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14 Best Places to Visit in Veneto, Italy

Best known for the cities of Venice and Verona, Veneto is one of the most rewarding regions to travel around in Italy. An autonomous republic until 1797, it has lots of amazing old cities and enchanting towns to explore. On the way between them, you’ll come across fertile wine areas, forested hills and bucolic countryside scenes.

Stretching from the soaring Dolomite Mountains to the sparkling Adriatic Sea, it occupies a massive part of northeastern Italy. Part of the hugely powerful Venetian Republic for over a thousand years, it has a remarkably rich history, culture and heritage to delve into. Wherever you go, you’ll find arresting artistic works and architectural treasures decorating its centuries-old settlements.

Besides the capital Venice, the City of Canals, cities such as Vicenza, Padua are also not to be missed places to visit in Veneto. With great food and fantastic wines guaranteed throughout the region, visiting Veneto never gets old.

14. Marostica

Just one of many medieval walled cities in Veneto, Marostica is located just outside the much bigger Bassano del Grappa. As well as its charming historic center, the smallish town is known for its local cherries and live chess events.

Once a Roman military outpost, its already considerable fortifications were expanded by the Scaglieri family who ruled over Veneto in the fourteenth century. Its two castles and long defensive wall that snakes its way about the surrounding hills are now Marostica’s main attractions.

At the heart of its main square is a huge chessboard that hosts the exciting human chess games for which it is famed. In September of each even year, people and horses representing chess pieces play out a dramatic game before baying crowds. This striking spectacle reenacts a legendary match that saw two nobles compete for the love of a local lord’s daughter.

13. Treviso

While most visitors head straight to Venice or Verona after arriving at its airport, Treviso is well worth a visit. Often overlooked, the sizeable city has a gorgeous center for you to explore, full of impressive buildings and important landmarks.

The first mainland settlement to fall under the rule of the Venetian Republic, it has a fascinating past to uncover. Over the course of two millennia, everyone from the Romans and Franks to the French and Austrians controlled the city at some point or other. As you stroll about, you’ll see centuries-old palazzi next to countless churches and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Hemmed in by old stone walls, its cobbled streets and stunning piazze are a delight to get lost in.

Asides from enjoying all its amazing architecture, you can examine extensive collections of artifacts and artworks in its Civic Museums. Lots of fun concerts and community events are also still held at Loggia dei Cavalieri which astonishingly dates to 1276.

If you’re looking for some sun, sea but history too, then the picturesque Caorle is the place to go. Set alongside the shimmering Adriatic Sea, it lies just up the coast from Venice and the Lido di Jesolo. A laidback fishing town, its broad beach offers loads of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy.

Nestled between the estuaries of the Livenza and Lemene rivers, it was founded in the first century BC by the Romans. Most known for its cathedral’s cylindrical bell tower, the town has much more to see than just its thousand-year-old landmark. Lining its mess of calli (alleys) and campielle (squares) are a myriad multicolored houses home to shops, restaurants and bars.

At the end of its long promontory is the Church of the Blessed Virgin of the Angel. From here, visitors can bask in divine views over the vast beach and glittering sea beside it. Other than splashing around and swimming in its shallow waters, you can sunbathe or play games on its sweeping sands.

11. Montagnana

Still surrounded by remarkably well-preserved old walls, the small town of Montagnana lies about an hour’s drive southeast of Verona. While its formidable fortifications are the reason most people visit, its center boasts plenty of beautiful palazzi and colourful houses.

Stretching over two kilometers in length, its long wall was erected in the eleventh century to protect the town. One of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe, its four huge gates and 24 towers are almost perfectly intact today.

Once inside its historic old town, you’ll find elegant villas and traditional restaurants lining the central Piazza Communale. Overlooking it is the enormous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which displays some exquisite architecture and contains impressive religious artworks. Montagnana is also known for its delicious prosciutto which is found on almost every menu in town.

10. Palladian Villas

One of the most renowned architects in world history, Andrea Palladio’s fabulous villas are found all throughout Veneto. While most are concentrated around Vicenza, his home town, other extraordinary examples lie outside Treviso, Padua, Venice and Verona.

Born in 1508, the Renaissance-era architect was inspired by Roman and Greek architecture. He often incorporated colonnaded porches, fetching facades and arched Palladian openings in his designs. Some of his most famed works are Villa La Rotonda outside of Vicenza and the richly decorated Villa Emo. Although most known for his classic country houses and villas, he also designed churches, palaces and theaters too.

Now replicated around the world, his arresting architectural-style influenced world-famous buildings like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera. Due to their captivating beauty and gorgeous grounds, you really have to check out at least a couple of Palladian Villas when traveling around Veneto.

Yet another of the area’s attractive walled towns is the adorable old Asolo in the province of Treviso. Delightfully known as the ‘City of a Hundred Horizons’ due to its hillside setting, its romantic, winding streets are a treat to explore.

Strung across the forested foothills of the Dolomites, Asolo is located between the endless Venetian plains and far-off eastern Alps. Inhabited since prehistoric times, its compact center contains lots of historic palazzi, a simple but stately cathedral and small castle. Overlooking everything is the twelfth-century Rocca fortress which affords you incredible views over the surrounding countryside.

Scattered about town are also the remains of ancient Roman theaters, aqueducts and amphitheaters for you to see. After taking in its artistic and architectural gems, try some award-winning prosecco at one of the cozy bars lining its scenic squares.

8. Chioggia

Often called ‘Little Venice’, the cheerful Chioggia is also home to countless canals and colourful old buildings. Lying at the southern end of the lagoon, its picturesque waterways and atmospheric alleys thankfully lack the large crowds that flock to its nearby neighbor.

Occupying a tiny little island, the unassuming fishing town is connected to the mainland by a couple of causeways. Although much smaller than La Serenissima, its pretty canalside palaces and historic churches still make for some fantastic photos. Among its main sites are the colossal 1627 Chioggia Cathedral and Church of San Domenico.

Besides sipping a spritz and nibbling some chicchetti while gazing over the canals, you can hit up its enormous beach. Much quicker and more convenient to reach than the Lido from Venice, it stretches six kilometers in length. All along its soft sands are playgrounds and beachfront cafes with mini-golf courses and nightclubs also dotted here and there.

Usually (and understandably) overlooked in favor of both Venice and Verona, the elegant Vicenza is another of Veneto’s finest cities. Located almost equidistant between the two, it has a lovely historic center to explore full of architectural masterpieces and museums. One of our favorite places in the whole of the region, it has a very sophisticated look and feel.

Founded in the third century BC, it is now known as the ‘City of Palladio’ due to all the fancy villas and palaces he built in the area. His instantly recognizable architectural style can be spotted pretty much everywhere you go in Vicenza. The most breathtaking example is undoubtedly the delightful Basilica

Not far away is Teatro Olimpico (another of the architect’s most important works) where you can watch unforgettable operas. Asides from touring all the city’s refined palazzi and artifact-filled museums, make sure to head to Monte Berico. From its prominent hilltop and basilica, you can enjoy phenomenal views over all of Vicenza. The famous Villa La Rotonda nearby is also a must-visit.

On the way from Vicenza to Verona, you’ll come across the absolutely stunning city of Soave. While it is rightfully renowned for its dry white wines, the small medieval town has much, much more to offer.

Completely surrounded by sturdy stone walls and crenelated towers, it is presided over by the Castle of Soave. Occupying the whole of a hilltop, the former Scaglieri family fortress, its lavish courts and ginormous gates is one of the best-preserved in all of Italy.

After seeing how lords and ladies lived in the fifteenth century, you can stop outside Scaliger Palace and Palazzo Cavalli. Both boast some superb architecture as does the nearby Justice Palace. Santa Maria dei Domenicani is also worth checking out for its fading frescoes and religious treasures. After exploring all its sites, sit down at one of its traditional bars and sip a refreshing glass of soave.

5. Padua (Padova)

Much larger and livelier than the cities we’ve seen so far, Padua has long been an important center of culture and learning. Besides its prestigious university which was founded in 1222, it has impressive piazze and palazzi, cathedrals and chapels to see.

Lying along the Bacchiglione River, it claims to be among the oldest cities in northern Italy. Thought to have been established around 1183 BC, Padua is certainly packed with centuries-old sights. These include the stupendous Scrovegni Chapel and beautiful Basilica of St. Anthony. While the former is famed for its fascinating frescos, the latter is a popular pilgrimage site. After seeing its old relics and religious artworks, you can wander about the statue-lined lawns of Prato della Valle outside.

Although often visited as a day trip from Venice , Padua also has a thriving nightlife scene thanks to its sizeable student population. Great fun to explore, its arcaded streets and sprawling squares lead to stylish cafes and lively student bars.

4. Lake Garda

Yet another of the Veneto region’s unmissable attractions is the absolutely spectacular Lake Garda . One of the most popular places to visit in Italy, its reflective waters are lined by scenic snow-topped mountains and charming lakeside towns.

The largest lake in the country, its dramatic shores and idyllic islands are divided between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. In just half an hour’s drive from Verona, you can already find yourself by the lake admiring its incredible views. Aside from sunbathing and swimming at its beaches, you can hike amidst its hills or take boat trips and pedalos out on the lake.

On the Veneto side, Garda and Peschiera del Garda are two of the most enchanting towns to visit. As well as cute centers and waterfront restaurants, they have little walled fortresses, villas and palaces to amble about. A place we’ve returned to time and time again, Lake Garda guarantees unbelievable scenery and views wherever you go.

Every bit as romantic, Verona is renowned all around the world for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The second largest city in the northeast of Italy, its well-preserved historic center has a staggering array of arresting sights for visitors to check out.

Dominating and defining the city is its enormous Roman amphitheater that was erected back in 30 AD. Still in great condition, its ancient stage and stone steps host top-class concerts and opera performances each summer. After seeing its countless churches and cathedral, head up to the red brick Castelvecchio perched upon the hillside. From here, you can bask in sweeping panoramas over the city’s rooftops, river and bridges below.

Much less crowded than Venice, Verona has a lovely laidback atmosphere, especially at night when most tourists have departed. Other than must-see sights such as the little balcony at ‘Juliet’s House’, simply strolling around its medieval heart is a memorable way to spend the day.

2. Cortina d’Ampezzo

If instead of sightseeing and city trips, you’re after superb skiing and mountain scenery, then the chic Cortina d’Ampezzo is definitely the place to go. Nestled high amidst the Dolomites, the famous and fashionable resort town has all kinds of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy.

Tucked away in a vast alpine valley, its luxurious lodges have been welcoming the wealthy for over a century. Catering to its clientele are upscale shops, craft stores and exclusive restaurants. A couple of moderately interesting castles, churches and museums can also be found dotted about town.

After hosting the Winter Olympics in 1956, it was catapulted to fame as a skiing and snowboarding destination. Part of the Dolomiti Superski area, Cortina d’Ampezzo remarkably has over 850 thrilling pistes for you to shoot down. In summer, you can hike and bike about its mighty mountains or climb cliff faces and jagged peaks.

For many the most magical and romantic place on Earth, Venice is the crown jewel of what Veneto, and arguably the whole of Italy, has to offer. Almost unchanged in appearance for over 600 years, its scenic canals, bridges and squares are a treat to explore.

Built across 118 small islands in the Venetian lagoon, La Serenissima is an artistic and architectural gem unlike any other. Its enticing alleys and canals lead to such famous sites as Piazza San Marco, its breathtaking basilica and Doge’s Palace. From the Rialto Bridge or on gondola rides, you can gaze out over the iconic Grand Canal. Seeing all its wonderful waterfront palaces and boats zipping about is an image sure to live long in the memory.

Besides exploring historic neighborhoods like San Polo and Dorsoduro, you can peruse outstanding art collections in the Guggenheim and Gallerie dell’Accademia. At almost all its restaurants and bars, you can enjoy gorgeous views over the picture-perfect squares and canals before you. While it does certainly get quite crowded, there is a reason people return to the irresistible Queen of the Adriatic time and time again.

Map of Places to Visit in Veneto, Italy

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Top 15 Places to Visit in Veneto, Italy – The Ultimate Guide (+ Map, Tips, and Itinerary)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Veneto

Veneto is that region in the northeast of Italy where everything is on your doorstep.

The beautiful city of venice , the adriatic sea, lake garda , the mountain range of the dolomites, as well as many cities of art , medieval towns , and picturesque villages , are just a few of the travel options here.

So, in this blog post today, I want to share with you the top 15 places to visit in Veneto. This way you can pick the exact destinations you want to see depending on the type of holiday you are planning. This could be an immersion in Italian history, art, and culture, a relaxing vacation on the beach, a romantic city break, a family adventure, or a fun experience with lots of activities.

Captained by its capital – the dreamy city of Venice – and with a long list of hidden gems and beautiful destinations, Veneto is a delight to discover during a short break, an intensive week of sightseeing or a longer period of relaxation coupled with exploration.

The choices of what to see and where to go in Veneto are endless. Here are the main ones:

• the cities of Venice ,  Padua  and  Verona  with their many layers of history and art.
• Cittadella , Este , Montagnana , and dozens more walled towns  with medieval castles and centuries-old buildings with frescoed facades.
• Lago di Garda  – Italy’s largest lake with shores dotted with cute towns, small beaches, citrus gardens, and olive groves.
• the  delta of the River Po  – Italy’s longest river where flocks of flamingoes roam.
• the Venetian Lagoon – with its many islands each with its unique heritage.
• the Adriatic Sea – flanked by endless sandy beaches stretching under the hot Italian sun.
• the Dolomites  – where peaks, valleys and lakes come together in an unspoilt, beautiful landscape.

Add to this Veneto’s three international airports (one next to Venice , another near Treviso , and a third by Verona) and this northeastern Italian region – a maximum of two-hour flight away from most major hubs in Europe – becomes not just a must-see destination but also an easy to reach and so very enjoyable to explore place.

Scroll down to browse through the region’s large cities, pretty towns, artistic heritage, hidden corners, and spots of natural beauty.

Right at the end, I have also included an essential travel guide with practical information about visiting Veneto – where to stay, what to eat, how to get around the region, everything is covered. Including a sample week-long itinerary.

It’s all based on my six years of living in Veneto. I spent this time travelling around the region and exploring it in depth. I hope that all the information in this blog post – all personally tried and tested by me – will give you lots of ideas for exciting holidays in this corner of Italy. Plus, the knowledge of how to organise your travel most smoothly and enjoyably.

Have a look!

Where in italy is veneto.

Let’s start by pinpointing on the map the exact location of Veneto in Italy and Europe. This way you will have a clear idea of where its main cities are on its territory and can check how long it takes to get from one to another.

Veneto is one of Italy’s twenty regions. It is also one of the eight Italian regions that make up the northern end of the country. If you imagine Italy as a long over-the-knee boot, the north corresponds to its wide upper band. Veneto is more or less just above the back of the knee and covers the back of the lower thigh.

To the east, Veneto borders the Adriatic Sea and most importantly – the Venetian Lagoon where the region’s capital, Venice , was first settled in the 5th century AD. To the west, Veneto borders the Italian region of Lombardy and a long strip of the boundary cuts across Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda . To the south of Veneto stretches the region of Emilia-Romagna . To the northeast stands the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia , to the northwest is the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige , and to the north – there is a small land border with Austria.

The above map shows you the location of Veneto in Italy as well as the region’s main and lesser-known destinations. You can use it just like any other map in Google Maps – you can zoom in and out, calculate directions, and even open it in a new browser tab for more convenient browsing.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Veneto, Italy

1. Veneto’s Top 3 Cities

Veneto has three main cities which are world-famous on account of their history and beauty. They are Venice, Verona, and Padua. Each one of them deserves at least a couple of days of intense exploration and sightseeing. The more you learn and see of them, the more there is to learn and discover.

These three cities are especially satisfying to visit if you have an interest in art, ancient, medieval, and Renaissance history, and food traditions. They are also very beautiful – each in its inimitable way – and allow you to experience the Italian dolce vita from different angles.

So, in a few words, here is what to expect when visiting:

Venice – once this was the head of a superpower that for more than a thousand years ruled over the Mediterranean Sea and large swathes of land. Nowadays, Venice is one of the most famous tourist magnets in the world. Built on a cluster of 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the city captivates with its canals, elegant facades, and a huge repository of art.

Venice attracts millions of visitors each year eager to see its main landmarks , marvel at its architecture, enjoy a romantic experience or simply snap the ultimate selfie. At the same time, the City of Canals has many hidden corners and little-known gems to discover one by one just off the beaten track. This is a destination that needs to be seen more than once at different stages of one’s life.

With its maze-like urban plan, dozens of museums and churches, curious stories, unique local dishes, and soul-inspiring views, Venice reveals itself to you in many, often mysterious ways.

I have written extensively about Venice on this blog. My ultimate travel guide about the City of Water contains links to a huge quantity of useful travel information – from how to orient yourself in Venice to the best things to do here. Have a look!

Verona  – known as the City of Love and the City of Romeo and Juliet , this is a multilayered destination that hides many lovely surprises.

