Veneto is a region that is underestimated by many, but which actually offers inestimable riches. Yes, because Veneto is not just Verona or Venice, but boasts beauties located in the plains, hills, sea and mountains, from ancient villas to theaters, from monuments to places of art, from historic cities to seaside resorts. , and also mountain resorts renowned for their suggestiveness. All places with different characteristics but which, at least once in a lifetime, deserve to be seen.
So let’s see together a selection of 15 wonders of Veneto .
1 – Venice and the Islands of the Lagoon
For its urban beauty and its fascinating artistic heritage, Venice is one of the most popular Italian cities, not surprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with its Lagoon.
Among the attractions that make the city unique we have St. Mark’s Square , which overlooks the Basilica , the Campanile and the majestic Palazzo Ducale . Among the most interesting museums we mention the Peggy Guggenheim , which houses works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, De Chirico and Dali. While of the six districts in which the city is divided, Casaregio is very characteristic where the Jewish Ghetto is located .
But what makes Venice unique are two icons such as the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, to be visited on a romantic gondola ride. Of the major islands of the lagoon to be seen absolutely are Murano , Burano and Torcello , to be discovered through comfortable boat tours. In the first you will learn the secrets of the working of the well-known “Murano glass”, the second is famous for the art of handmade lace and for its colorful houses, Torcello is instead the most ancient and mysterious of the inhabited islands.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Venice
2 – Verona
Verona owes part of its fame to the love story between Romeo and Juliet , told by Shakespeare and set in medieval Verona. The famous Juliet balconyit is in fact the most popular attraction for tourists; but surely she is not the only one.
Who has the pleasure of visiting the city, can discover a heritage of the highest historical value thanks to some extraordinary testimonies of the Roman period. Among these we cannot fail to mention the Arena , once the scene of fights, bullfights and executions, today an important concert venue. We recommend that you visit this unique place by purchasing the priority ticket in advance to save time at the entrance.
Other symbolic beauties are the ancient Ponte Pietra, the Church of San Zeno Maggiore, Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe . In the latter stands the Torre dei Lambertidating back to 800 years ago, from the top of which you can admire a breathtaking view (online admission ticket from € 5.00 per person).
SEE ALSO : What to see in Verona
3 – Padua
An imposing cultural current originated in Padua which turned into the Paduan Renaissance and which influenced the artistic team of the entire northern Italy of the fifteenth century. Since 1222 it has also been the seat of a prestigious university which ranks among the oldest in the world. To embellish its reputation is also a popular saying that compares it to Venice and says “Venice the beautiful, and Padua her sister”.
Among the things to see are Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel , which is the most important pictorial cycle in the world, the Basilica of Sant’Antonioand Piazza delle Erbe where the most imposing palace of the city, the Palazzo della Ragione , faces, its interior is completely frescoed with beautiful zodiacal and religious motifs. Also not to be missed is Prato della Valle , a square which by extension is second to Moscow’s Red Square. It is formed by a completely green central island around which there is a canal characterized by statues of characters from the past. Finally, at the Civic Museums it is possible to admire Giotto’s Crucifix and works by Venetian painters such as Boccaccino and Tintoretto.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Padua
4 – Vicenza
It is nicknamed “the city of Palladio”, from the name of the architect who designs most of his works here, and also represents an important production center from the engineering, textile and goldsmith point of view. The latter makes Vicenza the Italian capital of gold processing .
But speaking of the architect Andrea Palladio, it is inevitable to see his works in the Venetian city. It starts from Piazza dei Signori with the Palladian Basilica and the Palazzo del Capitanio , and then continues with the Olympic Theater , which was completed by his pupil Vincenzo Scamozzi. Then reaching Corso Palladioyou will see many others, and in fact lined with arcades, shops, museums and other buildings made by the architect. Seat of the Civic Art Gallery and Palazzo Chiericati . Unmissable is a stop at Villa La Rotonda , a suburban villa used as a quiet refuge for meditation and study. The whole construction refers to the Pantheon in Rome, which for the first time in history was taken as a reference for the construction of a civil building.
SEE ALSO : Vicenza: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
5 – Treviso and Asolo
Another city not to be missed is Treviso, not too besieged by tourists, here in fact the visitor is particularly struck by the peaceful air and the harmony of nature .
The city is linked to a long religious tradition that has interested it for long centuries, and for this reason it preserves many religious architectures, including the Cathedral of San Pietro , the main place of worship in Treviso, and the Church of San Francesco , where you can see the tombs of a son of Alighieri and of Petrarca’s daughter. Calmaggiore is the main street, which leads from Piazza dei Signori to Piazza Duomo thus connecting the political heart of Treviso with the religious one.
We also recommend that you stop off in Asolo, a town in the province of Treviso recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where you can try their typical products, from oils to cured meats, from liqueurs to chestnuts. Asolo is located between the Venetian plain and the Asolo hills, and this position allows you to admire truly unique natural landscapes, as well as glimpses in the heart of the village.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Treviso
6 – Abano Terme, Arqua Petrarca and Monselice
In the province of Padua there are three very interesting municipalities. Uno and Abano Terme, located along the edge of the Euganean Hills and its main spa center. The benefits that are obtained from its waters and the highly organized hotel structure make this locality even one of the most important mud-therapeutic resorts in the world. The historic center of Abano is developed around the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, in the same area there are the buildings that house the municipal offices and the city library.
