The 10 things to do in Veneto

Discover the north of Italy and visit Veneto, a unique region where a wild nature and a splendid heritage intertwine.

Subtle mix of sea and mountain, Veneto is a region located in the north of the Italy . Edged southeast by the Adriatic Sea, the Dolomites and the Alps are the mountains that delimit it by the North. Visiting Veneto is discovering the beautiful landscapes that draw it, shared between the plains of the South, the Venetian lagoon, Lake Garda and the high mountains.

The region also shines on its historical heritage. Old cities like Venice, Trévise , Verona or Padua tap the horizon, giving the region a very special character. Don't think anymore, and come to visit Veneto, raise its secrets and reveal some of its treasures!

1. Venice

The reputation of Venice around the world is no longer to be done. It is one of the most touristic cities in Italy for a good reason. Its romantic and rather bucolic atmosphere appeals to lovers, but also to families. A city of character, its thousands of years of history also offers what to rejoice architecture lovers.

Visiting Veneto without stopping, or starting with Venice is an error. In addition to Venice, its bridges, its famous squares and buildings and its canals, discover the surroundings of the city that deserve the detour.

Lido Di Venezia

The Lido of Venice is the longitudinal piece of land located in front of the city. All in length for about 12 kilometers, it separates the city from the Adriatic Sea and forms on its right bank the famous Venetian lagoon. The very fine coastline is densely populated, and houses among others, a port, several churches, “murazzi” and a beach, the Lido Beach.

The islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello

Fully part of the Venetian spirit, the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello are easily visited from Venice. Indeed, many tourist providers offer day trips to these islands with such strong identities.

Each of them emanates an authentic and singular charm. Murano is famous for its glassware, Burano for its lace and Torcello for its church dating back to 639.

2. Regional parks

Parc Régional du Delta du Pô de Vénétie

Within the unique framework of the Po Delta, discover an area from the joint work of nature and man. Both by the sedimentation of the river and the control of the rivers, the Po Delta has shaped. In this region, nature, history and culture intertwine to offer the visitor an original and surprising landscape.

Thus, a regional park was inaugurated in 1997 to preserve the fauna and flora of the place. Note the presence of many birds and amphibians, as well as a thousand plant species spreading in a wetland.

Parc National des Dolomites Bellunesi

On the outskirts of Belluno, from which the park holds its name, the National Park of the Dolomites Bellunesi will delight both small and large. Thousands of animal species (insects, fish, mammals, birds,...) and plants (Edelweiss, Gentiane, Daphne, Lys,...) motivated the establishment of this park in 1988.

A true living treasure of nature, between mountains and meadows, the Bellunesi Dolomites National Park is easily revealed. In addition, the organization offers some initiatives that aim to make you discover the most surprising areas of the park or to guide you in the observation of its biodiversity.

Parc Régional des Collines Euganéennes

Between Venice and Verona, south of Padua, discover the amazing Euganean Hills ( Colli Euganei ). It is a group of steep hills, in the centre of the Po plain. They do not rise very high: between 62 meters for the Frassinelle hill and 601 meters for the Venda hill, culminating point.

They then form a large park where nature took over, leaving room for many animal and plant species. You can browse the park on foot, via hiking trails or discover the products of the territory (for example, vineyards).

History, terms Abano e Montegrotto have been found following archaeological excavations, of which you can observe the remains.

3. The Lake Garda

Lake Garda is located on the western border of Veneto, on the border with the Lombardy . If the most famous and visited town of the lake, Sirmione, is on the lumbar side, the entire east coast of the lake is venetized.

Lake Garda is attached to the Alps and is the largest lake in all of Italy with an area of 368 square kilometres. Don’t hesitate to visit, for nautical activities, a tasting of local dishes or the simple tourist discovery of the landscapes and the lake cities.

4. Verona

Verona, the beautiful Verona... Adorée de Shakespeare, Verona is the source of inspiration for the famous play of Romeo and Juliet. Don’t miss the Maison de Juliette ( Casa di Giulietta ) and its famous balcony. You can access the courtyard of the house free of charge, however, its visit is paid.

In a different register, discover the Scaligero Bridge, listed in Unesco World Heritage. It is one of the few fortified bridges still standing today. The stones with which it is built are the same as those of Castelvecchio, another must in the city.

Otherwise, don’t miss the Roman Amphitheatre, still hosting festivals and a lot of events. In town, on the Piazza dell’Erba , stands Torre Dei Lamberti , an imposing tower of 84 meters that you can climb (free staircase access or pay lift).

5. Italian gastronomy and Veneto wines

Coming to Italy, visiting Veneto, and not enjoying the excellent local cuisine? What an idea!

The Italian gastronomy has a reputation that precedes it and that is no longer to be done. Rich, generous, tasteful and delicious dishes, from salt to sweet, there are for everyone.