At its heart is a majestic Roman arena which nowadays serves as the world’s most exclusive opera stage . Medieval squares flanked by frescoed buildings make Verona an utterly charming city to visit. The imposing cathedral is right next door to the world’s oldest library – the Biblioteca Capitolare . An outstanding art gallery is a must-see inside Castelvecchio – an imposing medieval castle linked to a mighty bridge over the fast-rushing River Adige. The bird’s-eye views from Castel San Pietro make you fall in love with Verona time and time again.

This city in Veneto also has a lively social atmosphere. With bars serving apericena – aperitifs and a large selection of appetisers to double as dinner – people stay out late into the balmy nights. In winter, an excellent Christmas market takes over the historic centre. Spring comes with a large-scale wine festival.

Verona is also a great base for explorations deeper into the region of Veneto. A stone’s-throw away from Lake Garda and an easy train ride away from the other main cities and smaller towns here, you will be spoilt for choice in terms of day trips.

Padua  – the popularity of this large city in Veneto is growing year after year. It has a lot to offer including the oldest indoor food market still in operation in the world. You will find it on the ground level of Palazzo della Ragione where pasta-makers, fish-mongers, butchers, and cheese-sellers have been selling their wares for over eight centuries.

The city is also famous for its 14th-century fresco cycles which are a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. You will find them in ancient buildings dotted around the historic centre. Among them, the Scrovegni Chapel stands out. Fully frescoed by the Florentine painter Giotto and his workshop between 1303 and 1305, it is considered to be the spark that inspired the creative expression of the Italian Renaissance.

Giotto’s skill in depicting human emotions leaves you deeply touched as you follow fresco by fresco the biblical stories under a sky painted with the highly-prized in the Middle Ages ultramarine pigment and dotted with gold eight-pointed stars.

Padua also has Italy’s second-oldest University where you can see the world’s oldest permanent anatomical theatre and the podium from which the polymath Galileo Galilei taught his lectures during his 18 years in the city. The world’s oldest academic botanic garden (another UNESCO World Heritage sight) is a short walk away on foot. On the way, stop at the Santo – an imposing basilica dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua which is an important pilgrimage site and beautifully decorated with priceless frescoes and other works of art.

I love Padua and have spent many happy moments exploring everything that this underrated city in Veneto has to offer – from its excellent coffee and cakes to its outstanding works of art. In my blog, you will find several detailed posts about Padua . Have a look!

2. Veneto’s Smaller Cities

The best thing about the region of Veneto in Italy is that the size of a local destination does not define the amount of history, the number of excellent sights, and the portion of beauty you are going to find in it.

Veneto’s small cities are a case in point. Very walkable and easy to reach by train from Venice, Verona, and Padua, they have charming historic centres, long lists of must-see landmarks, and are often right in the bosom of nature. Surrounded by tall mountains, crisscrossed by rivers, and dotted with elegant historic houses and imposing towers and churches, these small cities are great to visit on a day trip and can add many unforgettable experiences to your travel memories from Veneto in Italy.

Here are five to give you some ideas (for more have a look here ):

Vicenza  – the City of Gold and the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, Vicenza is where you will find outstanding architecture and some of the finest jewellery shops in Italy. Built on Roman foundations, the city truly prospered during the Renaissance.

Nowadays Vicenza is a great day trip to spend enjoying some excellent museums , looking at Palladio’s buildings, and shopping for a piece of jewellery or two.

I am very fond of Vicenza as this is where I lived during my six years in Veneto. The city is a great base for day trips in the area as it allows you to reach quickly the region’s large cities and a myriad of small destinations.

Treviso  – widely known for its convenient low-cost airport, Treviso is truly worth a visit. Historical buildings and long arcades line the city’s cobbled centre which is crisscrossed by several canals and surrounded by ancient fortifications.

The rich cultural and social life is palpable in the air. The civic museums regularly organise important art events and must-see exhibitions. A lively Carnival takes place at the end of winter. A music festival closes each summer.

Any time you come, make sure that you eat your fill of tiramisu – Treviso’s culinary gift to the world. And if you like prosecco , you will be in heaven, as this sparkling Italian wine is produced in the vineyards in the province of Treviso.

Bassano del Grappa  – this is a very picturesque small city on the hilly shores of the River Brenta. Founded millennia ago, today Bassano stands out with its medieval and Venetian architecture. There is a ruined castle (used for opera performances each summer), fortified city walls, lovely cobbled piazzas, tall towers, powerful city gates, and many old buildings with facades covered with faded frescoes. 

While it takes its name from the nearby mountain Monte Grappa , Bassano is also where you can taste some of the best grappa in Italy. This is a potent alcoholic drink made of grapes and there is even a museum in town dedicated to its production. The local ceramics industry has centuries-old traditions and if you wish, you can get a nice piece of pottery to take home with you to remind you of your Veneto adventure .

Belluno  – if you love mountains, you will love this small city in the Italian region of Veneto. It is known as the Gateway to the Dolomites, it’s built on a hilltop and has a dramatic backdrop of craggy peaks.

The city has a lovely historic centre but it is also a great starting point for trips to ski resorts, mountain lakes, and picturesque villages.

A short drive away from Belluno you can visit Pieve di Cadore’  – the small town where the famous Renaissance painter Titian was born. This is also where several centuries ago people began making spectacles using local rock crystal. In the process, Italy’s eyewear industry was born.

Rovigo  – known locally as the City of the Roses, Rovigo is traditionally ignored by the mass tourist and yet it has a lot to offer if you want to delve deeper into the history and art of this corner of Italy.

Palazzo Roverella is a must-see sight here. It houses a free art gallery with masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. The Torre Dona’ dates back to Rovigo’s heyday. 66 m high, it is one of Italy’s tallest medieval towers. During your visit, don’t miss the octagonal Rotunda church. This Renaissance building hides an exuberant Baroque interior decorated with large canvases depicting important personalities related to the civic history of Rovigo.

The city is also a gateway to the Delta of Po – the longest Italian river. Its delta is where you can see flocks of flamingoes, sunbathe at one of the many sandy beaches, stay in a summer resort, and visit the Botanical Garden of Porto Caleri.

3. Veneto’s Roman Heritage Sights and Towns

Veneto has an extensive ancient Roman heritage. Artefacts, ruins, and whole preserved structures from the Roman era can be found all around the region.

The tribes living in what nowadays is Veneto’s territory allied themselves with the Roman Republic as early as the 3rd century BC. They received full Roman citizenship in 49 BC and then remained part of the Roman Empire until its fall in the 5th century AD.

Most of Veneto’s cities and towns either were founded by or flourished under the Romans. Their names have Roman origins. For example, Padua was called Patavium , Treviso – Tarvisio, and Vicenza – Vicetia.

In every town or city of Veneto (even in Venice which was founded after the fall of the Roman Empire) you can easily come across ruins and vestiges of this important ancient civilization. For example, in Verona alone, you can see the beautifully preserved Arena di Verona, the ancient Roman theatre, the Roman city gates Porta Borsari and Porta Leoni , the reconstructed Roman bridge Ponte Pietra , as well as a medley of excavations and artefacts all over the city.

Venice not only has a priceless Roman collection in its National Archaeological Museum but they say that the famous Rialto Bridge was built with stones extracted from the ruins of the ancient Roman theatre in nearby Padua.

Whatever is left of it, nowadays lies at the bottom of the elliptical canal which graces Prato della Valle – the enormous square at one end of Padua’s historical centre. Across town from it stands the famous Scrovegni Chapel (see point 1 above) which is customarily known as the Arena Chapel in English as it was built on top of the ruins of Padua’s Roman arena.

If you have a deep-seated interest in ancient history, a trip to the region of Veneto in Italy is a great idea. You can pepper it with exciting visits to both well-known Roman sights here as well as to little-known hidden gems. A case in point are these two small towns:

Concordia Sagittaria  – as it names points, this was an important arrow-making centre at the times of the Roman Empire. The town was founded in 42 BC and it stood on the crossroads of Via Annia and Via Postumia – two Roman roads of great importance. The former connected the territories of what nowadays are the Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The latter stretched to Genoa on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.

Stop for an hour or two in Concordia Sagittaria to see what has been excavated there. Underneath the local cathedral, you will find a portion of Via Annia  as well as the paleochristian Basilica Apostolorum .

If you are in the area, then don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum in the nearby town of Portogruaro. It’s beautifully curated and has many important artefacts, most importantly from the Roman military cemetery found near Concordia Sagittaria.

Oderzo  – founded in the 10th century BC as Opitergium by the ancient Venetic tribes, the town was romanised around 200 BC. Nowadays, it has a well-appointed Civic Museum and an archaeological area where you can feel the echo of the past.

N.B. : If you want to structure your visit to Veneto in Italy around ancient history and archaeology, I recommend the ArcheoVeneto  website. It has exhaustive information about museums and archaeological areas and it also includes several thematic itineraries. It is a great resource!

4. Veneto’s Medieval Walled Towns

The history of the region of Veneto in Italy is rather tumultuous. The Middle Ages and the early Renaissance were particularly busy periods with several pretenders vying for dominance over the rich land. Towns circumnavigated by thick defensive walls were built in Veneto’s plains and hills to protect the local rulers’ interests.

These medieval walled towns are incredibly interesting to visit today. Easy to reach from Veneto’s main cities by either car, train, or bus, they offer an insight into the past. Expect to see proud castles, to walk along thick walls, to hear curious local stories, and even to take part in a town-wide historical reenactment or religious festival.

To give you plenty of ideas for day trips in the history of Veneto, here are my favourite medieval towns here:

Asolo  – a picture-perfect hilltop place known as the  Town of a Hundred Horizons  and the  Pearl of the Province of Treviso . Over the centuries, its beauty has attracted many artists, writers, and royals. For example, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, and the travel writer Freya Stark.

Castelfranco Veneto  – a gorgeous town with an impressive defensive wall, a pretty historic centre, and a host of festivals and events, including a large chocolate festival each spring. This is also the birthplace of Giorgione – one of the most famous artists of the Venetian school.

Cittadella  – here you will find Europe’s best medieval parapet walkway. In simple English, this means that you can circumnavigate the whole town by walking on its medieval defensive wall. In September, don’t miss the town-wide medieval fair. In winter, a nice little ice rink is built on the central square.

Conegliano  – one of the main towns in Veneto’s Prosecco Hills (see point 10) and also the birthplace of the Renaissance artist Cima da Conegliano. This is a beautiful medieval walled town with an atmospheric castle (which nowadays functions as a museum), a lovely cathedral, and the impressive fully frescoed Sala dei Battuti – the meeting hall of a religious confraternity.

Este – in the bosom of the Euganean Hills, this small walled town has a history that spans over three millennia. In the local archaeological museum, you can explore the history of ancient tribes and marvel at the intricate decoration of the Benvenuti Sittula – a bronze funerary urn from 600 BC.

A beautiful park with roses and a kids’ playground has been created where the old castle once stood. The locally produced pottery is highly prized, too. The town is a great starting point for nature hikes and is a short drive away from another beautiful medieval town – Monselice.

Feltre  – huddled on top of a small hill, this medieval walled town is surrounded by the powerful peaks of the Dolomites. Tall stone houses with frescoed facades and whimsical chimneys will capture your imagination. There are several museums and churches, a lovely theatre, and a stunning main square – Piazza Maggiore . Don’t miss the 11th-century  Sanctuary of St. St. Vittore and Corona  nearby.

Marostica  – a very pretty town with an imposing medieval wall which climbs up to the top of a steep hill. There are two castles here. One – ruined, on top of the hill. The other – beautifully preserved and standing right next to the town’s main square.

In June, the town holds several events dedicated to its cherries. They are large, juicy, and sweet and the start of summer is when they are at their best. Every other September Marostica stages a game of chess with people and horses instead of chess pieces. The performance is based on a local legend and ends with a huge fireworks display.

Montagnana  – this is where some of the best Italian  prosciutto  is made. The town is very pretty, too. It is fully surrounded by a powerful defensive wall. There is also a castle, a lovely main square, and a stunning cathedral with a rich repository of art (including rare frescoes by Giorgione).

Serravalle (nowadays, part of Vittorio Veneto)  – this small hamlet is a medieval fairytale come true. Don’t miss the  Museo del Cenedese  for its fabulous frescoes, paintings, and the opportunity to imbibe curious local stories. Plus, the ticket includes a visit to the fully frescoed Oratorio dei Battuti next door.

5. Veneto’s Seaside Towns and Veneto’s Tegnue

The sparkling Adriatic Sea bathes Veneto’s eastern border. This long strip of land is dotted with pretty seaside towns. With cute historic centres flanked by endless sandy beaches, they are a fantastic destination for a day trip or a long holiday of sunbathing and swimming.

Here are three of the best in terms of beach facilities, fresh seafood, and local sights. Which one are you going to put on your Veneto bucket list? Let me know in a comment below.

Caorle  – this is a super cute fishing town with houses painted in bright colours. After a nice lunch of fritto misto – a mix of battered and fried pieces of fish and seafood served on a bed of polenta – go for a walk along the seaside promenade. You will see that it doubles as an open-air art gallery as artists from all over the world have carved different shapes in the large wavebreakers. At the end of the promenade stands the iconic fishermen’s Church of Madonna dell’Angelo.

Next door to Caorle you can visit the historical  casoni . These are typical for the area houses made of wood and canes where the local fishermen and their families used to live. The renowned writer Ernest Hemingway described Caorle and its lagoon in his novel  Across the River and into the Trees .

Chioggia  – this is a town that looks a lot like Venice but it is in fact older than Venice itself. It’s built on islands on the southern tip of the Venetian Lagoon and it is connected to terra fir ma by a causeway. Chioggia has a wonderful atmosphere to it. There are some lovely museums, art-filled churches, two fish markets, an enormous fleet of fishing boats (one of the largest in Italy, in fact), and cute little restaurants serving delicious seafood. Plus, there are much fewer tourists!

Next to Chioggia, you can visit Sottomarina – a half-town/half-summer resort with a kilometric beach and vibrant nightlife during the high season.

Jesolo   / Lido di Jesolo – one of the best destinations in Italy if you are after a beach holiday. Expect endless sandy beaches, huge water parks , beachside entertainment, and fun boat trips. Plus, Venice is just across the water if you feel like some art and culture after all that summer fun. In winter, Jesolo has a great Christmas market and a large Nativity scene made of sand.

Veneto’s Tegnue  – if you love diving, you may be thrilled to find that the region of Veneto in Italy has its own ‘coral reefs’! Considered somewhat of a geological anomaly, these are areas of rocky outcrops with rich shoals of flora and fauna.

Known as  Tegnu e  in the Venetian language, these genuine natural reefs were built by coralline algae over the past 7,000 years. Home to colourful sea sponges, anemones, sea squirts, lobsters, crabs, and fish, the reefs can be seen at a depth of 20 to 28 metres.

Centuries ago, fishermen’s nets would often get caught in the rocks of the reefs. This led to the proliferation of many local legends about an ancient civilization submerged in the Adriatic. Nowadays, large scientific studies have established the origins of the Tegnue and described its rich character as a divers’ paradise.

Bear in mind that the areas of the Tegnue  are protected and diving here is strictly monitored. Local diving clubs in Chioggia and Sottomarina organise diving expeditions and there are about 11 diving sites.

6. Veneto’s Towns on Lake Garda

Lago di Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Its small lakefront towns and varied landscapes make it a lovely place to visit. Territorially, the lake is split between three northern Italian regions – Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Veneto’s portion of Lake Garda is particularly beautiful with its olive groves, lush slopes, and cute, little beaches. Here you can hike, sail, hire a motorboat, dive, and relax. Dozens of quirky museums, historic churches, medieval villages, picturesque towns, and large theme parks fill up with excitement each visit to the Veneto’s shores of Lake Garda.

Here are some of the prettiest towns to visit here for you to take your pick from:

Lazise  – this small lakefront town has a well-preserved medieval castle and a defensive wall encircling its historic centre. The old harbour is where colourful boats moor in the shadow of the 12th-century Church of San Nicolo’ and the 14th-century Venetian Customs House ( Dogana Veneta ). Restaurants and gelato shops are lined up along the wide promenade which passes by a small beach and then continues to the nearby town of Bardolino. In the vicinity of Lazise, you can visit some of Italy’s largest theme parks . The most popular of them is called Gardaland .

Bardolino  – famous as a wine-production centre, this small town has had an eventful history. It was an independent city-state until 1193. Then it was ruled by the Scaliger dynasty from Verona, followed by the Republic of Venice, and finally by Austria before it joined Italy in 1866. Bardolino has a very cute historic centre, several churches from the 11th-12th centuries and 12th-century defensive walls. The town is charming. There is a promenade, a marina, and lots of eateries with open-air seating areas. A Christmas market with a small ice rink takes place every year.

Garda  – the town of Garda gave the lake its current name. It comes from the Germanic word warda it means ‘place of observation’ or ‘guard’.

The town stretches along a small bay overlooked by a steep outcrop known as Rocca di Garda . In the early Middle Ages, a fort was built here to keep an eye on the lake and to prevent enemy attacks. Nowadays, you can hike to the top of Rocca di Garda (it takes about half an hour or so) to enjoy the splendid panoramic views over the lower half of the lake.

In the town of Garda, you will the old Captain’s Palace. It’s built in the Venetian Gothic style and in the past, it was used as a residence and office by the Captain, the local ruler appointed by the Republic of Venice. Originally, the harbour was right in front of the palace, but at a later stage, it was filled in to create the town square.

