Ghirla, a village between lakes and mountains
🌿 Ghirla is located in the picturesque Valganna, in the province of Varese, in the heart of Lombardy. A quiet corner of northern Italy, so close to the border that in just 15 minutes by car you can reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, in the beautiful Ticino region.
It is a small village of fewer than 800 inhabitants, where calm and tranquility reign. It’s one of those towns where everyone knows each other: greetings exchanged along the quiet streets, a good coffee shared at one of the two bars on the main square, or friendly conversations and smiles while shopping at the local supermarket or at the post office. A simple and authentic daily life, reflecting the true spirit of village living.
⛪ Between history and nature
Just outside the village stands the Church of San Cristoforo, the patron saint of Ghirla. It’s well worth a visit as it is very well preserved. Built in the 18th century, it incorporates an earlier religious building from the late Romantic period. Perched on a gentle rise, its unmistakable silhouette can be seen from afar, marking the heart of the village.
On the other side of the village center lies the lake, of glacial origin. Once a popular summer destination for many Milanese seeking relief from the city’s humid heat, it offered the coolness and greenery characteristic of Valganna. Today, Lake Ghirla is a serene and relaxing spot, perfect for a refreshing swim, a walk through the surrounding woods, or simply enjoying the calm and the reflections of the water.
Staying in Ghirla
🧺 Groceries and supermarkets.
Just a short walk from the house, in the main square, La Dispensa del Buongustaio welcomes you with ready-to-eat Italian dishes and a selection of high-quality local cheeses, cured meats, and specialty products.
For other “specialty” shops, just a 3-minute drive along the main road, don’t miss Aristeo, a delightful artisanal cheese shop offering cow, goat, and sheep cheeses—fresh or aged, smoked or blue—crafted with passion and authentic ingredients.
For everyday shopping, there are also two convenient supermarkets nearby: Unes in Marchirolo and Tigros in Cunardo, both less than 3 km away. They offer long opening hours, including Sundays, making it easy to get everything you need without straying far from home.
☕ Bars in Piazza Perruchetti.
In the heart of the village, Piazza Perruchetti is home to two bars, facing each other, reflecting the social and welcoming spirit of the community!
Each has its own personality and schedule:
-
Bar Goglio opens early, perfect for breakfast with freshly baked croissants enjoyed on the terrace in nice weather.
-
Bar N°3 is more of an evening spot, specializing in drinks and perfect for an aperitif outdoors as the sun sets and the square comes alive.
🥐 Patisseries.
Around the house, you’ll find two wonderful patisseries:
-
Pasticceria Belli in Cunardo, less than 2 km away, a symbol of traditional flavors preserved with timeless personality.
-
Pasticceria-Gelateria Bacilieri, known for its innovative spirit and constant creativity, yet a historic and beloved local name since 1986.
🍴 Restaurants nearby.
You are in the region of two classic Northern Italian dishes: risotto and polenta.
-
Risotto is rice cooked slowly with various ingredients and finished with butter and Parmesan cheese. To enjoy it at its best, it should be paired with a good wine that complements the flavors.
-
Polenta is a type of cornmeal porridge that becomes soft and flavorful when cooked. It is usually served with various sauces, often cheese-based, meat-based, or game. Polenta also pairs wonderfully with a carefully selected wine.
Being in Italy, of course, you are also in the perfect place for authentic pizza and pasta. Below is a selection of carefully chosen restaurants where you can discover the best of local cuisine:
-
Trattoria del Lago, just a few meters from the house, serves fresh fish, perfectly cooked meats, traditional pasta dishes, and excellent pizza—available to eat in or take away.
-
Tre Risotti, the ultimate destination for risotto lovers, with many customers traveling from Milan for its renowned dishes and extensive, carefully curated wine cellar.
-
Nearby, a short drive will take you to other local specialties:
-
La Baita San Gemolo – surrounded by greenery, with polenta, game, and homemade cheeses.
-
Ristorante Bellavista – offering stunning views of Valganna and Lake Maggiore.
-
I Panigacci – famous for its meat dishes.
-
Ristorante Le Ruote – specializing in Lombard cuisine.
-
Ristorante Le Grotte di Valganna – traditional local dishes prepared with passion and high-quality ingredients.
-
👉 Reservation is recommended for all restaurants!
🛍️ Other shops and services.
In the nearby villages, just a few minutes by car, you’ll find everything you might need during your stay: pharmacies, post office, veterinary clinic, medical center, ATMs, gas stations, and much more.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a complete house guide with more details and helpful tips to make the most of your stay!
La Valganna.
The wonders of Valganna
Just a short drive from Varese lies the Valganna, a stunning green jewel in Lombardy, stretching 12 kilometers and shaped by ancient glaciers. Perfect for nature lovers and travelers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
The area includes four charming hamlets—Ganna, Ghirla, Boarezzo, and Mondonico—and is surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks of the Varese Prealps. Whether you enjoy gentle walks or more challenging hikes, the landscape offers countless opportunities to explore, breathe fresh air, and immerse yourself in nature.
For those who prefer it, or to have a change, you can walk along the shore of Lake Ghirla. A 14-meter-deep body of water where you can breathe fresh air. An oasis of peace that opens up to vast and evocative green areas.
And for those who love cycling, Valganna is full of bike paths that pass through ancient villages and solitary little towns.
It must be said, however, that although this valley is certainly a natural paradise, it also hides fascinating historical and cultural testimonies that are worth discovering.
It’s important to know that this valley has a remarkable feature: it is crossed by an ancient Roman-Lombard route, which in ancient times allowed pilgrims and emperors to reach Rome starting from Lake Constance. The first stage of this route passes through five villages of Valganna.
The first stage, called La Via Francisca del Lucomagno, leads to the Badia di San Gemolo (Abbey of San Gemolo,) a gem of the province of Varese, and to the famous Maglio di Ghirla, one of the oldest and best-preserved hammer mills in the province, dating back to the 18th century.
This stage ends at the edge of the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, where the second stage of the Via Francisca begins and where you can visit the wonderful Sacro Monte of Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
