Best lakes around Carnago are found in the province of Varese, Italy, a region known for its Italian Lakes. While Carnago itself does not have major lakes within its borders, it serves as a base for accessing several notable lakes. Lake Varese is the closest and most relevant, offering a tranquil environment. The broader area also includes larger lakes like Maggiore, Como, Orta, and Iseo.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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Estensi Gardens and the Palazzo Comunale in Varese The Estensi Gardens and the Palazzo Comunale are located in the center of Varese. THE PALACE In 1766, the Duke of Modena, Francesco III d'Este, Captain General and Governor of Austrian Lombardy, decided to buy the residence located on the outskirts of the village for his holidays. Varese had been enfeoffed to him in a personal capacity with civil and judicial powers by Maria Theresa of Austria on 23 June 1765. Immediately after the acquisition, Francesco III began to expand the property by annexing the neighboring property. The renovation and construction lasted from 1766 to 1773, while the garden was completed in 1771. The architect Giuseppe Antonio Bianchi was in charge of the project and directed the works, including the design of the hill that became known as Castellazzo Flat to create the gardens. The palace consists of a central nucleus with two side wings connected by the underlying portico, which houses a stone cutter. The long façade on Via Sacco is equipped with three stone portals and balconies. Entering through the main portal, which leads into the central portico and the courtyard of honor, you pass from the austerity of the external façade to the internal façade, which is lively and overlooks the picturesque garden. The interior of the palace is an example of the so-called Teresian Baroque. The Hall of Honor (or Salone Estense) is full of precious elements such as the illusionistic frescoes by Lodovico Bosellini and the central medallion by Giovan Battista Ronchelli. Going up to the first floor, along the staircase of honor, there are four niches with eighteenth-century copies of female busts and putti with stucco lamps. ……….. Text / Source: FAI - FONDO PER L'AMBIENTE ITALIANO ETS - Via Carlo Foldi, 2 - 20135 Milan https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/giardini-estensi?ldc
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Laghetto dei cigni / Swan Pond in the Giardini e Palazzo Estensi in Varese The history of Palazzo Estense and its beautiful gardens was born thanks to a real love at first sight. It is said, in fact, that Francesco III d'Este, Duke of Modena and governor of Austrian Lombardy, fell so much in love with the beauty of Varese that he requested it as a fief from Maria Theresa of Austria. From then on it is history: the Duke bought the villa, now known as Palazzo Estense, and entrusted its restoration to the architect Bianchi, making it his summer residence. The garden behind the building was laid out in Italian and French style, inspired by the park of the residence at Schönbrunn. The main feature of the garden is the parterre, punctuated by flowerbeds and low-stemmed plants, which houses the large central fountain. Today the area is a public park, directly connected to the gardens of Villa Mirabello, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day who crowd the paths to fully enjoy this beauty. Text / Source: Turismo-in-Lombardia https://www.in-lombardia.it/it/ https://www.in-lombardia.it/it/turismo-in-lombardia/varese-turismo/giardini-di-palazzo-estense
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Very nice, I will definitely do it in the next few days,
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The "Rile-Tenore-Olona" (RTO) is a Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest (PLIS) established in 2006 between eight founding municipalities and subsequently joined by four others in the province of Varese. Covering over 25 square kilometers, the park embraces valley floors, hillsides and plains, taking its name from the main waterways: Rile, Tenore and Olona. The management of the PLIS has been entrusted to the Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate regional park since 2019, in line with the reorganization of the Lombardy protected area management system. Castiglione Olona assumes the role of Convention Head in the management of the PLIS.
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The fauna is typically aquatic: red frogs and toads come every year to reproduce and for some years there have also been one or two pairs of mallards.
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Walking along the LP/847 path from Beregazzo in the direction of Appiano Gentile, after passing the Ca' Bianca farmhouse, you come across the pond of the same name on the left. To observe it better, it is best to turn left onto path 846, which partly runs along its banks. The Ca' Bianca pond, among the largest in the Pineta Park, is home to a rich population of water lilies, which bloom beautifully in summer. Along the banks, on the northernmost side, cattails and other aquatic plants also grow.