Punta di San Vigilio – five minutes away by car from the town of Garda you can visit one of the most charming spots on the lake shores. Punta di San Vigilio is a natural promontory with a lovely park, olive groves, and a medieval hamlet with a beautiful villa. Today it functions as a luxury resort.

Many famous people have stayed here, for example, the British statesman Winston Churchill and the actress Viviene Leigh. A popular tavern attracts a refined crowd here in summer. In winter, the promontory is almost deserted and it feels very special to walk around in the company of a special friend or a loved one.

Torri del Benaco  – this picturesque town preserves the memory of Lake Garda’s ancient name, Lacus Benacus . A beautiful medieval castle built on Roman ruins overlooks the shell-shaped historic harbour. Converted into a museum, the castle also has an 18th-century winter garden – known as limonaia – where citrus trees grow next to a fish pond.

Malcesine  – for me, this is the prettiest town on Lake Garda. It stands in the foothills of Monte Baldo, a mountain range where you can ski in winter and hike in summer. Rare plants, including several varieties of orchids, grow here. A cable car with a swivelling cabin will take you from Malcesine to the mountaintop in a few minutes. It is a great experience with fantastic panoramic views.

In Malcesine, don’t miss the medieval castle, the hidden beach, and the historic centre with its steep cobbled streets and traditional harbour. Up to around a century ago, the town could only be reached by water. Nowadays, Malcesine is on the road that circumnavigates the whole lake connecting the small towns on its shores.

7. Veneto’s Spa Towns and Resorts

There are many mineral water springs across the territory of Veneto. Making use of their medicinal properties, spa towns and spa resorts have been built all over this northeastern Italian region.

A mini spa break is a great way to spend a few hours or a couple of days here. It’s both relaxing and revitalising and it gives you a chance to experience Italy beyond the traditional art, history, and food trail.

Here are some spa destinations to consider:

Spa Centres and Spa Hotels in Veneto : A special mention deserve Aquardens near Verona, Aqualux Hotel Spa Suite & Terme in Bardolino, Garda Thermal Park near Lazise, and Hotel Ai Reali in Venice.

Spa Towns in Veneto: Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme are two towns in the Euganean Hills which are completely dedicated to the culture of spa. Hundreds of hotels and spa facilities offer all sorts of treatments and access to thermal swimming pools. You will be spoilt for choice. Both towns are easy to reach from Padua, Venice, and Vicenza.

Bibione  is a lively seaside resort just up from Venice. Here you will find large spa facilities overlooking the sandy Adriatic beaches thus offering the full package of summer fun and relaxation.

Recoaro Terme   is a somewhat faded beauty of a town and once a popular spa resort. People have been coming here for centuries to take the waters in search of cures for body, soul and mind.

8. Veneto’s Islands

A curious fact about Italy is that it has so many islands and archipelagos that 1/6 of its territory is insular!

Many of them are part of the region of Veneto. There are hundreds of beautiful islands here. The most well-known example is Venice which is built on 118 islands connected by 400 bridges and separated by 170 canals.

Chioggia is another town in the Venetian Lagoon which is built on small islands. Yet, this is not all. Here are a few of the most interesting islands in Veneto that you cannot miss:

San Giorgio Maggiore   – this small island is a must-see. You will spot it right across the water from the Doge’s Palace. It has a large church with a glorious Palladian facade which features in some of the most iconic photos of Venice.

A short ride by vaporetto away, the island is very easy to reach. Spend some time there exploring the church, then take the lift to the top of its bell tower to drink in the enchanting views of the City of Canals. On a bright day, you can spot the Dolomites on the horizon.

Burano  – this is one of the most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon. It is known for its lace-making traditions and fishing heritage but above all, for its houses which are painted in intensely bright colours. The local legend says that this was done so that the fishermen could spot their homes from afar even on a foggy day.

When in Burano, try the local risotto di gò which is prepared with the grass goby fish from the lagoon. Finish your meal with tasty biscuits known as bussolà and essi buranelli . I love them dipped in coffee but traditionally people dip them in marsala which is a fortified wine from Sicily.

Murano  – a beautiful island to explore just a short trip by boat from Venice. This is where the art of modern glassmaking took shape several centuries ago. Many glassmaking artists and studios operate on the island. You can see a glassmaking demonstration , shop for unique pieces of glass, and admire the stunning Murano glass chandeliers.

The Murano Glass Museum is also well worth a visit. Next to it, don’t miss the Santa Maria and San Donato Church. It has lovely Byzantine mosaics and right behind the altar, you may spot some large bones which the local legend says were from the dragon slain by St. Donatus.

Torcello  – this was the first island to be permanently settled in the Venetian Lagoon. You will see it just off the coast of Burano. In the early Middle Ages, a few thousand people lived and traded here. Later on, due to changes in the ecology of the lagoon and enemy incursions, most of Torcello’s population moved to the islands of Burano and Murano and then they settled on the islands which nowadays we know as Venice.

Only a handful of people still live on Torcello but the island has important historic buildings. Among them is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with some of the most beautiful and best-preserved Byzantine mosaics in Europe.

Also here you can see one of the last two bridges with no railings in the whole of the Venetian Lagoon. It’s known as Devil’s Bridge and has dark legends associated with it.

N.B.: You can easily visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello on the same day either by buying a pass for the network of water buses (called vaporetti ) in the lagoon or by booking an organised tour. This one is very popular. Or you can see what other options are available by clicking here .

Lido di Venezia  – this is a thin and long sandbar with beaches , hotels, and resorts. Here you will also find the only golf course in Venice. The island is less than 20 minutes away by vaporetto from St. Mark’s Square .

Lido is where the Venice Film Festival takes place in September every year. You can actually drive here – something which is not possible in the fully pedestrian Venice . There is a car ferry which connects the Italian mainland to the island of Lido di Venezia.

Pellestrina  – this is a long and thin island between Chioggia and Lido di Venezia. It is seldom visited by tourists. It is known for its colourful houses and its lace, as well as for its  murazzi  wall. This is an impressive embankment built of Istrian stone by the Republic of Venice to defend the banks of the lagoon from sea erosion.

San Servolo  – this is a little-known islet just off Venice. It was first inhabited by Benedictine monks and then a military hospital was built here. Later the hospital was used to treat people with mental illnesses. Nowadays it functions as a sensitively curated museum .

Isola Albarella , Isola Donzella , and Isola di Ariano  – these are small islands in the Delta of the river Po. Here you can stay in modern resorts with golf courses in the bosom of nature. Flocks of pink flamingoes live in the marshes nearby.

Islands in Lake Garda  – there are several small islands in Lake Garda . Isola del Garda is the most well-known one. This is a private island with a palatial villa surrounded by Italian and English gardens. Guided visits are organised seasonally. Alternatively, you can book a boat tour taking you past a couple of the small islands here and allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the lake shores from the water.

9. Veneto’s Parks and Gardens

The region of Veneto is also well-known in Italy for its lovely gardens, landscaped parks, and general abundance of lush, green spaces.

Many palaces and villas here have expansive historic parks which are open for visits. They are a great place to spend a couple of hours or even a whole day just relaxing and enjoying the seasonal blooms. In some, you can even take in a picnic to tuck into while sitting on soft grass surrounded by family, friends, and many carefully cultivated native and exotic trees and plants.

Here are some of the most beautiful parks and gardens to visit in Veneto yourself. Many of them are award-winning and were originally planted several centuries ago. Be aware that due to seasonal closures, you may not be able to visit some of the gardens below during the low season. Check their websites for their specific opening hours.

Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio  – this historic garden is on the outskirts of the small town of Galzignano Terme in the Euganean Hills. It’s easy to reach from Padua and it’s well-known for its 400-year-old maze, Baroque designs, and whimsical features like its water cascades and trick fountains. They say that the Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio was one of the inspirations for the gardens of Versailles in France.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà  – this is one of Italy’s most important and most beautiful landscaped parks. It stands in the small town of Valeggio sul Mincio which is next door to Verona and Lake Garda.

Over the years, Parco Giardino Sigurtà has been named the Most Beautiful Garden of Italy, has won awards for its stunning tulip displays, and in 2015 it took second place at the European Garden Awards. The park was first planted several centuries ago. In 1941 it was acquired by the Sigurtà family.

There are many things to see and enjoy here on a long sunny day – gorgeous spring flower displays (including one million tulips), wide green spaces which are perfect for picnics on lazy afternoons, picturesque ponds with huge koi carps, a rose avenue, a maze, a sundial dedicated to Romeo and Juliet , a medicinal herb garden, and water gardens, too.

Villa Parco Bolasco – this lovely 19th-century garden was chosen as Italy’s most beautiful park for 2018. You will find it just off the historic centre of the medieval walled town of Castelfranco Veneto (see point 4 above). Its most impressive feature is the circular horse-riding arena surrounded by 52 statues.

Botanical Garden of Padua University  – this is the oldest academic botanical garden in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Here history and plants have created a beautiful, intriguing place where you can spend a few happy and relaxing hours.

The historic enclosed garden preserves its layout just as it was back in the first half of the 16th century. The new Biodiversity Garden is housed in a modern glasshouse where you can walk through the world’s different climate zones. The botanical garden is in the historic centre of Padua and you can easily see it as part of a day trip to this beautiful city in Veneto.

Gardens of Villa Pisani  – known as the Queen of the Venetian villas, Villa Pisani is in the small town of Stra just outside of Padua. It has a gorgeous park with Italian and English gardens, several large water features, an icehouse, and a maze. This is a great place to spend a hot summer day. The villa itself is absolutely beautiful (see point 15 for more details).

Butterfly Ark and Forest of the Fairies  – the oldest butterfly house in Italy is in the small spa town of Montegrotto Terme next door to Padua. Here you can see hundreds of gorgeous specimens from Africa, Asia and the Amazon fluttering freely among native flowers, trees, and bushes.

Once you have walked through the marquees housing the butterflies, you will find yourself in a lovely park of 6,000 sq m. Called  Bosco delle Fate  (in English the Forest of the Fairies), you can follow its winding paths glimpsing along the way all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures.

Large posters in both English, Italian, and German give in-depth information about witches, fairies, ogres, and trolls. It is all good fun and a great place to take the kids to fire up their imaginations.

Giardino Giusti   – for stunning views of fair Verona, head to the lovely Giusti Garden. You will find it on the opposite side of the river Adige, just a short walk away from the city’s historic centre.

This Renaissance garden, first planted in the 15th century, is a place of contrasts. It has a flat part which has been styled in the best Italian gardening traditions and then, suddenly, it rises sharply up a steep hill all the way to Verona’s medieval defensive walls.

Tall cypress trees flank the alleys which are dotted with statues and turtle-populated fountains. The Giusti Garden made a huge impression on the German writer and statesman Goethe when he visited Verona in 1786.

10. Veneto’s Prosecco Hills

Prosecco is the Italian sparkling wine that has become the staple of every brunch and party in the last few years. The main area where it is made is known in English as the Prosecco Hills or Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene in Italian. You will find it between the small towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the region of Veneto.

This is an enchanting destination of rolling hills carpeted with endless vineyards. In 2019, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

You can easily reach Conegliano by train from Venice, Treviso, and Padua. This medieval walled town is worth a day trip in itself. The onward exploration of the nearby vineyards and wineries is best done by car. You can either rent one or book an organised tour either locally or directly from one of the main cities in Veneto. For example, this is the best-recommended tour of the Prosecco Hills straight from Venice.

The Prosecco Hills are dotted with medieval castles, fast rivers and small lakes, old abbeys and churches with precious works of art, and even an old mill next to a picturesque waterfall ( Molinetto della Croda ). It is a beautiful, tranquil area where you can truly relax and immerse yourself in the authentic Italian lifestyle.

11. Veneto’s Lakes and Rivers

There are many beautiful lakes and rivers in the region of Veneto in Italy. You will love exploring them if you want to feel close to nature, enjoy breathtaking views, practise water sports, and even take a refreshing dip in the heat of summer . While Lake Garda (see point 6 above) is the most well-known of them all, there are many more water bodies here that are worth a visit.

Here are a few suggestions:

Lakes in Veneto – you will find many lakes in the region’s mountainous areas. In the Province of Belluno, alone, you can enjoy the beauty of Lago di Misurina , Lago del Mis , and Lago di Aleghe . Some lakes here like Lago di Sorapis are reachable only on foot and bathing in them is prohibited. Lago di Santa Croce , on the other hand, is easy to drive to and has great beaches and water sports facilities.

In the Province of Vicenza, you can enjoy a walk around Lago di Fimon – the oldest lake in Northern Italy. At 35,000 years of age, it precedes the formation of Lago di Garda . In the Euganean Hills (see point 12 below) you will also find several tiny picturesque lakes. For example, Lago della Costa  which is next door to the village of Arqua’ Petrarca. At both Fimon and Costa, archaeological excavations have revealed vestiges of prehistoric human settlements.

Rivers in Veneto – some of Italy’s largest and most important rivers flow through the territory of this northeastern Italian region. In fact, many of Veneto’s cities and towns are crossed by at least one river. For example, the River Adige in Verona, the crystal-clear River Brenta in Bassano del Grappa, the River Bacchiglione in Padua, and the Rivers Retrone and Bacchiglione   in Vicenza. Treviso’s historic centre is crisscrossed by several cagnani – long wide canals fed by the waters of the River Botteniga.

Also here, you can see the River Po and its majestic delta. Po is the longest river in Italy, it flows into the Adriatic Sea and it serves as a natural border between Veneto and the adjacent northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna.

12. Veneto’s Hills and Mountains

The Italian region of Veneto is dotted with beautiful groups of hills. Its northern part is where you will find majestic mountains and craggy peaks. It is a beautiful area to explore with hundreds of hiking paths for all abilities, breathtaking views over the world below, and centuries-old villages preserving curious local traditions.

In winter, you can ski, snowshoe, and relax in the saunas of luxury mountain huts. In summer, the hills and mountains here hide wildflower meadows and lush forests. It is the best place to go if you need peace and quiet to feel re-energised through daily contact with nature.

Here are the best places to head to:

Hills and Hilly Groups in Veneto: The Colli Berici flank the city of Vicenza. The Colli Euganei are next door to Padua. The Colli Asolani are easy to reach from Treviso. Carpeted with vineyards, olive groves, and cherry trees, these groups of hills are crisscrossed by hiking paths, centuries-old villages, and medieval walled towns.

The Colli Euganei (known as Euganean Hills in English) are also rich in thermal springs, so you will find some of Italy’s most famous spa resorts here (see point 7 above).

Mountains in Veneto: The city of Belluno is the gateway to the Dolomites. It is a staggeringly beautiful area with lots to do – from easy hikes to spots of natural beauty to taxing via ferrata routes giving you a chance to see the world from above. See some examples in these blog posts: Cadine del Brenton and Soffia Waterfalls , Grotta Azzurra di Mel .

The Little Dolomites is a lesser-known mountain range part of which is in the Province of Vicenza. Have a look at this family-friendly hike for an easy introduction to the beauty of the area.

The Asiago Plateau is a flat-top mountain which is a short drive away from Veneto’s plain. It has several ski resorts and it’s one of the best places to hike in the region. It was an important battleground during the two World Wars, so here you can visit old bunkers and forts. The area is also famous for the locally produced Asiago cheese and a type of smoked and aged ham called  speck .

The Venetian Pre-Alps include several stunning peaks as well as some smaller mountains and massifs spread between Verona, Vicenza, Treviso, and Belluno. Two of the most well-known ones are Monte Baldo which flanks the eastern shore of Lake Garda and Monte Grappa which was the stage of important battles during the two World Wars. Nowadays a large memorial and an ossuary there keep the memory of the fallen soldiers.

13. Veneto’s Nature Reserves and Oases

If you love getting close to nature, the region of Veneto in Italy has a lot of spots for you to explore and enjoy. All over this northeastern Italian region, you will find a large number of reserves and oases where you can birdwatch, observe the local wildlife, and spot rare plants including dozens of varieties of orchids.

The World Wildlife Fund has established several natural oases all over Veneto covering in total 445 hectares of protected land. There are also several other nature reserves run by other organisations and local volunteers. Many of these are right next to Veneto’s cities and towns and you can easily visit them on foot or by taking a local bus.

Oasi Stagni di Casale  is a case in point. You will find it just outside the city of Vicenza. It is a beautiful and quiet place where you can follow the wooden walkways set above large ponds where rare birds nest. Near Treviso, you can visit Oasi di Cervara and in the Venetian Lagoon, you can spend time in the Oasi di San Nicolò and the Oasi Dune degli Alberoni . Both are on the island of Lido di Venezia – a short ride away by vaporetto (Venice’s water buses) from St. Mark’s Square. On the nearby island of Pellestrina, you can also visit the nature reserve Ca’ Roman where there is also a wild beach popular with Venetians.

I also really like Oasi Rossi (no relation to me!) near the small town of Santorso in Veneto. It is much more landscaped compared to the wild oases recommended above but it’s great to visit with kids as there is a huge playground and a cool butterfly house. As part of the visit, you can also explore the garden of a historic Venetian villa.

