Monte Campo dei Fiori. A series of beautiful chapels follows the route up the hillside towards the sanctuary, with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. Allow plenty of time for the walk and be sure to look back as you climb – the views become increasingly impressive as you gain elevation.
This is one of our favourite things to do while staying at a Lake Varese villa rental. Take a boat across Lake Varese to Isolino Virginia, a small island with an important archaeological history. Evidence of prehistoric settlements has been discovered here, making it an intriguing destination for anyone interested in the history of the region. The island is surrounded by beautiful lake scenery and makes a lovely addition to a day spent exploring the shoreline.
Nature lovers staying at a Lake Varese holiday villa should make time for the Palude Brabbia nature reserve on the southern side of the lake. This protected wetland is an important habitat for birds and other wildlife, with paths and observation points allowing visitors to explore the peaceful landscape. Bring your binoculars if you’re a keen birdwatcher, or simply enjoy a gentle walk through one of the area’s most beautiful natural environments.
The closest airport to Lake Varese is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is around 35 minutes away by car. This makes Lake Varese a convenient choice for a luxury villa rental in the Italian lakes. Milan Linate and Bergamo airports are also possible alternatives, although they are further away.
Yes, cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore the area. A cycle route follows the shoreline and provides a relatively gentle way to discover the lake, passing through countryside and several of the surrounding villages. It is a lovely option for families and leisure cyclists, while more experienced riders can use the lake as a starting point for exploring the surrounding hills.
Swimming is possible in designated areas of Lake Varese, although it is important to check local signage and current water quality information before entering the lake. If swimming is an important part of your holiday, we recommend checking the facilities available close to your holiday villa on Lake Varese in advance.