Whether you’re fond of antipasti fresh salads or pasta, pizze margherita or fishes from day to day with Neapolitan sauce, Italy reserves many gustative surprises. Especially since the Veneto region has a map of the wines very supplied, among the best in Italy!

Indeed, venetian wines are not left behind, especially for the production of Prosecco , velvety white wine. It is one of the main ingredients of the Spritz, a cocktail based on Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur born in Padua, which gradually finds a lost popularity.

6. Padua

Not far from Venice, just 40 kilometers away, Padua is, from the Middle Ages, a beautiful and important city. Embellie by its canals where Bacchiglione flows, Padua illustrates today with its History and dynamism.

In the morning, discover the Basilica di Sant’Antoni o, protector of the city, magnificent building of the 13th century. In the afternoon, let yourself be charmed by the Piazza dei Signori and his Torre Dell’Orologio . In the evening, however, go to meet the inhabitants and students of padouans.

Indeed, if Padua is also recognized for his old university where Galilee was a teacher, it becomes an evening paradise of nightlife, with its many bars and restaurants.

7. Vicence

Vicence is located west of Padua and Venice, at the foot of the Dolomites. Like many cities in the venetian region, it has a very long history in which many nationalities have fought its domination. Today, Vicence is a peaceful city, known for the many architectural achievements of Palladio, architect of the Italian Renaissance.

Don’t miss the Palladian Basilica, a long monument located on the beautiful Piazza Dei Signori Vicence. The Palazzo Chiericati , the Cathedral and the Olympic Theatre of the city are also worth a visit.

For those who are interested in the history of the jewel as an object, go to the Musée du Bijou de Vicence (Museum of Jewelry) Museo del Gioiello ), itself located in the Palladian Basilica mentioned above.

8. Hiking in the Dolomites

Visiting Veneto from the heights is also a must in the region. Especially since the Dolomites lend themselves well to the game. With the many mountains that shape its horizon, the Dolomites massif is the ideal place to hike.

Monte Stello, Monte Antelao, Monte Civetta and many other mountain peaks offer you extraordinary hiking opportunities.

Many service providers offer guided tours, through these mountains and valleys, to make you discover the region as it should be.

9. Cittadella

Cittadella is a medieval pearl of Veneto. A fortified city with the ramparts still intact despite their age (800 years old), it is located north of Padua for whom it played a defense station.

Entirely preserved, and up to the road, Cittadella represents a special attraction for history lovers. It is encircled by an artificial watercourse, which then justified the levis bridges, still present today but repainted by more modern structures.

10. Trévise

Trévise represents the perfect balance between nature and history. Its Roman origin places it in the heart of the Plaine du Pô, the emblematic river of Italy.

Located in the north of Venice, it has been influenced over time. Today, its past power allows us to discover beautiful monumental pieces such as the Cathedral of Treviso or the Church of Saint Nicholas. But don't miss it Piazza dei Signori , trevisane central square or Passeggiata lungo will remain a historic pedestrian area.

How do I go to Veneto?

There are many ways to go to Italy to visit Veneto. Indeed, in Italy, the North is very well equipped in terms of transport. Whether you're a fan of the road trip, the train or the plane, everything is possible!

First, the simplest way is to come with his vehicle for more autonomy and freedom in such a beautiful region. Almost all road routes will make you transit through Milan , it may be an opportunity to take a break. For example, since Lyon , plan 6:15 to reach Verona, at the West entrance of Veneto.

Otherwise, aircraft , many national and international lines connect France at the main airport of the area, that of Venice. From Nantes , Paris , Bordeaux or Nice , land in Venice where you can easily rent a car. To find the most preferential prices, visit a comparison site of flights as Skyscanner .

Finally, you can also imagine going to Veneto by rail Why not? After all, it is also a way to discover the different landscapes of Europe. Depending on your organization of stay, you can choose the stations of Venice, Verona, Padua or Treviso.

Where to stay in Veneto?

As always, the place where you will stay depends completely on your way of visiting Veneto. Indeed, if you are rather nomadic, you will appreciate the regular change of city. On the other hand, if you prefer to discover a city and its surroundings, you will be more easily accommodated in a large city, from which a lot of uncontourable are accessible.

To choose, we recommend in one case as in the other the cities of Verona , Vicence, Padua , Venice and Trévise . These are the most important in the region, with many offers of accommodation, which you can find on Airbnb For example.

On the other hand, you can find your ideal hotel at the best price by doing a search on a Compare hotels ! These sites refer to an infinity of hotels, guest rooms or private apartments to complete your stay in full harmony with your wishes.

That said, Veneto offers a lot of accommodation based on agritourism . It is a tourism that honours the craftsmanship and know-how of a region. Veneto is ideal for discovering the world of wine, cheese or charcuterie!