And, finally, make sure that you visit Veneto’s  Regional Park of the Delta of the River Po . This is a huge expanse of protected land, marshes and water where you can see pink flamingoes in the wild, hundreds of other species of birds as well as several animals, river- and sea-life, and a rich variety of vegetation.

14. Veneto’s Christian Sanctuaries

Veneto’s Christian heritage is an integral part of the spirit and the history of this northeastern Italian region. Its landscape is dotted with churches and sanctuaries. Imposing cathedrals stand in the heart of Veneto’s cities. Small chapels huddle amid villages, on the side of the road, and even deep in the forests.

Many of the religious buildings here are decorated with frescoes and paintings by renowned artists of the calibre of Giorgione (for ex., Duomo in Montagnana and the Cathedral of San Liberale in Castelfranco Veneto), Titian (for ex., Basilica dei Frari in Venice), and Andrea Mantegna (for ex., Olivetari Chapel in the Church of the Eremitani in Padua).

Religious feast days are zealously celebrated and often large-scale commemorations are held in homage to a locally revered saint or in thanks for a divine intercession.

When you explore the cities and towns of Veneto, most probably you will visit several churches guided by an interest in history, architecture, and art and/or by your religious fervour. If you want to delve deeper into this particular field of interest, make sure that you also visit at least one of Veneto’s religious sanctuaries.

Here are six of the most well-known ones:

Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona , Spiazzi  – this is the famous church that is partially hewn in the rocks of a steep mountain. Click on the link for a detailed travel guide about how to visit and what to see there.

Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua , Padua – St. Anthony is highly venerated here and millions of pilgrims flock to Padua each year to venerate his relics. The Basilica where they are preserved is a stunning work of art and devotion.

Sanctuary of St. Mary of Mount Berico , Vicenza  – this minor basilica is one of Italy’s most important shrines dedicated to the devotion of the Virgin Mary. It is built on top of the hill where the Virgin appeared twice in the first half of the 15th century in order to save Vicenza from devastating bouts of the plague.

Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino , near Peschiera del Garda  – this sanctuary stands on the spot of a miraculous event that took place on 11th May 1510. This is when the local farmer Bartolomeo Broglia was attacked by a large poisonous snake as he was walking across the countryside.

He prayed to the Virgin Mary to save him. At that moment a small statue of the Madonna appeared illuminated by a strong beam of light in the branches of a nearby ash tree (in Italian,  frassino ) and the snake slid away. The small statue and the trunk of the tree can be seen to this day in the church built to commemorate the divine miracle.

Sanctuary of Sts. Victor and Corona, near Feltre – this beautiful sanctuary stands in a secluded hilly place a short drive away from the small town of Feltre. It was founded in the 11th century and has a beautiful cycle of frescoes. Well worth a stop if you are in the area!

Sanctuary of St. Augusta, Serravalle – this small hilltop sanctuary overlooks the beautiful medieval hamlet of Serravalle (nowadays part of the town of Vittorio Veneto). It can be reached on foot by scaling a long stone staircase that starts from the bottom of the hill. The chapel is built at the spot where the daughter of the local feudal, Augusta, was martyred in the 5th century for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

15. Veneto’s Venetian Villas

The region of Veneto in Italy is dotted with elegant historic villas which in the past served as seasonal residences to rich landowners from Venice, Padua, and Verona. They would spend the summer in these country homes overseeing agricultural activities and harvests while their families enjoyed country living in utmost comfort.

Designed and frescoed by famous architects and painters of the Renaissance and the Baroque era, the Venetian villas were surrounded by vast agrarian estates. Nowadays, many of them are open for tourist visits allowing you to get a glimpse into an expired world of summer sophistication.

There are dozens of villas all over Veneto and many are still in private hands. Several of them were designed by Andrea Palladio – the famous Renaissance architect who originated the Palladian style. Others are entirely frescoed by the likes of Veronese and Tiepolo and exhibit exquisite collections of fine and decorative arts.

Here are six of the most famous Venetian villas. They are also easy to visit from the nearest large city in Veneto and make for a wonderful half- or full-day trip in this corner of Italy:

Villa Capra La Rotonda  +  Villa Valmarana ai Nani , Vicenza  – Villa Capra La Rotonda is Palladio’s most famous villa. It crowns the top of a small hill and has four identical facades. Its design was inspired by classical temples and over the centuries it was used to inform the architecture of several important buildings all over the world including the White House in Washington D.C.

You will find it on the outskirts of Vicenza and can easily walk to it in half an hour or so from the city’s train station. Combine it with a visit to the Villa Valmarana ai Nani which is right next door. Here you can admire the mythological frescoes by father and son Giambattista and Domenico Tiepolo. There is also a splendid garden and a lovely cafe overlooking the nearby hill of Monte Berico .

Villa Contarini , Piazzola sul Brenta  – absolutely splendid, this villa looks more like the royal palace of a small country. It is a place where many lively events are regularly held, including a monthly antique and vintage market  which is one of the largest of its kind in Italy.

Villa Foscari La Malcontenta , Mira  – a beautiful Palladian villa with an imposing facade. Its rooms are decorated with a large cycle of frescoes which follow a carefully designed iconographical programme.

Villa Pisani , Stra  – traditionally called the Queen of the Venetian Villas, this is an enormous building with an even bigger garden behind it. It has a fascinating history, a series of rooms covered with frescoes, an especially resplendent ballroom, a maze, and impressive water features. A must-see!

The small town of Stra is right next door to Padua. Once there, you can also visit  Villa Foscarini Rossi . It stands just up the road from Villa Pisani and it houses a large  Shoe Museum .

Essential Travel Guide for the Region of Veneto in Italy

Is Veneto Worth a Visit?

The region of Veneto in Italy is a must-see destination on account of its history, artistic heritage, and pristine nature. Flanked by the Adriatic Sea, the Dolomites, Lake Garda, and the Delta of the River Po, this is a place with a varied landscape studded with cities of art, walled towns, and picturesque villages.

Captained by its capital – the famous city of Venice – Veneto has a lot to offer to the person seeking memorable travel experiences. Expect beautiful surroundings and wonderful galleries and museums, excellent beaches and countless opportunities for sightseeing and keeping active.

A short flight away from most major European cities and easy to get around by road and railway, Veneto is a delight to explore. In this blog post, you will find lots of information about the top places and the best destinations to see here.

Is Veneto the Same as Venice?

Veneto is one of Italy’s twenty regions. Venice (or Venezia ) is its capital city. The English adjective for both Veneto and Venice is Venetian which sometimes may create the confusion that both are the same place. In Italian, there are two distinct adjectives:

• veneto (m) / veneta (f) for Veneto; and
• veneziano (m) / veneziana for Venezia.

In the past, Venice used to be a powerful republic (also known as La Serenissima ) which exerted its commercial and political influence all over the Mediterranean and also ruled over vast swathes of land in what nowadays is Northern Italy .

Nowadays, Veneto’s territory corresponds to a large percentage of this historic dominion although several portions of it are part of the adjacent Italian regions. For example, the city of Bergamo (the historic centre of which is still surrounded by mighty Venetian walls) is part of Lombardy and the city of Udine (with its Venetian buildings and atmosphere) is part of the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

How to Get to the region of Veneto in Italy?

Veneto has three main international airports:

• Venice Marco Polo Airport;
• Treviso Antonio Canova Airport; and
• Verona Valerio Catullo Airport (also known as Verona Villafranca Airport)

This northeastern Italian region is also easy to reach from the following major airports in Northern Italy:

• Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport;
• Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport;
• Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport;
• Milan Malpensa Airport.

For more information, have a look at these blog posts:

Best Airports: in Northern Italy , for Venice , for Verona , for Lake Garda

Veneto is also easy to reach by car. High-speed toll roads connect the region to the rest of Italy and Europe. Of these, the most important ones are:

• A4  (known as  La Serenissima ) – it connects the cities of Turin and Trieste and it passes by Verona, Vicenza, Padua, Venice, and Treviso.
• A22 (known as Autostrada del Brennero ) – it connects the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna to Austria and it passes by Verona and Lake Garda.
• A13 (known as Autostrada Euganea ) – it connects the cities of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna and Padua in Veneto and it passes also by the city of Rovigo.

International and national trains connect Veneto to the rest of Europe and Italy. For example, you can get direct trains (some of them with sleeper compartments) from Austria and France to Venice. High-speed ( Frecciarossa , Frecciabianca , Frecciargento , and ItaloTreno ) and fast regional trains ( treno regionale veloce ) link Veneto’s cities to other major cities and smaller towns all over Italy.

It’s always best to buy your tickets for the high-speed trains well in advance, otherwise they may increase closer to the day of departure. Regional trains usually maintain a stable price and tickets for them can easily be bought on the day. Just make sure that you validate them by using one of the machines that are dotted all around Italian train stations.

To check train times and book train tickets in advance, I find the following three websites very useful:  Omio ,  ItaloTreno , and  TrenItalia .

How to Travel Around the Region of Veneto in Italy?

The best ways to explore Veneto is by road and railway.

In addition to the highways listed under the above point, the region is crisscrossed by a dense network of regional and provincial roads. They link the main cities, smaller towns, and little villages. Driving on them is free but it may take longer than on the highway as they go through many urbanised areas with restrictions on the speed limit.

If you are getting around by car, bear in mind that the historic centres of Veneto’s cities and towns are usually off-limits for cars and you may need to park a short walk away. Driving into a ZTL – limited traffic zone – will incur a large penalty. Keep an eye out for signs indicating that you are in the vicinity of a ZTL , as a GPS app may unwittingly guide you right through it.

Due to its urban plan and infrastructure, Venice is off-limits for cars but there are large car parks both on the island of Tronchetto and next to Piazzale Roma where you can pay to leave your vehicle for as long as you need.

Otherwise, Veneto’s cities and towns usually have good to excellent parking facilities. Paid car parks are easy to come across but it’s best to search on Google before your arrival to get an idea of where to park, what the cost will be, and how long you will need to walk to your hotel or the sights you want to see.

Free parking is also available but don’t rely on it too much during the high season. A piece of good advice is to always book accommodation that provides free parking and/or penalty-free access to the ZTL . Make sure that you ask at the time of booking.

Public transport in Veneto is well-organised. Bus lines operate in all cities and towns and connect them to the countryside. This is an easy and inexpensive way to travel around.

To quickly traverse Veneto, especially in terms of reaching its main and smaller cities and towns from one another, it’s best to take a train. High-speed trains ( Frecciarossa , Frecciabianca , Frecciargento , and ItaloTreno ) may cost up to three times more than the fast regional trains ( treno regionale veloce ) and the difference in time savings can be from negligible to small within the region. For example, from Padua to Vicenza by high-speed train is around 15 minutes and by fast regional train is 16-17 minutes. From Verona to Vicenza by high-speed train is around 25 minutes and by fast regional train is around 40 minutes.

It pays to get a high-speed train from Veneto to the neighbouring Italian regions, for example, from Venice to Milan, otherwise, the fast regional train is a very good option. Bear in mind that the regular regional train ( treno regionale ) is usually much slower than the fast one, so take it only if there is no other option.

Where to Stay in the Region of Veneto in Italy?

There is a huge selection of  places to stay in Veneto  in any season.

You can choose a historic  palazzo  that nowadays functions as  a luxury guesthouse . You can opt for  an elegant B&B in a convenient location. Or you may prefer a place with a unique view for that special romantic experience.

If your plan for Veneto includes lots of active sightseeing, then pick accommodation that is easy to get to in terms of public transport. If you travel by car, ask if the hotel provides free parking and penalty-free access to the ZTL (the limited traffic zone of the historic centre of the city).

Here are some specific suggestions for places to stay in Veneto. All come highly recommended:

Venice:   Hotel L’Orologio – WTB Hotels ,  Casa Accademia

Verona: Hotel Accademia , Casa Panvinio

Padua: Canton del Gallo , Art Hotel Al Fagiano

Vicenza: Palazzo Scamozzi , Antico Hotel Vicenza

Lake Garda: Casa Beccherie (Lazise), C House Rooms Lake (Peschiera del Garda)

Alternatively, use this map to get a quick visual idea of the available accommodation options in the region of Veneto in Italy. You can zoom in and out, type in your specific travel dates, and then click on the different price points for detailed information about the hotel you want to know more about.

In addition, have a look at this blog post which explains the different types of accommodation you can book in Italy. It will give you plenty of ideas to look into for the best and quirkiest places to experience here:

• Where to Stay in Italy – 19 Types of Accommodation to Suit Any Budget

What to Eat and Drink in the Region of Veneto in Italy?

Veneto in Italy has its own cuisine which has taken centuries to develop and fine-tune. It is made of the dishes of the different provinces, cities, and towns in the region and has a lot of local nuances.

Every place here, no matter how small, has its own traditional delicacies. Their recipes and preparation methods are passed from generation to generation. For example, risotto di gò on the island of Burano, tortellini nodo d’amore in Borghetto sul Mincio , and pastissada de caval in Verona. Polenta and rice are staples on the local table.

The region is also known for its exquisite sweets and desserts. Tiramisu – originally created in the city of Treviso – is recognised as one of the most popular desserts in the whole world but there are many more choices for you to explore in Veneto if you have a sweet tooth. Try zaetti biscuits in Venice, dolce del Santo in Padua, and at Christmas treat yourself to a delicious pandoro from Verona.

Every province in Veneto is also known for its locally grown fruit and vegetables. The following are particularly prized – white asparagus from Bassano del Grappa, red radicchio from Treviso, purple artichoke from the island of Sant’Erasmo in the Venetian Lagoon, and cherries from the town of Marostica.

The most famous Italian food, pizza, is not traditionally Venetian but nowadays is a staple all around the region. In every city and town here you will find many pizzerias with wood-fired ovens. You can enjoy a pizza either as a sit-down meal or as an inexpensive takeaway. Bear in mind that in Venice, usually wood-fired ovens are not allowed and the pizza served there usually is not the best in Italy. So, it’s always better to try the local dishes.

To give you some ideas, here is a short list:

• bigoli  – thick round strands of extruded pasta usually served with duck sauce or sardines.
• baccala’ alla vicentina  – this typical for the city of Vicenza dish has a cult following. It is prepared with stockfish from the Lofoten Islands in Norway and served on a bed of polenta.
• risi e bisi  – a creamy dish of rice and peas which is a big hit with the locals every spring. In the past, it was served to the Doge of Venice on St. Mark’s Day each year.
• sarde in saor  – a type of pickled sardines prepared with onions, vinegar, and raisins. Very popular in Venice, it used to be eaten by the sailors staffing the ships of the Venetian Republic.
• tramezzini  – these are triangular sandwiches of soft crustless bread stuffed with a generous portion of different fillings. They make for a nice inexpensive lunch on the go.
• cicchetti  – Venetian bite-size snacks to savour with an  ombra  – a small glass of wine.
• torta fregolotta  – it looks and tastes like shortbread but it has a much rougher texture. It’s made with flour, almond meal, sugar and cream.  

In the late afternoon and early evening, order a classic Venetian  spritz  – a refreshing prosecco-based drink which gives you a nice little buzz. It is traditionally served with potato crisps and/or other finger foods.

The region of Veneto is also home to several famous wine-making areas. For example, Soave ,  Valpolicella , and the Prosecco Hills . If wine is your vice, you can sample many different ones and visit local vineyards and wineries to learn more about the process of winemaking.

What is Veneto Known for?

Veneto is known for its rich history, pristine nature, traditional crafts, rich artistic expression, and its capital city Venice.

This region in Italy is a delight to explore and depending on your interests, you can approach it from many different angles. If nature is your thing, head to the Dolomites, the Venetian Prealps, and Veneto’s hilly groups – the Colli Berici and the Colli Euganei . For crafts, explore the islands of Murano (glass) and Burano (lace), as well as the maskmaking workshops of Venice, the pottery factories in Nove, and the artisan jewellery shops in Vicenza.

For art, head to the region’s numerous museums and churches. Even the smallest ones of them preserve beautiful frescoes, paintings, and other works of art that can make you gasp with excitement. The well-known Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice and the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua are a must-see but don’t miss smaller, lesser-known art destinations here. For example, the Sala dei Battuti and the Castle Museum in the small town of Conegliano or Palazzo Chiericati , Palazzo Leoni-Montanari , Teatro Olimpico , and the Church of Santa Corona in Vicenza.

Of course, Veneto is famous for many more things – its lakes, its historic heritage, its good food, its luxury goods, its shopping, and so on. The best course of action instead of simply reading about it is to come here and visit. This way you can see it for yourself and make your own Venetian memories to cherish forever.

What to See in Veneto in a Week? A Sample Itinerary!

A week is a great length of time to get a taste of all that Veneto has to offer. With short travel distances between the main cities here, you can easily base yourself in one of them, for example, Padua or Verona , and then travel around by train to see as much as you can. Or you may prefer to spend three days in one of the main cities, two on the shores of Lake Garda , and then two more days somewhere in the countryside, for example, a cute village or a medieval walled town.

The choice is yours and it will depend on your interests, how active you want to be, and how often you want to change your base.

In any case, you will be surprised by how much you can get to see without wasting that much time on travelling. You can reach Vicenza from Padua, for example, in less than 20 minutes by train. This is shorter than most people’s commute to work! The distance from Verona to Lake Garda, also by train, is less than 15 minutes. There is no excuse not to take a day trip!

