Best lakes around Busto Arsizio are found in the province of Varese, an area recognized for its numerous lakes. This region offers diverse natural landscapes and recreational activities. Visitors can explore various lakes, from large pre-Alpine bodies of water to smaller, tranquil ponds and wetlands. These areas provide opportunities for cycling, walking, watersports, and discovering historical sites.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
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Always beautiful🌈 to pedal🚴in the greenery of the Oasis Parades🌳
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Archaeological site in the municipality of Besnate, the so-called lagozza is a small but charming lake surrounded by a small swamp. This peat bog gave birth, in 1877, to an ancient pile-dwelling and from there a civilization was discovered, called precisely the Lagozza Civilization, which in all likelihood lived here about 5,000 years ago.
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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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Look at the hole! Let's hope they restore everything soon
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Lagozza in prehistoric times was a large swamp with shallow water. There is evidence of settlements dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
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Leaving the Villoresi canal and heading towards Legnano, you pass close to this lake area.
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Foppa is a wetland near the Olona river that flooded naturally. Here the water that irrigated the meadows once accumulated. Today the Foppa is fed with river water. Foppa, the nearby meadows and woods are ideal habitats for fauna. Since 2009 the municipality of San Vittore Olona in collaboration with the Olona Viva association, the Olona River Consortium and the Parco dei Mulini has restored the wetland area from "La Foppa". Foppa is fed with water from the Olona river through the Bellona canal. Today this body of water and the surrounding green areas, a forest and a meadow are home to a rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. In this area LIPU has spotted 90 different species of birds. A small wetland area like Foppa is of fundamental importance for migratory species that travel thousands of kilometers twice a year to return to breed or to winter; and sometimes they stop to feed in this very place. Not just birds. At Foppa there are also fish and other animals that feed on the eggs and larvae of aquatic insects; that's why there are so few mosquitoes!
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Small lake recovered from a former quarry and part of the Parco degli Aironi. The park extends over 45 hectares of greenery with about 14 thousand tree species and a remarkable variety of environments ranging from a large lake basin to dense woods and fenced areas for grazing animals such as deer, fallow deer and mouflon. In the park there is a picnic area and a refreshment bar.
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Visitors frequently enjoy exploring areas like Castello Park, a forest and lake area with ponds and characteristic fauna. Another popular spot is Herons Park Pond, a small lake recovered from a former quarry, offering diverse environments and wildlife. For those interested in history, the Lagozza di Besnate Archaeological Site features a small lake and a swamp, known for an ancient pile-dwelling discovery.
For watersports enthusiasts, Lake Maggiore offers excellent opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Similarly, Lake Como is popular for sailing and kitesurfing, while Lake Lugano provides options for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.
Yes, several lakes and natural areas are great for families. Castello Park and Herons Park Pond are both family-friendly, offering green spaces and wildlife. Lake Monate is particularly suitable for families, known for its clear waters, relaxation spots, and grassy areas for children to play. The La Foppa Wetland is also family-friendly, offering opportunities for birdwatching.
The Lagozza di Besnate Archaeological Site is a significant historical location, revealing evidence of the Lagozza Civilization from about 5,000 years ago. On Lake Maggiore, you can visit the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, and the famous Borromean Islands with their magnificent palaces and Italian gardens. Lake Como is renowned for its aristocratic villas like Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi d'Eril. Near Lake Varese, the Isolino Virginia holds archaeological significance, and Lake Lugano offers access to Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. Lake Varese features a well-maintained 28 km cycling path encircling the lake. Lake Comabbio has a 12 km bike path that connects to Lake Varese, offering a pleasant route for cycle tourism. You can find more cycling routes in the area, including gravel biking and road cycling, by exploring the Road Cycling Routes around Busto Arsizio and Gravel biking around Busto Arsizio guides.
Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. The area around Lake Maggiore offers trekking in the surrounding mountains. Lake Lugano provides peaceful walks along its shores and trails on Monte San Giorgio. For more local options, you can explore the Hiking around Busto Arsizio guide, which includes routes like those in Parco Alto Milanese.
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. You'll find clear waters at Lake Monate, and the distinctive 'Y' shape of Lake Como. Wetlands like La Foppa Wetland are home to rich biodiversity and numerous bird species. Herons Park Pond, part of Parco degli Aironi, features a large lake basin, dense woods, and fenced areas with grazing animals like deer and mouflon.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For swimming, July and August are ideal when the waters are warmest, especially at Lake Como and Lake Monate. Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and cycling, with ideal temperatures, particularly around Lake Comabbio and Lake Lugano. The mild climate of Lake Maggiore makes it pleasant for various activities throughout spring and autumn.
Absolutely. The La Foppa Wetland is a significant spot for birdwatching, with LIPU having spotted 90 different species of birds there. Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio also offer good opportunities for birdwatching along their cycling and walking paths.
Yes, the La Foppa Wetland is a unique oxbow lake, fed by the Olona river, and is crucial for migratory bird species. Lake Como is Italy's deepest lake, known for its distinctive 'Y' shape and a microclimate that supports Mediterranean and tropical plants. Lake Lugano is considered one of the most beautiful pre-Alpine lakes, shared between Italy and Switzerland.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the large pre-Alpine lakes to smaller, tranquil ponds. The opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and watersports are highly valued. Many also enjoy discovering the rich historical and cultural sites, such as ancient archaeological findings and prestigious villas, making for a well-rounded experience.


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