Then there is Arqua Petrarca, a medieval village where time seems to have stopped. The name is due precisely to the poet’s choice to spend his last years here. The ideal way to visit it is by strolling through its typical streets, stopping from time to time to admire the views from the terraces. To see there is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta , where Petrarch’s funeral was held, opposite is the red marble ark of Verona containing his remains.
Always very characteristic is Monselice whose symbol is the Castle , which is actually a complex of buildings plus a fortress. Do not miss the Boschetto dei Frati and theSanctuary of the 7 churches .
7 – Lake Garda
There are many places to see and activities to do on Lake Garda. First of all, visit Peschiera del Garda , considered the heart since from here you can reach all the other municipalities of the lake. Stroll through its historic center and do not miss the Fortress , a jewel of architecture dating back to the sixteenth century.
Stop in Bardolino to see some of the most beautiful sunsets, especially from the lakeside and in winter. In Lazise , ​​on the other hand, there is a lakeside promenade that is somewhat reminiscent of Venice’s Piazza San Marco. Torri del Benaco is
no exception, which connects the Veronese side with the Brescia side thanks to the ferry that makes the route daily. The Scaligero Castle is a must see, it houses the ethnographic museum on the material culture of the upper Garda and a citrus greenhouse.
Malcesine is very popular throughout the year , you can practice sailing, windsurfing and thanks to a cable car you can reach 1780 m where there are equipped ski fields.
SEE ALSO : What to see on Lake Garda: locations, attractions and most beautiful villages
8 – Gardaland
When it was opened in 1975 it looked like a modest-sized structure, today Gardaland is the main attraction for families in the whole region, one of the most important amusement parks in Europe.
In Gardaland there are numerous thematic areas and 37 attractions , for all tastes. For the little ones there is the Ortobruco Tour, the Monorail and Baby Pilota. For a nice adrenaline rush, on the other hand, there are the roller coaster of Escape from Atlantis, the Jungle Rapids aboard large rubber boats and the water path of the Colorado Boat between rocky mountains and steep waterfalls. For the more adventurous, the Blue Tornadoes, the roller coaster that recall the flight of a military plane, are a must. But not just rides, visit the Sea Life Aquarium, it will be like diving into a fascinating marine universe by crossing a transparent tunnel with a glass to separate you from the sharks.
As this is the most visited amusement park in Italy, you will likely encounter long lines at the entrance, so don’t forget to buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance.
SEE ALSO : Visit to Gardaland Amusement Park: info, prices and useful tips
9 – Beaches of Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione, Cavallino Treporti
The sea in Veneto also deserves a special mention. Jesolo is the spearhead of seaside tourism and is also famous for being a pet-friendly resort where there is no shortage of beaches for dogs equipped with leashes, bowls and showers.
There is also Caorle, nestled between the mouths of the Livenza and Lemene rivers. This town offers over 250 hotels, numerous holiday homes, tourist villages and campsites. You can also take boat trips from the Caorle Lagoon in the midst of unspoiled nature.
Bibione cannot be missed, here the beach is the first in Italy where smoking is prohibited . Another municipality that is mainly based on summer tourism is Cavallino Treporti, with its very long beach of fine sand. Here there are about 30 camping villages of all sizes and a few hotels. When the days are not suitable for bathing, tourists take the opportunity to reach Venice and the Lagoon thanks to the motorboats that depart from the Punta Sabbioni terminal.
10 – Venetian Villas in the Riviera del Brenta
The Riviera del Brenta boasts a high historical-landscape value due to the presence of numerous villas. Andrea Palladio, Vincenzo Scamozzi, Giuseppe Jappelli and Giambattista Tiepolo are just some of the illustrious names who have contributed to making this place incredibly interesting.
Among the main ones that can be visited is Villa Pisani in Stra, also known as “La Nazionale”. It houses a museum that preserves furnishings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, its garden was awarded as the “most beautiful park in Italy” in 2008.
Villa Widmann is instead in Mira and is used for cultural and social events. It includes a large park with a greenhouse enriched by statues, numerous tree species, birds and a small lake.
Work of Palladio and Villa Foscari , known as “La Malcontenta”.
Other important Venetian villas are: Villa Mocenigo , Villa Foscarini Rossi and Villa Sagredo .
The perfect way to admire these spectacular villas is via a daily river cruise departing from Venice or Padua, which allows you to navigate between small villages and swing bridges, stopping at the main villas.
11 – Chioggia and the Po Delta
Chioggia is a characteristic town located at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon, on a group of islets divided by canals and connected by bridges. Due to its very similar urban characteristics it is called “the little Venice”.
To see there is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , the Porta Garibaldi which marks the access to the center of the Renaissance city, the Clock Tower from which it is possible to admire the clock on the fifth tears and on the seventh a fantastic view of the city, then the Ponte Vigo and the traditional fish market held every day with about 30 fishmongers.