Here is a sample one-week itinerary for Veneto in Italy. I hope you find it useful as a starting point to make your own travel plans for this exciting northeastern Italian region.

One week in Veneto, Italy – Sample Itinerary

3 Days in Venice – 1 day spent exploring the city’s major landmarks , 1 day enjoying its artistic heritage , and 1 day as a day trip to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello in the Venetian Lagoon.

2 Days in Padua – 1 day spent exploring Padua and 1 day as a day trip. For example, you can easily travel to either Vicenza , Treviso , Cittadella or Castelfranco Veneto.

2 Days in Verona – 1 day exploring Verona and 1 day as a day trip to Lake Garda . You can take the train to Peschiera del Garda and then the ferry to the nearby towns of Lazise , Bardolino, and Garda Town. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus which connects the train station of Peschiera del Garda to the large amusement park Gardaland .

Here are some specific blog posts to help you with travel planning:

Travel Planning: Venice to Padua , How to Get to Padua , Venice to Verona , Verona to Venice , Venice to Lake Garda , Verona to Lake Garda , How to Get Around Lake Garda ,

Day Trips in Veneto: from Venice , from Padua , from Verona , from Vicenza

In Conclusion

The region of Veneto is a wonderful destination in the northeast of Italy for a short break or a longer holiday either solo or with your family and friends. With millennial history, rich layers of art and culture, as well as pristine beaches and mountains, here you will find countless options to get active, sightsee, and feel refreshed.

Captained by its capital – the beautiful city of Venice – Veneto has a long list of other must-see destinations, too. From world-famous places to hidden gems, you will be spoilt for choice.

So, to give you plenty of exciting trip ideas and to help you plan your Italian holiday, in this blog post today I shared with you the 15 top places to visit in Veneto. In the page above, we discussed the region’s larger cities like Venice, Verona, and Padua, charming towns surrounded by medieval walls, its heritage – from Roman ruins to architectural masterpieces, as well as its share of the mighty mountain range of the Dolomites and Italy’s largest lake, the beautiful in any season Lago di Garda .

This was followed by an essential travel guide for Veneto in Italy – is it worth a visit, how to travel around the region, what to eat, and where to stay. It was all covered in some detail including a sample week-long itinerary to enjoy the best that Veneto has to offer.

I hope that all this information will give you just the impetus that you need to head to this charming corner of Italy and experience it for yourself.

Have a wonderful time in Veneto and let me know in the comments below which is your favourite destination and favourite thing to do here.

Click on the links further below for even more helpful information about the best things to do in italy and its different regions, travel tools, get ready for your trip to the region of veneto in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on GetYourGuide , Viator , and Tiqets .

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy:  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Como: Travel Guide , Reasons to Visit in Winter , Best Towns , Best Things to Do , Milan to Lake Como , Nearest Airports , Getting Around Lake Como Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Lazise ,  Desenzano del Garda ,  Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Visiting Lake Garda:  Travel Guide , Map of Lake Garda ,  Getting Around Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Venice:  Essential Tips ,  Things to Do ,  Major Landmarks ,  Hidden Gems ,  How to Navigate Venice ,  Venice in a Day for Art Lovers ,  Train Stations ,  Nearest Airports ,  Best Tours ,  Beaches of Venice ,  Quotes about Venice ,  Boats in Venice ,  Haunted Venice ,  Day Trips from Venice ,  Arco del Paradiso Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary ,  Verona to Venice ,  Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua ,  How to Reach Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums ,  The Beauty of Vicenza Treviso: Travel Guide Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Main Cities ,  Prettiest Small Towns ,  Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Umbria:   Reasons to Visit Perugia Campania:   Naples

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Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Hi and thanks for this article...planning on a few nights mid October in Veneto. Flight landing aro7nd 2 pm...Venice airport. Torn between...train to Padua, stay day and night, train to VERONA 2 nights... Afternoon and Evening in Venice , early train to Padua for day (store luggage in station). Late afternoon train to VERONA for 2 night, one full day.(was in Venice few nights last year but LOVE it.). OR..straight to VERONA by train..stay 3 nights as base and daytrip to Padua and maybe somewhere else. Female, early 50’s travelling alone . Love your thoughts. Hard to be at Venice station and not stay Thanks Belinda

Dear Belinda,

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment! Venice is my favourite city in the world. I find that there is always something new and exciting to see and learn there. At the same time, Padua and Verona and the whole of the Veneto as a fact have a lot to offer to the inquisitive visitor. It really depends on one's personal interests - art, history, architecture or nature hikes, local traditions and authentic food. Having said that, I also need to say that this is a personal blog, I am not a travel agent or skilled in giving personalised travel advice. I write based on my personal experiences and what I have seen, tried and loved myself. As such, I am really sorry but it would be beyond my remit to give you advice especially as I don't know you personally. I hope you understand. Have a great time in Italy and the Veneto! Best wishes,

Ashley L Novak

Thursday 31st of January 2019

I'm so happy I found your blog. I am from Washington, DC but will be spending 3 nights in Bassano del Grappa in May. 10 years ago when I was in University, I studied for a few months in a very small town, Paderno del Grappa. I am staying in Bassano to tour the area again, with my now husband, celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary. I am so excited to see the small towns in the Veneto again. I've never been to Vicenza, but may plan a day trip there from Bassano one night, maybe Padua as well. Are there any special spring festivals in May in the Veneto towns? We will be in Bassano May 19th-22nd.

I just wanted to say you have such great content and beautiful pictures on your blog. Thank you for sharing your talents :)

Looking forward to visiting the Veneto, Ashley

Saturday 2nd of February 2019

Dear Ashley,

Thank you so much for your very kind message! It's wonderful that you will be returning to Italy, especially to such a beautiful town as Bassano del Grappa. In terms of festivals and events, here is a very useful link (https://www.giraitalia.it/veneto/maggio.html) listing all types of events and happenings in the Veneto in May. It's in Italian but (if need be) with Google Translate you can easily read through it. Another option is to check the Events section on Facebook closer to your travel dates. There will be all sorts of things listed there, too: from food festivals and exhibitions to historical reenactments. Thank you again for stopping by and for your very kind words! Have a great time in Italy! Best wishes,

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Top 10 places to visit in Veneto

If you are planning a holiday in Veneto , deciding the must see places in Veneto is one of the first things to do! On this page you will find a list of the best places to visit in Veneto, selected thanks to our direct knowledge of the region.

Venice is not only one of the most beautiful places to visit in Veneto, Italy: its eternal beauty, unchanged for centuries and its unique charm make it one of the best places to visit in Italy if not the world. St Mark's Basilica , the Doge's Palace , the magic of a gondola ride or a stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town... The emotions that this city can give will be hard to match! To fully enjoy its magic and avoid any problems venetoinside.com also offers top 10 useful tips for visiting Venice !

Second in beauty only to Venice, Verona is one of the top places to visit in Italy: attractions, exhibitions and a rich calendar of events will give you many ideas to organize a memorable stay! The majestic Arena and its prestigious Opera Festival , the Scaliger Bridge, Piazza delle Erbe , Castelvecchio, the Roman Theatre and the places connected with the love story of Romeo and Juliet …Some of the top things to see in Veneto, Italy are in this romantic city!

One of the best cities in Veneto, Padua  is elegant and lively and a nice place to see in Veneto, Italy. The testimonies of its glorious past provide a backdrop to the bustle of students that have always populated the city. It is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, making it one of the most stimulating cultural centres in Veneto. Beautiful places to visit in Veneto and fascinating traditions will occupy you for the entire duration of your stay in Padua . Do not miss: the Scrovegni Chapel , the Civic Museums of the Hermits, the Pedrocchi Cafe , Palazzo del Bo', Prato della Valle , the Saint Anthony's Basilica and the Botanical Garden.

The 'city of Palladio' is another one of the best places to visit in Veneto: fabulous places in the streets of the historic centre and in close proximity to one another in a harmonious blend of architectural styles and historical periods. Originally from Padua, Andrea Palladio made Vicenza his adoptive city and had a major impact on the city's appearance giving it places like the Palladian Basilica , the Olympic Theatre , Palazzo Valmarana, the Loggia del Capitanio and villa ‘La Rotonda' , just to name a few. But not everyone speaks 'Palladio': the Romanesque Basilica of Santi Felice and Fortunato and the Baroque Sanctuary of Monte Berico are two other nice places to see in Veneto, Italy.

On the list of Veneto top destinations the beautiful Lake Garda cannot be missed. Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto find their meeting point here. The part of the lake that is located in our beautiful region is in the province of Verona and some of the best places to visit in Veneto are located right on the banks of the largest lake in Italy. Towns you must see in Veneto include: Bardolino , Lazise , Torri del Benaco, Garda and Malcesine offer a fascinating blend of tradition, history and views to take your breath away. Relax on one of the many beaches, participate in one of the many water sports , enjoy the entertainment and fine food and wine that will give you a dream holiday.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , the Dolomites  preserve some of the top places to visit in Italy and that you must see in Italy. Located in Veneto, Trentino and Friuli the Dolomites offer fabulous scenery all year round and a wide range of outdoor activities . With small villages that seem to belong to a distant past you, picturesque lakes with a thousand reflections, numerous internationally known locations – such as Cortina d'Ampezzo , the 'Pearl of the Dolomites' , synonymous with glamour, sophistication and exclusive services - the Dolomites offer many ideas for what to see in the Veneto region.

Walled cities

The wonderful Veneto places of interest boast a long list of walled cities that bear witness to the rich history of the region and the best towns in Veneto. Soave , Legnago and Peschiera del Garda , Montagnana , Monselice , Arqua Petrarca , Este , Cittadella , Marostica and Bassano del Grappa , Asolo and Castelfranco Veneto , Feltre and the list continues! Your Veneto places to visit list dedicated to unique and nice places to see in Veneto should include at least one of these picturesque castles which provide a valuable insight into the historical past of Veneto.

Caorle is included in the Veneto top 10 wonderful places not to be missed in Veneto. This picturesque seaside resort offers an old town of rare beauty, 15 km of golden sand and plenty of fun . Shops and restaurants overlook the main street, while the narrow alleyways, coloured houses and ancient traditions will transport you into an atmosphere of ancient times typical of the best villages in Veneto. Do not miss the walk along the cliffs to the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary and a trip to the lagoon which was beloved by Ernest Hemingway with its quaint huts.

The Venetian Lagoon is undoubtedly one of the top things to see in Veneto, Italy: an impressive expanse of water that frames Venice, the lagoon offers the best of Veneto. A boat tour to discover Veneto places to see and its countless islands – including the famous trio Murano, Burano and Torcello or the lesser known smaller islands . You will see a different side of Venice, with less tourists and therefore have a good insight to the daily routine of the past and ancient traditions that have been forgotten.

Venetian villas

We conclude our what to see in Veneto selection with Veneto villas . The stately Venetian palaces are an example of the Veneto best places for glitz and wealth and are often adorned by lush gardens with exotic plants and water features. Among the Venetian villas, it is worth mentioning the villas built by Andrea Palladio which are included on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO . Must see places in Veneto recommended to visit include: the Villa Emo in Vedelago (TV), and Villa Pisani and Foscarini in Stra (Venice), Villa Foscari 'The Malcontenta' in Mira (Venice), Villa Valmarana in Vicenza and Villa Contarini in Piazzola sul Brenta (Padua).

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What to see in Veneto, Italy: 10 places to visit in the Veneto region

Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Laura Teso

What to see in Veneto? Let’s start with a simple list of the 10 places to visit in the Veneto , which is a beautiful Italian region in the north east of the country. The region of Venice, Verona and the Dolomites . And also my region. 😉 Of course there are tons of things to see and do, so this is a summary for you to get an idea of what you could visit here. 

• Venice and her islands
• Verona and Lake Garda
• Padua and the Thermal area
• Vicenza and the Palladian Villas
• Treviso and the Prosecco Hills
• Most beautiful villages in Italy and more
• Asiago Plateau
• Veneto’s beaches (Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione, Cavallino Treporti)
• Chioggia and Po Delta

PS if you want to see other beautiful pictures of my region and other Italian locations, follow me on Instagram !

What to see in Veneto: 10 beautiful areas to visit

1. venice, her islands and the brenta riviera.

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region. I guess she needs no introduction ‘cause it is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in the world, since it was built on the water. 

Stroll through Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, and admire the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica , its golden mosaics gleaming in the sunlight. Climb the B ell Tower for breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops and the lagoon beyond. Explore the D oge’s Palace , the former seat of power of the Venetian Republic, and wander through its opulent chambers and secret passageways. Here is an article to find out the best things to do in Venice . My blog is full of resources and articles about this amazing city. You can find everything here .

A wonderful idea to make yourself and your loved ones a special present is to book a photoshoot in Venice during your stay. While, if you’re wondering what kind of food is actually typical of the floating city, learn more on what to eat in Venice . 

Venice islands

Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Murano , renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, Burano with her colorful fishermen’s houses, and Torcello , the most ancient Venetian settlement.

What to see in Veneto: Brenta Riviera

The Riviera del Brenta is a scenic stretch of land along the Brenta River, known for its beautiful villas. Villa Pisani is one of the largest and most impressive in the Veneto region. Admire the villa’s grand architecture, the opulent interior, and the extensive gardens. Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta , is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Also interesting is the less known Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari . 

2. Verona and Lake Garda

Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet and the Aren a di Verona Opera Festival. Ascend the medieval Lamberti tower for a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops. Explore the Castelvecchio Museum inside a 14th-century castle, and marvel at the Ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge that reflects the city’s rich history. For a touch of Shakespearean romance, visit Casa di Giulietta , the balcony where Juliet supposedly stood in the famed play. 

What to see in Veneto: Lake Garda

The Veronese side of Lake Garda is home to charming towns, picturesque landscapes, and historical attractions. Start your exploration in Bardolino , a town known for its wine production. Next, head to Lazise , a walled town with a medieval castle and a beautiful lakefront promenade. Malcesine is one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns of all the Lake Garda. Stroll through the town’s narrow streets, lined with shops and cafes, and admire the beautiful Castle that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. And, for one of the most beautiful beaches of Lake Garda, go to P unta San Vigilio . 

3. Padua and her Thermal Area

Padua, my city, is brimming with historical gems, architectural marvels, and artistic treasures. Pay homage to Saint Anthony at the magnificent Basilica with its frescoes and awe-inspiring architecture. Step into the enchanting Scrovegni Chapel , a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with breathtaking frescoes by Giotto, the master of early Renaissance art. Stroll through the sprawling Prato della Valle , the largest square in Italy. Step into the Palazzo della Ragione , a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and admire the frescoes that adorn its walls. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Caffè Pedrocchi , a historic café that has been a hub of social and cultural life in Padua since the 19th century. Find out all my articles about Padua here. 

What to see in Veneto: Euganean Thermal Area

Just a short distance from Padua, nestled amidst the Euganean Hills , lies a haven of thermal springs and wellness retreats, offering a rejuvenating escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The largest and most well-known of the thermal towns, Abano Terme boasts a wealth of spa facilities, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly establishments. Neighboring Abano Terme, Montegrotto Terme offers a more intimate and traditional thermal experience. 

4. Vicenza and the Palladian Villas 

V icenza is renowned for its Palladian architecture and rich history. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza’s main square. There you can see Vicenza’s iconic landmark, the Basilica Palladiana , designed by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. Admire the basilica’s elegant proportions, the intricate loggias, and the impressive statues that adorn its façade. Step back in time at the Teatro Olimpico , the world’s oldest surviving indoor theater. Designed by Palladio and inaugurated in 1585, the theater features permanent sets that create the illusion of depth and perspective. Explore the Palazzo Chiericati , another masterpiece of Palladian architecture. Admire the palace’s harmonious proportions, the central courtyard, and the intricate stucco work that adorns its façade. Today, the palace houses the Museo Civico, a museum showcasing Vicenza’s artistic heritage. 

What to see in Veneto: Palladian Villas

Close to Vicenza’s city center you can visit one of Palladio masterpieces. La Rotond a , a Palladian villa located on a hilltop overlooking Vicenza. Admire the villa’s circular shape, the intricate details, and the panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Very close to La Rotonda, you can also visit Villa Valmarana ai Nani . Admire the villa’s gardens, adorned with over 200 dwarf statues depicting mythological creatures, biblical figures, and everyday activities. 

5. Treviso and the Prosecco Hills

Treviso is known for its canals and charming atmosphere. The heart of the town is Piazza dei Signori, home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Palazzo dei Trecento. But to me the most fascinating part of Treviso is the Buranelli canal. Plus, the town is full of chic boutiques and quaint cafés and restaurants. But what I love most about Treviso is its surroundings. Above all, the Prosecco hills road. 

Prosecco Hills Road

The Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, historical gems, and culinary delights. Here are some of the must-see sights: P rosecco Road Itinerary . 

6. Most beautiful villages in Italy and more 

The Veneto features 11 of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy . Here they are, Padua: Arquà Petrarca and Montagnana . Treviso: Asolo , Follina , Cison di Valmarino , Portobuffolè . Verona: Borghetto sul Mincio , Malcesine (see above in the Lake Garda paragraph), San Giorgio . Belluno: Mel e Sottoguda . 