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Near Bodio Lomnago there is this place from where it is possible to admire one of the many panoramic points offered by the beautiful cycle path of Lake Varese.
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Owned by the municipality of Varese since 1882, the Giardini Estensi are a public park located in the center of the city.
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The closest and most popular lake is Lake Varese, known for its tranquil environment and the Lake Varese Cycle Path. Other highly regarded spots include the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese and the quiet Ca' Bianca Pond, which features ducks, turtles, and water lilies.
The lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Lake Varese is excellent for cycling, jogging, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, especially around the Brabbia Marsh Nature Reserve. Lake Maggiore and Lake Como provide opportunities for boat tours, hiking, and various water sports like sailing and windsurfing. For cycling, you can explore routes like the MTB Trails around Carnago or the Gravel biking around Carnago guides.
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lake Varese is ideal for families with its mostly flat 28-kilometer cycling path, suitable for leisurely strolls and cycling. The Ca' Bianca Pond is a quiet spot with benches, ducks, and turtles that children often enjoy. The Old railway tracks and pond at Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona also offers family-friendly trails within a nature reserve.
The region is rich in history and culture. On Lake Varese, you can visit Isolino Virginia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Neolithic stilt settlements. Nearby, the Sacro Monte di Varese, also a UNESCO site, features 14 chapels and a sanctuary with panoramic views. Lake Maggiore is home to the famous Borromean Islands with their opulent palaces and gardens, while Lake Como boasts historic villas like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi.
Absolutely. The Lake Varese Cycle Path is a highlight, offering a 28-kilometer route encircling the lake. Lake Iseo features the scenic Vello-Toline bike path. For more challenging rides, you can explore various routes listed in the MTB Trails around Carnago or Gravel biking around Carnago guides, which include routes like the 'Olona Valley Cycle Path'.
Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake, is renowned for its dramatic Alpine scenery, grand hotels, and opulent villas. Its most famous attractions are the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre), each offering unique palaces, gardens, and charming fishing villages. It's also popular for boat tours and cable car rides for stunning panoramic views.
For a more tranquil experience, consider Lake Orta. It's a smaller, less-crowded gem with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. The charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio and the picturesque Isola San Giulio are highlights. Lake Iseo is another 'under-the-radar' option, offering natural beauty and a more authentic Italian experience, with Monte Isola being a car-free island perfect for exploration.
Yes, hiking opportunities abound. The areas around Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta offer various trails in the surrounding hills. For specific routes, you can check out the Running Trails around Carnago guide, which includes paths near the lakes and through natural areas like the Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona.
Lake Varese offers numerous panoramic points along its cycle path, such as the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese. The Sacro Monte di Varese provides cultural enrichment alongside stunning views. For Lake Maggiore, cable car rides (e.g., Mount Mottarone) offer breathtaking panoramas. Lake Como's dramatic setting against the Alps also provides many scenic vistas from its charming lakeside towns.
Lake Como is famous for its distinctive inverted-Y shape and dramatic beauty, set against the Italian Alps. It's known for its chic atmosphere, historic villas, and elegant towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Visitors enjoy exploring these charming villages, visiting iconic villas such as Villa del Balbianello, and taking boat trips to admire the scenery and architectural marvels.
Yes, the Brabbia Marsh Nature Reserve is located near Lake Varese, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona, which includes old railway tracks and a pond, is a Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest (PLIS) that embraces valley floors, hillsides, and plains, providing a rich natural environment for exploration.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil environment of Lake Varese, the scenic cycling paths, and the opportunities for leisurely breaks at spots like the Lakeside picnic area. The quiet atmosphere of Ca' Bianca Pond with its wildlife is also a favorite. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 400 upvotes and 75 photos shared for the lakes in the area.


Still not found your perfect lake around Carnago? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.