But the Veneto still has much to offer, in this region flows the river Po, and the area of ​​the Po Delta is the youngest portion of territory in Italy. There is also the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta, where there is the largest extension of protected wetlands in Italy and some municipalities in the province of Rovigo are part of it. Here nature and culture intertwine offering the visitor an unprecedented and surprising landscape.
SEE ALSO : Chioggia: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
12 – Bassano del Grappa and Marostica
Located in the province of Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa and Marostica deserve to be seen for their link with traditions and history. Marostica is known to all for the chess game that is played in the town square with living characters. Precisely for this reason it is also called “the city of chess”.
In this beautiful town you will have the opportunity to see architectural, historical and landscape beauties. TheUpper Castle and Lower Castle are the symbol of the city, joined by passable walls.
Equally worthy is the village of Bassano, to visit in a day or a weekend. Do not miss the old bridge , the Hemingway and Great War Museum , the Museo degli Alpini . In the historic center, stop at the Ezzelini Castle , the Duomo and you cannot fail to notice the majestic Civic Tower .
SEE ALSO : Bassano del Grappa: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
13 – Belluno Dolomites: ski resorts and lakes
You will be enchanted by the Belluno Dolomites, especially if you are a lover of imposing mountains.
Starting from Cortina d’Ampezzo , perfect in both summer and winter. Many visit it to spend their white week, but only those who enter the village have the opportunity to experience the historical part. Visit the Basilica of Saints Philip and James , Corso Italia , the glamorous street par excellence, the Rinaldo Zardini Paleontological Museum and the Regole d’Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum .
Among the most famous peaks there are also the Tre Cime di Lavaredo , considered among the best known natural wonders in the world of mountaineering so much so thatthe highest peak and destination of the companies of the most important mountaineers.
Set among the mountains there are also enchanting lakes, such as Lake Alleghe , on which the waters reflect Mount Civetta, Lake Misurina , where the particular climatic characteristics make the air suitable for those suffering from respiratory diseases, and Lake of Sorapiss located south-east of Cortina which freezes densely in winter and remains frozen until early summer.
14 – Sigurta and Borghetto sul Mincio Park
Valeggio sul Mincio is another beautiful pearl of the Veneto, in this location there is the Sigurta Garden Park, a 60-hectare nature park that won the prize ofmost beautiful park in Italy in 2013 and second most beautiful park in Europe in 2015 . In the months of March and April you can admire a million tulips , they represent the most important flowering in Italy and the richest in Southern Europe. Also famous is ” the avenue of roses ” which has 30,000 of them from May to September, and there are still a labyrinth, eighteen pools of water with aquatic plants, immense green meadows and a Castle where historical and literary memories are preserved. and scientific studies of the Sigurta family.
Borghetto sul Mincio is instead a fraction of the municipality of Valeggio, included among the most beautiful villages in Italy, which will take you directly to the Middle Ages. Between water mills, some still functioning, and ancient walls it has in fact been able to preserve the appearance of the past, among the oldest buildings there is the Church of San Marco Evangelista . Explore the streets of the town, they lead to the most spectacular views, in spring you can also admire the river framed by flower gardens.
15 – Prosecco road between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene
The last gem of the Veneto, but no less important, is the so-called Strada del Prosecco, which winds through the upper Marca Trevigiana with the main route that goes from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, considered the two capitals of Prosecco Docg.
The itinerary starts right from the city of Conegliano, where you can visit the Cerletti Institute , the oldest wine school in Italy founded in 1876. From here, the Strada del Vino leads to the first village, Collabrigo , with its evocative views over the hills. of vineyards, and then continue towards San Pietro di Feletto , to the ancient Molinetto della Croda embedded in the rock, and Solighetto, headquarters of the Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Docg Wine. Continuing north there is the Cartizze area where the homonymous precious sparkling wine is obtained, and passing Santo Stefano you reach Valdobbiadene.
During the journey along the Strada del Prosecco, apart from admiring the landscapes and discovering the villages, take the opportunity to stop in the various local trattorias and taverns to try the typical products and of course the local wine.
Plan your trip: how to get there and where to sleep
Reaching Veneto is possible both by train and by plane, the airport system consists of the major airports Marco Polo in Venice, Valerio Catullo in Verona and San Giuseppe in Treviso(Flights from € 61.00 – see the offers).
Veneto lends itself to various types of travel, if you want to immerse yourself in the discovery of art and architecture in the main cities , then stay in locations that allow you to travel comfortably by bus and train, such as Verona or Padua (see the offers).
If, on the other hand, your trip is in the name of relaxation , we recommend staying on Lake Garda (see the offers), or if you want to treat yourself to a Venetian summer holiday, you can choose places like Jesolo (see the offers).
For the classic visit to Venice the best areas are the central San Marco or San Paolo, one of the most touristic districts (see the offers). Whilefor a perfect winter holiday you can only stay in Cortina to enjoy the snow and the beautiful Dolomites (see the offers).