But my region also has other amazing small villages and lovely towns for you to explore. Among them, I suggest you to take a look at: Bas sano , Marostica , Castelfranco Veneto, Soave , Cittadella , Noale and her Palio . 

7. What to see in Veneto: Asiago Plateau

Nestled amidst the foothills of the Alps, the Asiago Plateau offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, and cultural delights. Delve into the rich history of the A siago Plateau, once a strategic stronghold during World War I. Enjoy the authentic local cuisine, sampling the region’s renowned cheese, the Asiago DOP, at a traditional dairy farm. Hike or mountain bike through the enchanting trails of the Natural Park of the Seven Municipalities. During the winter months, the Asiago Plateau transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland. 

8. Veneto Beaches

The Veneto coastline stretches for over 150 km along the Adriatic Sea, offering a diverse range of beaches to suit all tastes. Jesolo , with its 15 km of golden sand, is one of the most popular beaches in Italy. It’s a lively resort town with a wide range of activities on offer, from water sports and beach volleyball to shopping and dining. Bibione is a family-friendly resort with a long, sandy beach and a wide range of activities on offer. It’s also home to the famous Bibione Pineda promenade, which is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Cavallino Treporti is a quieter resort with a more natural feel. Caorle is a charming town with a picturesque harbor, a beautiful cathedral and a long stretch of sandy beach. 

9. What to see in Veneto: The Dolomites

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, historical gems, and exhilarating outdoor adventures. Embark on a hike or a scenic drive to witness the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo , a trio of towering peaks that define the Dolomites’ skyline. The Dolomites transform into a winter wonderland during the colder months, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Glide down the slopes of Cor tina d’Ampezzo , the pearl of the Venetian Dolomites. Cortina is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and elegant atmosphere. 

10. What to see in Veneto: Chioggia and Po Delta 

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Best places to visit in Veneto, Italy

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The mesmerising Veneto region is located in the north-east of Italy that stretches from Lake Garda to the Adriatic. It’s best known for the popular Italian destinations of  Venice , Verona and Lake Garda. There are plenty of places to visit in Veneto that are outside of these tourist hotspots though.

Veneto is Italy’s fifth-largest region in population and 8th in terms of landmass. It’s home to cities and small villages, as well as mountains, lakes and vineyards. You can experience the very best of Italy, in just one region when you visit Veneto.

Plan a trip to this diverse region of Italy and discover lagoons, hiking trails, winter sports, resorts and culture in scenic surroundings.

Best places to visit in Veneto

Cities and towns in the Veneto region

There are several cities and towns in the Veneto region that all have their own unique identities and varied things to see and do.

Some of the popular towns and cities in Veneto include:

• Bassano del Grappa

Planning your Italy trip

When planning your trip to Italy, it’s a good idea to research and make a list of the destinations you want to visit? You’ll also need to consider things to travel insurance, car rental and airport parking if you’re flying to Italy.

If you’re a citizen of one of around 60 countries outside the EU or Schengen Area, such as if you’re American, British, Australian, Canadian or Japanese, then you must now obtain the new ETIAS pass. You can easily apply for yours with Byevisa .

We talk more about travel planning on my weekly travel podcast – Travel Goals. Subscribe now and catch up on all episodes. Check out my guide to the best places to visit in Veneto and start planning your trip today.

3 days in Venice | Perfect city break itinerary

Burano is a rainbow coloured fishing island set within the Venetian lagoon. It’s is best known for its colourful fishermen’s houses and fabulous seafood dishes. Burano is one of the most colourful places in the Veneto region and is a hotspot for travel photography .

This colourful island feels like a world away from the bustling crowds of St Mark’s Square in Venice. Here, you’ll find locals running tiny seafood restaurants, lace shops and bobbing fishing boats.

The colourful houses of Burano are probably the biggest draw of the island. You can spend hours wandering photogenic streets taking photos of the island’s unique beauty.

You can easily get to Burano from Venice by water taxi, or by booking an organised excursion. I recommend booking a guided boat tour to Burano , or using a  Vaporetto pass to take water bus line number 12 to get from Venice to Burano.

Lake Garda divides the regions of Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino Alto-Adigeand and is ridiculously picturesque.

Italy’s largest lake is wildly popular with locals and tourists thanks to crystal clear waters with a snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Lake Garda has many resorts and small villages along its scenic shores, so you could spend an entire holiday just exploring the lake area.

There’s a huge range of things to see and do around the lake including olive groves, watersports, mountain biking, small marinas and Roman remains.

Fancy swimming in the lake? Bardolino is probably the best spot for lake bathing, take a dip off one of its pebble beaches. Make sure to stroll along the lakeside promenade and stop for a post-dip spritz.

One week in Lombardia Italy | Perfect North Italy itinerary

Dreamy Verona is a historic city in the Veneto region that’s bursting with Renaissance romance . The city is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s most iconic work, ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

Romantics from around the world make a pilgrimage to the city to visit a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony that’s said to be ‘Juliet’s House’.

Beyond Shakespere, the city has so much to offer culture hungry vistors. Feast upon local cusine in rustic osterias, enjoy opera in the 1st-century amphitheatre and visit the oldest library in Europe.

Wine lovers will also rejoice at the superb selection of local vinos. Verona is surrounded by boutique vineyards, with Valpolicella on one side and Soave on the other. Make sure to sample Soave’s renowned white wines and buy a bottle or two to bring home.

Vicenza is an elegant city surrounded by 13th-century walls and was designated a  UNESCO   World Heritage site  in 1994. It’s located between Venice and Verona in the Veneto region.  

The city is famous for being the home of 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio and his successor Vincenzo Scamozzi, who enriched it with magnificent buildings.

Vicenza has plenty of Renaissance architecture, public parks and piazzas to discover, thanks to its extensive history and affiliation with various ruling empires.

Make sure to check out popular hotspots such as the Basilica Palladiana, Teatro Olimpico theatre and Villa Valmarana.

No trip to the Veneto region is complete without a trip to its glorious capital, Venice. This is where you come for beautiful architecture, romantic cobbled streets and crowded canal waterways.

Venice is a miraculous floating city in Italy, a dazzling patchwork of over 100 small islands. These are linked by pretty bridges with picturesque canals flowing through.

You simply must have a gondola ride when visiting the city. The most cliché activity in Venice is also one of the loveliest ways of seeing the city.

Gondola rides cost around €80 for 40 minutes, so if you want to romance your beloved in Venice, you’re going to have to cough up darlings.

Another brilliant way of exploring the city is to book a  food tour of Venice . Have a local guide you around the best food in Venice and learn the secret spots where Venetians like to eat?

Veneto Dolomites

The Veneto Dolomites are part of a mountain range that covers several regions and provinces in Italy. These majestic mountains promise rocky peaks, biking, skiing and utterly flawless lines and contours. 

They are one of Northern Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer a range of fun activities year-round.

In the winter it’s a popular place for skiing and winter sports with the largest ski resorts offering up to 120 kilometres of slopes. Cortina d’Ampezzo is probably the most well-known mountain resort in the area and is part of the Dolomiti ‘Superski’ area.

For hiking fans, a number of long-distance footpaths traverse the Dolomites. The trails are numbered and well-marked and also feature several huts for long-distance walkers.

Take a day trip to the island Murano and arrive in style by water taxi. Murano is located just 1.5km away from Venice and is one of the most popular islands in the Venetian lagoon.

The island is known for its traditional glass blowing and boutique glass shops. You can actually take a sneak peek inside a local glass factory and watch a glass-blowing demonstration.

There are many local vendors selling boat trips and tours of Murano. Many of these Murano tours include a mesmerising, glass blowing demonstration.

Outside of glass blowing, Murano has plenty to offer visitors. The island is full of unique architecture, impressive churches, small shops and pavement cafes serving refreshing aperitifs.

Chioggia is a small and unassuming fishing port in the Venetian lagoon that’s widely known as “Little Venice.” If you’re looking for a quiet place to visit in the Veneto region, this is the place for you!

Much like in Venice, the houses, shops and cafes are built alongside the water and here are several bridges that connect the waterways.

You’ll also find several beautiful churches and cathedrals, including the wonderful Chiesa di San Domenico.

Chioggia is probably best known for its reasonably priced seafood restaurants and its colourful fish market. Make sure to sample some of Chioggia’s specialities when visiting, including calamari, crab and eel.

Getting to Veneto Italy

The main international airport in the area is Marco Polo airport in Venice, which is a huge hub for European and international flights. You can also fly into Verona Valerio Catullo airport and Treviso airport.

You can compare and book flights to the Venato region with  Expedia . Search for discounted flight tickets from over 400 standard and budget airlines.

If you’re travelling by train, the Veneto region has an extensive rail network. The main cities in the region are handily are connected by frequent daily connections. Check out rail times and stations on the Trenitalia website .

Airport Parking and lounges

Save money on your Italy trip by booking your airport parking in advance. You can find great airport parking deals online with  Holiday Extras .

Get up to 70% off airport parking when you book in advance online. Keep your car secure and safe whilst you are on your holidays in an official airport car park.

You could also park your car at the airport with  Car & Away . It’s the first person to person car-sharing service that matches car renters to car owners in a very simple and transparent way.

The service gives airport parking customers the opportunity to ‘rent and earn’ whilst on holiday. It’s a unique way to  save money for travel , that’s for sure.

Why not spoil yourself with airport lounge access before your flight? Lounges don’t have to be super expensive, book online with  Holiday Extras  to save money on your lounge splurge.

Are you planning a trip to Veneto in Italy? Where are you planning on visiting? Let me know in the comments below.

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Portia Jones has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist and is a Lonely Planet guidebook author and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust Magazine and the Independent. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.

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• Veneto: the 10 most beautiful hamlets to visit
• Places and Tours

A trip to Veneto to discover its 10 most beautiful hamlets !

Veneto is a region that boasts some of Italy's most famous tourist resorts. In addition to its cities and beautiful nature , many picturesque villages and walled towns have preserved ancient traditions, local products, and unique landscapes. Here is a list of the  10 hamlets not to be missed !

The most beautiful hamlets in Veneto

The Veneto is among the regions most popular with tourists for its c ountless beauties , all unmissable.

The Veneto villages are small, charming destinations rich in history.

Visiting the most beautiful villages in Veneto is an excellent idea for a unique and different weekend .

Visiting the villages can easily be combined with cultural trips that have as their main destinations the most famous Veneto art cities such as Verona, Venice and Padua.

From Lake Garda to the mountains, passing through the gentle hills of the Veneto covered with vineyards, you can choose the village that inspires you most and discover its history and traditions.

Between a walk on the walls and visits to castles and other prestigious cultural attractions, you can enjoy splendid views and taste the typical products of the area, starting with the excellent Veneto wines .

Of great importance are the traditional events , medieval festivals and fairs that attract tourists and day visitors every year.

Malcesine with its splendid views of Lake Garda, Feltre a stone's throw from the beautiful Belluno Dolomites, Chioggia with its fish market, and Burano with its colourful little houses... are you ready to discover the 10 most beautiful villages in Veneto to visit?

10. Malcesine

In the province of Verona, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda , lies Malcesine , a medieval village with unmissable views. Known as the "Pearl of the Lake", it is one of the most popular villages on Lake Garda .

The main monuments are the Scaliger Castle and the Captains' Palace . The picturesque old town is fascinating with its narrow streets, small shops, taverns and the relaxing view of the lake, surrounded by white pebble beaches.

In the background, Monte Baldo , with its 2000-metre-high peaks, offers the possibility of walking in nature in a dreamlike landscape.

9. Montagnana

In the province of Padua , Montagnana, also known as the walled city , is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy.

Its imposing walls have never been modified, making it a unique village in Europe. The Rocca Degli Alberi, the Mastio and the Castello di San Zeno stand out within the imposing walls surrounded by a moat.

The historic centre is renowned for its Cathedral, Renaissance-era buildings, and alleyways full of small restaurants. Here you can taste local products, especially the Prosciutto Veneto Euganeo Berico DOP . Don't miss the two-kilometer-long walk around the walls.

8. Cittadella

In the province of Padua, Cittadella is the only walled city in Europe, with an elliptical medieval patrol walkway , which can be walked in its entirety.

Its walls, which date back to 1220, are certainly one of the main tourist attractions of the fortified town and can be visited through a scenic walk at the height of 15 metres.

The view of the town from above allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding panorama and the details of the historic centre with its alleyways and most important buildings, including the landmark social theatre, the Cathedral with its frescoes, the Church of Santa Maria del Torresino with its wooden crucifix and the Tower of Malta.

Walking through the town's streets, you will also face the three entrance gates : Porta Padovana, Porta Vicentina and Porta Trevisana. Cittadella is a work of art and a time machine that takes us back to the Middle Ages.

7. Marostica

Marostica, in the province of Vicenza , is one of the most beautiful hamlets in Veneto and still retains the magic of the past.

The "city of chess" is famous worldwide for its living chess game, which takes place every two years on the second weekend in September.

More than five hundred people dressed in traditional costumes participate in this historical re-enactment of the chess game played in 1454 in the village's central square.

According to legend, two noblemen in love with the beautiful Lionora, the castellan's daughter, challenged each other to a chess game to have her as their wife.

But there is more to discover in this medieval village, starting with the two castles , the upper and lower castles, connected by characteristic walls.

Not to be missed is the Carmini path , a panoramic route that follows the walls and offers a suggestive view.

The lower Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, with its external patrol path, provides a broad view of the Chess Square, which is even more beautiful from above.

Moreover, walking through the alleys of the centre you will find small shops, small restaurants and many wine bars where you can taste Venetian wines and grappas.

Burano, one of the three main islands of the Venetian lagoon, is one of the world's 10 most colourful places !

Even from a distance, you can admire its colourful houses , which sailors painted to be able to recognise them on foggy days.

The island's tourist centre is Piazza Galuppi , where we find the main historical buildings, the Church of San Martino Vescovo, a curious church with only one side entrance and a crooked bell tower similar to the Tower of Pisa.

Piazza Galuppi is also home to the Town Hall and the Lace Museum, where we learn about Burano's lace-making art .

But to experience the island's atmosphere at its best, you have to get lost in its colourful alleyways. Leave the central square and walk around the house of Bepi Suà and the home of Gianfranco Rosso .

Thanks to their hand-painted drawings on the walls, these houses are among the island's most beautiful and picturesque houses. The Love Viewing Bridge and the Tre Ponti bridge are other characteristic places to take romantic and poetic photos.

Tre Ponti connects three canals and three of the island's main streets.

This area is full of restaurants and shops where you can taste local dishes such as Risotto di gò, a typical fish dish, and Bussolà, a biscuit made of stiff and crumbly dough. Burano represents an ancient, peaceful, and above all, a very colourful world!

Asolo is a small village in the province of Treviso that is included in the list of the most beautiful Villages in Italy .

Its panoramic position on the hills made it a preferred destination for artists and writers from all over Europe.

Giosuè Carducci called it "the city of a hundred horizons", and Eleonora Duse, famous actress and lover of Gabriele D'Annunzio, spent the last years of her life here.

The village is also linked to the figure of Caterina Cornaro. She became Queen of Cyprus and ceded the island to Venice, receiving Asolo in exchange. She lived here from 1489 to 1509, transforming the village's Castle into a salon for intellectuals and artists.

4. The most beautiful hamlets in Veneto: Soave

Famous for its Scaliger-era Castle , its city walls and its wine of the same name, the medieval village of Soave , in the province of Verona, welcomes us amidst an expanse of vineyards.

The history of the town is linked to its Castle of Roman origin.

Restored by the Scaligeris in the 14th century, Soave Castle is an example of a medieval fortress with drawbridges, crenellated walls and an imposing keep.

The walls surrounding the village were built at the behest of the Scaligeri family to defend the territory. It is possible to walk around the walls to see the gates with their double access system.

Another beautiful walk for those who do not suffer from vertigo is the one on the patrol walkways. From here, you have a marvellous view over the vineyard-covered valleys and the roofs of the old town.

Around Piazza Antenna , the heart of the medieval town centre, we find the main monuments of Soave: the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palace of Justice and the Palazzo del Capitano, the seat of the Municipality.

In the city that bears the name of its famous wine , you cannot miss a glass of good wine in one of the many wine cellars in the historic centre.

We recommend the Soave Wine Road for wine lovers, a route of about 50 kilometres through vineyards and castles.

The road touches thirteen municipalities where we can find the most appreciated wine cellars for the production of Soave.

3. Castelfranco Veneto

In the province of Treviso, close to Padua and Vicenza, we find Castelfranco Veneto, a medieval walled city, guardian of excellence ranging from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age.

The Castle , a symbol of the town, was built at the end of the 22nd century.

During the rule of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, Castelfranco became a cultural centre and home to intellectuals.

One of the greatest Renaissance painters was born and trained here: Giorgio Zorzi, better known as 'il Giorgione' .

A visit to the city must begin with the Castle, its towers and walls. Not to be missed is the Duomo, which houses the Castelfranco altarpiece , a painting made by Giorgione in 1502.

Other places of interest in the historic centre are the Giorgione House Museum, the Academic Theatre, the Church of San Giacomo and, a few kilometres from the centre, Villa Revelin Bonasco with its park.

In the territory of Castelfranco Veneto, there are 16 Venetian villas protected by the Regional Institute of Venetian Villas.

Castelfranco is a popular destination for hikers as its territory offers routes and paths through nature .

Don't miss the walks in the regional natural park of the river Sile and the cycle-tourist trails such as the Strada del Radicchio Rosso di Treviso and the Strada del Vino del Montello.

Located to the west of the river Piave, Feltre lies on the slopes of the Colle Delle Capre (Hill of the Goats), surrounded by its imposing Renaissance walls.

Rich in history, it is set in a natural environment of the highest quality: the Feltrine Alps, the gateway to the Belluno Dolomites National Park , a World Heritage Site.

This city has always been a fundamental transit route for goods and armies, linking the Roman and Germanic worlds for centuries, from the Po Valley, across the Alps and the Danube, to Bavaria.

Underground we find a big archaeological area that takes us back to Roman Feltre.

In the old town centre, a succession of 16th-century palaces with frescoed facades and Renaissance-style balconies bear witness to the golden age that the town experienced under the rule of Venice.

Among the most important buildings, the tower of the Castello di Alboino, the Piazza Maggiore, the Palazzo Della Ragione, which houses the old Teatro de la Sena and the 16th century Palazzo Cumano, home to the "Carlo Rizzarda" Gallery of Modern Art.

Around Feltre, tourism is synonymous with unspoilt nature , trails and outdoor life.

Not to be missed are the valley of Mount Miesna with the Sanctuary of Saints Vittore and Corona and the Val di Lamen, from where the Belluno Dolomites can be reached.

1. Chioggia

Located at the southernmost end of the Venetian lagoon , about fifty kilometres from Venice, Chioggia comprises a vast territory crossed by three major rivers: the Adige, the Brenta and the Bacchiglione, which flow into the Adriatic Sea, creating a unique ecosystem of islands and beaches, connected by bridges.

Chioggia is undoubtedly a special place because of its urban layout and the elegant palazzos overlooking the canals, the houses and colourful boats, and the "calle" with their suggestive atmospheres .

Walking around Chioggia, you can breathe in the "Venetian atmosphere" but without the crowds of tourists; this is why the town has maintained its authenticity and the charm of what was once an ancient fishing village.

Visiting Chioggia means getting lost in the narrow streets of its charming historic centre of medieval origin. You start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, built on the remains of an ancient medieval church.

Near the Cathedral, we find the Torre di Sant'Andrea with its ancient clock, one of the oldest in the world, still working today.

Continuing the walk, we come to one of the city's most famous sites: the fish market .

Here every day, the locals go to buy fresh fish caught at night by the local fishermen.

Don't miss Palazzo Granaio, a fascinating 14th-century building, Ponte Vigo, the equivalent of Venice's Rialto Bridge, the Church of San Domenico with its fine paintings and the walk under the porticoes along Canal Vena.

Crossing the long San Giacomo bridge, you arrive at Sottomarina , the beach of Chioggia, equipped with every comfort for relaxing days at the sea!

Sottomarina offers a beautiful seaside promenade up to Forte San Felice , a star-shaped fortification built in the 16th century, and is also a strategic point for reaching Venice and the surrounding islands by sea.

You can't leave Chioggia without trying its street food and the typical seafood cuisine of its local restaurants!

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Veneto Region of Northern Italy: Tourist Map With Cities

James Martin

The Veneto is a gem of a region in the northeast corner of Italy. Bound on the west by Lake Garda, on the north by the Dolomite Mountains and on the east by the Adriatic Sea, the landscape of the Veneto is rich and varied. From the grandeur of crumbly old Venice to the medieval flavor of Bassano del Grappa, and on to Belluno, a striking town that's a gateway for visiting the Dolomites , the Veneto makes a fascinating region to explore .

Cities and Towns

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The major towns of the Veneto are historic and well worth a visit.

• Venice is one of Italy's most visited and most unique cities. Saint Mark's Square and Cathedral and the Grand Canal are the top sights in Venice but there are many monuments, canals, and squares worth seeing. A week is not enough, although most folks go for a shorter time.
• Padua , or Padova in Italian, is one of our favorite small cities to visit, and it's close enough to Venice to make day trips there. Between Venice and Padua is the Riviera del Brenta , where lots of rich folks congregated in the 16th through 18th centuries to build opulent summer residences along the Brenta river: The Venetian Villas.
• Vicenza was the hometown of the famous Renaissance architect Palladio and 23 of the city's buildings were designed by him, including Palazzo Barbaran da Porto that houses the Palladio museum.
• Verona , you know from Romeo and Juliet, and most folks make a pilgrimage there if only to rub Juliet's right breast and see the famous balcony, but there's lots more to see including a Roman arena that's used for outdoor opera performances and a beautiful medieval center.
• Soave is a small wine town enclosed by medieval walls that rise up a hill to a castle at the top. You'll find places to taste wine in town and nearby.
• Chioggia , in the Venetian Lagoon to the south of Venice, is a pretty fishing port that's sometimes called Little Venice .
• Lido di Jesolo is a seaside resort to the north of Venice that's known for its 10-mile long sandy beach and summer nightlife. It runs along the sea and is a fairly new town, with services to accommodate beach-goers. A few miles inland is the small, old town of Jesolo.
• Treviso is another pretty canal town with a medieval center to the north of Venice. It can be reached by train and there's a small airport served by some budget airlines.
• Bassano del Grappa , at the foot of Mount Grappa, is a lively medieval town on the Brenta River known for its Alpini Bridge and the production of grappa. Most people who've been there say it's one of the most beautiful places they've been in Europe .

Mountains and Lakes of the Veneto Region

Lake Garda is Italy's largest and most visited lake with beaches and clear water in the south, rocky cliffs in the north, and villages and castles in between. The eastern shoreline is in the Veneto region and includes the popular towns of Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, and Malcesine, from where you can take a cable car up Mount Baldo. Gardaland, a big amusement park, is just east of the lake in Castelnuovo del Garda.

The Veneto Dolomites

The Dolomites, known for their stunning rocky peaks, make up one of Italy's top mountain ranges and are one of Northern Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites . In the winter, the mountains are a great place for skiing and winter sports while in summer you can bike and hike.

Belluno, the gateway to the Dolomites, is a city you can enjoy on its own or use as a base to head out on a mountain bike, by foot, or in a hot-air balloon to see the incredible mountain landscapes.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is perhaps the most famous mountain resort destination, called the "Queen of the Dolomites." In summer, it's a dream mountain-climbing destination as well. The Cortina Adrenaline Center will supply you with all you will need to get the adrenaline flowing.

Best Places to Go in Northern Italy's Veneto Region

Bassano del Grappa Travel Guide

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Get to Know Lake Garda in Italy

Best Italian Lakes to Visit on Your Vacation

The Lakes of Northern Italy

Best Day Trips From Venice

Lombardy Cities Map and Travel Guide

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The Geography of Italy

Northern Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Cities

May Festivals in Italy

The Top Cities to Visit in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

The Complete Guide to Bassano del Grappa, Italy

How to Visit Abano and Montegrotto Terme, Two Beautiful Italian Spa Towns

A Guide to Italy's Wine Regions

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16 Underrated Towns in Italy You Must Visit

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Many great and beautiful Italian coastal towns and small towns inland attract millions of tourists each year. However, if you want to avoid crowds and have more space to get the most out of your trip to the country, you will be interested in the best small towns in Italy.

That is what we are going to look at in the following post. With an emphasis, as ever, on frugal vacations and traveling, we will look at the unsung heroes, the towns that do not get the hype or acclaim they should. So, let’s dive right into it with our first of the most underrated towns. 

1. Bolzano, Alto Adige

To kick off our guide to the underrated and best small Italian towns to visit, we wanted to highlight the stunning Bolzano. Found in northern Italy in the South Tyrol province, this is a bilingual town. Around 75% of the locals consider Italian their first language, while 25% state that it is German. The Austrian and German influence is not just in language alone, as you will find this in the architecture and many of the key sites around the town.

If you want to explore the Dolomites in the Alps, many see Bolzano as the gateway to the mountain range. Aside from the mountains, there are many medieval castles and hill-based vineyards. Make sure you allow time to explore the Tyrol Museum of Archeology, home to many artifacts, including Otzi, the Neolithic mummy. You should also stop at the Duomo di Bolzano Cathedral and Mareccio Castle, first built in the 13th century. 

2. Calabria

Moving further down the county to the opposite end, Calabria is one of the best towns to visit in Southern Italy. Surprisingly, the town often referred to as Italy’s boot toe is one of the least popular with tourists. Many locals, however, know better and frequently visit Calabria on vacation. Why? Perhaps the 800 km pristine coastline with an incredible variety of stunning beaches is one of the draws to this part of the county. Aside from the seaside attractions, there are many fantastic buildings from different architectural and cultural eras and many great places to eat local cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

3. Ragusa and Cefalù, Sicily

There is plenty of interest in the island of Sicily off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the biggest island and one of the 20 main regions of the country. As spectacular as it is to visit Sicily, many people don’t realize that there are many must-visit towns in Italy that are found on and around Sicily. Take Ragusa, for example, located in the gorgeous Hyblaean Mountains; it is not too busy or exciting but is home to many impressive baroque-style buildings and structures. Not too far away is another must-visit place, known as Cefalù. An island and a town, it is home to many photo-worthy pizzas and an imposing Norman cathedral that dates back to when the Normans occupied the region.

4. Matera, Basilicata

Although it was once considered one of the poorest towns in the county in the past, Matera has transformed into one of the most beautiful Italian towns to visit. The capital of the Province of Matera and located in the geographically stunning region of Basilicata in the south, it has a long and intriguing heritage and history thanks to its continuous occupation there since the Paleolithic era, around the 10th millennium BC. 

The town stands in a very steep canyon, and it is home to an incredible network of cave dwellings, also known locally as Sassi, where people have lived for more than 12,000 years. The caves were excavated during the 1960s due to overcrowding, but they are not home to hotels, restaurants, galleries, or cafes. Film buffs who saw The Passion of Christ, directed by Mel Gibson in 2004, will likely know it was filmed in Matera. 

When planning your trip, consider the spellbinding region of Umbria for a genuinely Italian vacation experience if you are looking for towns near Florence. It sits between Florence and Rome and allows you to use it as a base to see those more popular locations while sampling the various regional dishes and visiting towns like Assisi, the birthplace of San Francesco Assisi, Montefalco, a sleepy hill-town famous for its red wine and Castelluccio, a village at the highest point of the Apennine Mountains. 

6. Pisciotta, Campania

As the country has around 7,900 km of sea-hugging land, Pisciotta is one of the best Italian coastal towns to visit and one that should be more popular. Located within the breathtaking Cilento National Park in the Campania region, the town and surrounding area are covered in beautiful olive groves. 

The town is home to a fully reserved medieval urban plan. It features eye-catching stepped alleyways that date back centuries and lead to a collection of tiny houses, piazzas, hidden chapels, and a castle on top of the hill. Mythology and legends of the town state that it was established by the Trojans, who survived the fall of the ancient city of Troy. 

7. Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia

A port town that was once a center of culture in the region, Trieste is now overlooked in favor of other towns and cities. Despite the decrease in popularity, and perhaps benefitting from that fact, Trieste is the best town to visit in Italy if you want a quiet experience. There is a genuinely fascinating and cosmopolitan atmosphere at the Italian-Slovenian border, close to Croatia. While there, visit Città Vecchia, the old town with twisting and turning cobblestone-clad streets and beautiful medieval homes, the 2,000-year-old Roman Theater, and the intriguing Austrian Quarter. 

8. Turin, Piedmont

Despite being one of the biggest industrial centers in the country, Turin is nevertheless overlooked. It is one of the many small towns in Italy worth visiting. It is home to a rich and diverse history and culture with many intriguing attractions and sites, including theaters, museums, art galleries, castles, and churches. 

One of the key attractions that the town is synonymous with is the Turin Shroud in the Egyptian Museum. At one point, it was the first capital city of the unified Italy and where the Royal House of Savoy was located. 

9. Herculaneum, Campania

If you want to learn more about Pompeii, the site of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79AD that destroyed the town, one of the best Italian coastal towns to visit is Herculaneum. While Pompeii welcomes thousands of visitors yearly, Herculeum is less prevalent. You may already see the more significant, popular site and want a quieter place. Herculeum is around 10 miles north of Pompeii. 

10. Verona, Veneto

Surprisingly, the setting for the famous Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, must be appreciated more. That being said, it is one of the best small towns in Northern Italy. It is home to beautiful architecture, such as the Juliet balcony and the town’s spectacular amphitheater that has been there since Ancient Roman times. While in Verona, you are suitably placed for exploring Treviso and its famous walled center, which is seen as being Venice in small, without the overcrowding and necessary. 

11. Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Campania

Many towns around the Amalfi Coast are popular with tourists, like Positano, Capri, and Amalfi, which overlook Ravello. Interestingly, though, only a few people go to Ravello. Located on the top of a stunning hill, looking out over the coast, it is perhaps the best town to visit in Italy on a budget, especially if you are looking to experience eye-catching terraces and gardens without having to deal with the traffic and crowding that the other towns in the region. 

So, if you want to enjoy a frugal trip to Italy, Ravello is a great place to work into your itinerary. 

12. Genoa, Liguria

The atmospheric and spectacular Cinque Terre dominates the Liguria region. However, one of the best Italian towns to visit in winter is Genoa. Genoa is the region’s capital, though, and it is fantastic. It offers a truly authentic tourist atmosphere, has remained a busy trading center, and is known as the birthplace of the explorer Christopher Columbus. 

Many beautiful galleries are around the town, like the Raccolte Frugone and Palazzo Rosso and the biggest aquarium in Italy, the Acquario di Genoa. You will also find lots of delicious food there, like focaccia bread and pesto. 

13. Castelmezzano, Basilicata

Castelmezzano in Basilicata is one of the best small Italian towns to visit, even though you may never have heard of it. The town has an old-world charm, which is unsurprising as it was first established in the 10th century. With the Dolomiti Lucane as its backdrop, the city is spectacular, whether viewed from within the town or from a distance from the neighboring town of Pietrapertosa, which can be accessed in high-speed fashion taking the Flight of the Angel, a specially designed, zip-line between the two towns. 

14. Locorotondo, Puglia

One of the most beautiful Italians to visit that you may not have heard of is Locorotondo in Puglia. Its curious name comes from the shape the two were built in, though you would be hard-pushed to notice this from the ground level. That aside, this town is gorgeous and has an almost dream-like atmosphere and overall aesthetic, with white-washed walls bordered and brightened by the pink and purple flowers blossoming from pots. 

While here, dine in one of the many quaint little restaurants to try local Italian cuisine and gelato. The cost of the food and accommodation there makes it ideal for anyone looking into frugal options. 

15. Mantua, Lombardy

Among the many small towns in Italy worth visiting, Mantua in the Lombardy region is underrated not just within the country but also on the continent of Europe. This is even more surprising when you consider it is home to the biggest residential building in continental Europe outside of the Vatican and is full of architectural and art-loving gems. 

That’s not all, as three astonishing artificial lakes surround the town, one covered in lily pads. However, the most impressive thing about this town is the grand interior of the buildings found throughout the town. This is primarily a thank you to the Gonzaga rulers who oversaw the construction of these structures and headed up their design. The Ducal Palace, sprawling and intimidating but beautiful and ornate, has around 600 rooms. Okay, so only a few are open for members of the public, but those few are filled with some awe-inspiring art and grandiose frescos. 

While there, you should also visit the Te Palace, which has many grand halls, and the Teatro Bibiena. 

16. Trento, Trentino

Finally, to close out our guide, one of the small towns in Italy worth visiting is Trento, the capital of the stunning Trentino region. If you want a quieter and more relaxed Italian break, it is perfect as it is just the right size. There is still plenty to see and do, including many cultural spots of interest, great places to check out local and national art, and an exceptional range of eateries where you can sample some of the finest food in the region. 

If you want a bit of quiet and more space to explore easily, you will like the lack of tourists and the general cleanliness of the town. Make time to check out the spectacular Bunoconsiglio Castle. 

Small Towns in Italy To Enjoy

There you have it – some of the best small towns to visit in Italy if you want to avoid the tourist-heavy places or have already visited towns and cities like Pompeii, Rome, and Venice. Italy is rich in heritage and history and benefits from a culturally diverse population. 

Wherever you go, whether along the coast, in the north, south, east, or west, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience. This is especially true if you take them to the sensory delights of the fascinating, underrated towns listed above.

16 Common Travel Mistakes in Italy and How to Avoid Them

Italy is one of the most popular countries to visit for a summer vacation and with good reason. There are thousands of things to see and do: new experiences, history lessons, sunbathing at out-of-this-world beaches, and much more. Many people must realize that although you may come across many English speakers and expat Americans living in Italy, it is a different place with different rules and customs. 

How to Plan a Summer in Italy: 15 Things That Should Be on Your List

If you go to Italy for your next summer vacation, you will have a memorable experience. Lush countryside, busy and modern metropolitan areas, quaint little villages, massive and imposing mountains, and coastal areas home to many fantastic beaches offering dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Verona

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

About halfway between Milan and Venice, Verona is one of Italy's most popular cities for tourists, who revel in its art, architecture, opera, and literary fame . It lies in the sweeping S-curve of the River Adige as it emerges from the Alps. Verona's Centro Storico, the historic center, where you'll find most of the attractions and things to do, is linked with the left bank neighborhoods by 10 bridges.

Because Verona is so often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Venice , tourists often try to see it in one day, but there are so many things to do here that you'll want to spend longer in this charming city.

Verona became a Roman colony in 89 BCE and developed into an important town. There are several remains from this time, including the Roman amphitheater , and the city is equally rich in Romanesque churches from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Verona was an important artistic center in the Renaissance and earlier, under the powerful della Scala family. You'll meet them everywhere, referred to as the Scaligeri. The leading 15th- and 16th-century architects, Fra Giocondo and Michele Sanmicheli, were responsible for several splendid buildings and the bastioned town walls.

You'll find it easy to plan your visit with this handy list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Verona.

See also: Where to Stay in Verona

1. Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero

2. arena di verona (roman amphitheater), 3. casa di giulietta, 4. basilica of san zeno maggiore, 5. piazza delle erbe, 6. piazza dei signori and loggia del consiglio, 7. arche scaligere (scaligeri tombs), 8. piazza bra, 9. duomo di santa maria matricolare (cathedral), 10. sant'anastasia, 11. stroll through the giardino giusti, 12. teatro romano and ponte pietra, 13. san fermo maggiore, 14. shop on via mazzini, 15. climb or ride to the top of the torre dei lamberti, 16. day trip to mantova (mantua), 17. day trip to sirmione and rocca scaligera, where to stay in verona for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in verona, verona, italy - climate chart.

On the banks of the Adige, Castelvecchio was built by the Scaligeri in 1354-55, an impressive defensive fortress certain to remind any rivals of the power of the della Scala family. Crossing the river is the beautiful castellated Ponte Scaligero, a 14th-century bridge that's traffic free and among the locals' favorite places to go for a stroll.

The castle's main tower and ramparts afford views of the bridge, the city, and surrounding hills. The castle interior has been brilliantly restored and transformed into bright exhibit space by architect Carlo Scarpa, without sacrificing the integrity or history of the castle.

The collections of the Civico Museo d'Arte are shown here, featuring Veronese sculpture, applied art, and paintings, with works by Bellini, Rubens, Montagna, Guardi, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Pisano, and artists of the 15th- and 16th-century Veronese school.

A few steps up Corso Cavour is the Arco dei Gavi, a first-century stone arched gate that spanned a Roman road; look for the grooves worn by chariot wheels in the stone below the arch.

Address: Corso Castelvecchio 2 (off Corso Cavour), Verona

One of the largest of its kind and among the best preserved Roman amphitheaters, Verona's arena was built in the reign of Diocletian, about 290 CE. Only four arches of the outer wall on the north side have survived, but the vaulting and seating are intact and in regular use.

Its 44 rows of seating can accommodate 22,000 spectators, and in July and August, it is the home of the Verona Opera Festival , one of Europe's major summer music events ranked with the Bayreuth and Salzburg festivals. Concerts and other events are also held inside.

Address: Piazza Brà, Verona

Verona is perhaps best known internationally as the setting for Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Inevitably, tourists asked where the star-crossed lovers lived, and Veronese obligingly pointed out a small medieval palazzo just off Piazza delle Erbe that had an attractive courtyard where tourists could stand without blocking the street.

In the 1930s, the city added the missing ingredient, building a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Several decades later they added a bronze statue and set up displays inside the house for tourists to look at on their way to be photographed on the balcony.

No matter that the story is fiction, the characters purely imaginative, and the plot not based on any actual events or people in Verona (where Shakespeare had never been), the city has still become a place of pilgrimage to the point where they hire a team of secretaries to answer mail left for the mythical Juliet.

Address: Via Cappello 23, Verona

The large 11-12th century Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is considered the finest Romanesque building in northern Italy. The beautiful main front of alternating strata of brick and white tufa is flanked by a slender Romanesque campanile (1045-1178) and the 14th-century battlemented defensive tower of a former Benedictine abbey.

Although you enter through the elegant Romanesque cloister via a gate at the side, be sure to see the bronze doors on the front portal, with outstanding Romanesque reliefs of Biblical and secular scenes.

The interior has an unusual 14th-century timber roof and beautiful Romanesque capitals. In the aisles are frescoes from the 13th to 15th centuries . In the choir is a marble figure, thought to be 14th-century, of St. Zeno, the fourth-century bishop of Verona. His reliquary is in the crypt, which is quite unusual in that it is equal in size and prominence to the chancel above it. On the high altar is a 15th-century Madonna with Saints by Mantegna.

On the third Sunday of the month, a locally popular flea market fills Piazza San Zeno, where you may find everything from salami to antiques.

Address: Piazza San Zeno, Verona

The central feature of Verona's Centro Storico is the rectangular Piazza delle Erbe, one of the most picturesque squares in Italy. It stands on the site of the Roman forum and is now a fruit and vegetable market. In the center of the square is the 16th-century Berlina, a canopy on four columns, formerly used for elections. To the north of it is a fountain from 1368 with the Madonna di Verona , an ancient marble statue that was repurposed in medieval times.

At the north end of the square, a marble column holds the lion of St. Mark, the emblem of Verona's former Venetian rulers. At the northeast corner stands the Casa Mazzanti , originally built by the Scaligeri. Like many houses here, it is adorned with Renaissance frescoes. On the north side of the square is the Baroque Palazzo Maffei from 1668, and to the left of this, the 1370 Torre del Gardello .

The Casa dei Mercanti at the corner of Via Pellicciai was rebuilt in 1878 in its original 1301 form. Opposite, rises the 84-meter-high Torre dei Lamberti , with a medieval bell, El Rengo. From the end near the lion of St. Mark, Corso Porta Borsari is interrupted by Porta dei Borsari , a Roman city gate built in the first century CE and restored in 265. At the opposite end is the pedestrianized Via Mancini, Verona's most fashionable shopping street.

Accessed through an archway from Piazza delle Erbe , Piazza dei Signori is surrounded by palaces, and in the middle stands a monument to Dante erected in 1865. The Palazzo della Ragione (Town Hall), on the south side of the piazza was begun in 1193 but altered in later centuries. The main front of the building is Renaissance, dating to 1524. In the courtyard are a Gothic grand staircase from 1446-50 and the entrance to the Torre dei Lamberti .

Also in the square are a battlemented tower and the Palazzo dei Tribunali , converted in 1530-31 from a Scaliger Palace and with a Renaissance doorway by Michele Sanmicheli. On the east side of the square is the Palazzo del Governo , originally another Scaligeri palace and also containing a doorway by Sanmicheli.

On the north side of the Piazza dei Signori stands the Loggia del Consiglio, one of the finest Early Renaissance buildings in Italy. It was built by Fra Giocondo from 1486 to 1493, and is crowned by statues of famous citizens of Verona. Recent excavations here have uncovered a Roman street, mosaics, and other remains below the current street level, which you can explore from an entrance off the adjoining large courtyard.

The lovely little church of Santa Maria Antica was completed in the 12th century and became the family church of the della Scala princes, who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Their imposing Gothic tombs almost overshadow it, topped by their effigies in full armor. Look for their symbol: the ladder (scala) was the heraldic emblem of the family and frequently recurs in the elaborate wrought-iron railings.

Above the church door are the sarcophagus and a copy of an equestrian statue of Cangrande della Scala, who died in 1329 (the original is beautifully displayed at Castelvecchio). To the left are the mural monument of Giovanni, who died in 1359, and the sarcophagus of Mastino I from 1277. Inside the railings, under a canopy, are the sarcophagi and equestrian statues of Mastino II and Cansignorio, who died in 1351 and 1375 respectively.

Address: Via Arche Scaligere, Verona

The arena forms one side of the wide Piazza Brà, opposite the Palazzo Malfatti, created by Michele Sanmicheli. Adjoining the long building of the Gran Guardi, the old guard-house from 1614, is the gate and tower of I Portoni della Brà , the landmark entry point to Piazza Bra and the old city. Beneath its Romanesque arches is a bust of William Shakespeare and his lines from Romeo and Juliet beginning "There is no world without Verona walls..."

Forming a third side of the piazza is a long row of restaurants with sidewalk terraces that are almost always filled with people. Step through one of the passageways to the tangle of streets just behind the row of restaurants and you'll find several excellent choices that are less crowded with tourists. Two good options are Torcolo on Via Carlo Cattaneo or Ristorante Nastro Azzurro on Vicolo Listone.

The cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica with a 15th-century Gothic nave. Adjoining it is a campanile on a Romanesque base, designed by Sanmicheli but not completed until 1927. On the beautiful main doorway of the cathedral are figures of Charlemagne's two paladins, Roland and Oliver, done between 1139 and 1153.

Inside, on the first altar to the left, is the church's primary highlight, Titian's 1525 Assumption , and at the end of the south aisle is the Gothic tomb of St. Agatha, from 1353. Especially striking are the red marble pillars and marble choir-screen. To the left of the cathedral is a Romanesque cloister built in 1123, with an early Christian mosaic floor on the lower level.

Address: Piazza Duomo 21, Verona

A brick church from the late 13th century, Sant'Anastasia towers above a little piazza in the heart of Verona and is the city's finest example of Gothic architecture. Over its portal are scenes from the life of St. Peter carved in stone, and above them, a 15th-century fresco.

Just inside, a pair of grotesques carved from marble hold holy water fonts, the left one by Gabriele Caliari, the father of the artist Paolo Veronese. Don't miss the fresco of St. George and the Princess by Pisanello.

The slender bell tower, 72 meters tall, is known for its nine bells, rung in a traditional style known as Veronese bellringing , an art perpetuated by the Scuola Campanaria Verona in S.Anastasia, an academy of bellringers based at the church.

Address: Piazza Sant'Anastasia, Verona

Behind the 16th-century Palazzo Giusti is the lovely garden, Giardino Giusti, with paths among its eight formal parterres, each with a different pattern of hedges, along with fountains and statues.

A path leads from the back, up the steep embankment to a less formal garden with a grotto and views of the city framed by beautiful old cypresses. Although it's not the largest, it is ranked among the best Renaissance gardens in Italy . Especially in the summer heat, it's a peaceful retreat from the city.

Address: Via Giardino Giusti 2, Verona

Across the Roman bridge of Ponte Pietra, on the hillside below Castel San Pietro , the Roman Theater was built in the first century during the reign of Augustus and excavated between 1904 and 1939. Of the theater itself, you can see the remains of the stage building's tufa walls and stones in the stage pit with holes where the ropes were drawn to open and close the curtains.

More remnants are visible of the auditorium, which was built into the hillside in galleries and terraces, including the floor of the orchestra seating with geometric inlaid marble. The theater is the home of the summer Verona Jazz Festival . The Roman bridge, Ponte Pietra, was blown up during World War II, as were all Verona's bridges, but after the war, the stones were retrieved from the river and painstakingly sorted and reassembled into the bridge that crosses here today.

Address: Regaste Redentore 2, Verona

The first San Fermo Maggiore was built in the eighth century in memory of saints Fermo and Rustico, believed at the time to have been martyred in the arena. It was replaced in the 11th century with the present structure, and the crypt is the only surviving part of the original.

The current church retains its 11th-century Romanesque lower portion, with a Gothic upper section from the 13th-14th century. The facade is beautifully decorated in marble. The church houses a 14th-century wooden crucifix and Alessandro Turchi's Adoration of the Shepherds. Look for the Pisanello frescoes above the Brenzoni monument, and more frescoes surrounding the ornate pulpit.

Address: Via San Fermo, Verona

Leading from Piazza Bra to Piazza delle Erbe, the narrow Via Mazzini runs through the heart of the Centro Storico. The marble pavement of this pedestrianized street is worn by centuries of feet, and the buildings at either side house Verona's most elegant shops. Display windows show the latest in Italian and international fashions, with a mix of trendy names and local boutiques.

Here, as everywhere else in Verona, history is never very far beneath your feet; the ground floor of the Benetton store is covered in glass, so you can see the 1st-century Roman Domus excavated beneath it. Although it's Verona's favorite shopping street, it is also the most popular place to go for the traditional passeggiata , or evening stroll.

Constructed in 1172 and heightened to its current lofty 84 meters (276 feet) in the 1400s, Torre dei Lamberti dominates the skylines of both Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. You can distinguish the two periods of construction, as the old tower was built in layers of tuffa and terra cotta, giving it a striped appearance.

You can climb the 368 steps spiraling to the top to see the stonework up close, or you can take the glass elevator for a faster view of the interior. As you might expect, the views from the top are spectacular, encompassing the entire center of Verona, the Adige Valley, and the surrounding hills.

Fifty kilometers south of Verona, the provincial capital of Mantua was the residence of the Gonzaga family from 1328 until 1707, and they made Mantua one of the most refined and cultivated of princely capitals, a great center of art and learning. Their sumptuous residence, the massive Palazzo Ducale , dominates the town and is still one of Italy's most splendid palaces.

Today, it houses several important collections, including paintings, Greek and Roman sculpture, medieval and Renaissance sculpture, and tapestries made from cartoons by Raphael. These are displayed in opulent rooms decorated with frescoes, ceiling paintings, and richly sculptured ceilings.

Also in the center of Mantua, the church of Sant'Andrea is a masterpiece of Early Renaissance architecture built by Leon Battista Alberti in 1472-94, with a transept and choir from 1600. Mantova's third major attraction is the single-story Palazzo del Te , built for the Gonzagas between 1525 and 1535 by Giulio Romano. It is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco work.

At the tip of a long promontory reaching out into the southern end of Lake Garda , about 40 minutes from Verona , Sirmione could be a stage set. You enter the town across a drawbridge, at the foot of a picture-perfect castle, Rocca Scaligera, built in the 12th century by Verona's ruling Scaligeri family. After touring the castle's restored rooms, climb to the tower for views across the lake and town.

Stroll along Sirmione's main street of chic shops, and walk or take the tourist trolley to the far end of the peninsula. Here, the Roman poet Catullus, who lived from 84 to 54 BC, built a villa to take advantage of the sulphur springs, which are now used by a luxury spa. The remains of his villa, Grotte di Catullo , and the complex surrounding it are extensive and worth exploring both for their history and for the beautiful lake views.

Verona's main attractions, with few exceptions, lie within the hairpin bend in the River Adige, where the Romans built their town. Castelvecchio, the Roman Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, the cathedral, and several art-filled churches all cluster in this Centro Storico. Happily for tourists, so do several hotels, and others are a few minutes away. Here are some highly rated hotels in Verona:

Luxury Hotels :

• In a well-preserved palazzo, Due Torri Hotel shares a little piazza with Sant'Anastasia, one of Verona's top attractions. Bountiful complimentary breakfasts, a rooftop restaurant, and exceptional concierge service distinguish this historic property, where deluxe guest rooms have marble bathrooms and wood-paneled walk-in closets.
• In the old center near Piazza delle Erbe, a five-minute walk to the arena, Academia Hotel serves an excellent free breakfast, as well as drinks and light snacks every afternoon in the sitting room.
• Also overlooking Via Mazzini, Escalus Luxury Suites Verona serves made-to-order breakfasts that are brought directly to its stylish rooms. Although the building is a historic one, the interior décor and amenities are contemporary, and there is an elevator. This member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) also offers valet parking.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• On the main street connecting the rail station (which is also the airport bus stop) to the Centro Storico, the four-star Best Western Hotel Firenze is a 10-minute walk from the Arena and on a direct bus line. All rooms have either a steam bath or Jacuzzi, and apartments in the annex, called Casa Cavallino, have kitchenettes. Free Wi-Fi is available in every room.
• Along with rain showers and free continental breakfast, Hotel Milano has a rooftop terrace with a tiny pool, Jacuzzi, and café overlooking the arena; on opera and concert nights, you can hear the music drifting up. The spa includes a Turkish bath, sauna, and ice waterfall.
• Hotel Trieste , five minutes from the arena on the main street between the rail station and old town, has brightly furnished rooms, complimentary breakfast, underground parking, and free bicycles for guests.

Budget Hotels:

• On a quiet back street just off Piazza Bra next to the arena, Giulietta e Romeo Hotel has some rooms with balconies. The generous included breakfast has hot dishes, as well as the usual breads and pastries. The hotel has an elevator.
• On a small street between the Roman Arena and river, Best Western Hotel Armando offers guests free on-street parking and complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Some rooms are accessible to disabled guests.
• Just off Piazza Bra, between the arena and Castelvecchio, the Hotel Torcolo has plain rooms, an elevator, a very helpful staff, and parking spots for guests. Especially for a hotel with such modest prices, rooms are very well equipped, with refrigerators, safes, hair dryers, and Wi-Fi.

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Places to Visit near Verona: While the magical canals and opulent palaces of Venice are less than 90 minutes away, the same train will also take you to Vicenza , with its elegant Palladian villas, and to Renaissance Padua , with its shrine of St. Anthony and magnificent Scrovegni chapel lined in frescoes by Giotto.

Where to Go Next: Verona sits at the heart of some of Northern Italy's most popular attractions, but it is also easy to travel to other major tourist cities by direct train. In less than 90 minutes, a train will take you to the Renaissance treasures of Florence , a good base for visiting the hill towns and other places to visit in Tuscany .

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