Things to see and do in the Veneto region of Italy

Veneto is a small but important region in north-eastern Italy. There are places and cities of great touristic importance such as Venice, Verona, the Dolomites or Lago di Garda. What makes this region interesting to me is that, in addition to great cuisine, there are opportunities for several different types of holidays – lounging by the water, skiing in the mountains or a romantic weekend in historic towns.

Where to stay in Veneto

If you want to explore Venice, it’s ideal to stay right in the city, but prices are at their highest here, and the supply of quality hotels at reasonable prices is really limited. Alternatively, instead of staying directly on the island, you can stay on the mainland Maestre. If you arrive by car, expect to pay extra for parking (and to park your car in the Tronchetto car park, just outside the town).

For trips around the region, Padua or Treviso are good choices, as they are easy to travel by train and accommodation is usually cheaper.

Tickets, day trips and experiences in Venice and Verona

Venice is one of those places where you can’t do without tickets bought in advance. The queues at the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica can be brutal, over an hour in high season.

• Venice: gondola on the Grand Canal with commentary – without a booking you negotiate a gondola directly with the gondoliers and the price tends to be higher. This way you have a guaranteed time, route and audio commentary.
• Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica skip the line – the two most visited places in Venice in one. Without a pre-bought ticket you genuinely risk spending half the day in a queue.
• Verona: tour in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet – Verona is less than an hour from Venice by train. A guide takes you around the places tied to the story and the ones most tourists miss.
• Murano, Burano and Torcello: island cruise – three islands in half a day. You can do it on your own by vaporetto, but it takes more time and costs more.
• Venice: guided walking tour – it’s easy to get lost in Venice’s alleys without a guide and miss plenty of interesting spots.

What is typical of Veneto

Veneto is also known for its agricultural heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine and wine-making traditions. The Prosecco region is particularly renowned and is a symbol of fine wine and culinary art.

Venetian villas

Veneto is home to iconic country villas designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The villas are characterised by symmetrical facades, columned porticoes and a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape. The villas were originally used as country residences and are distinguished by their frescoed interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect the wealth and taste of the Venetian nobility. Among the most famous are:

• Villa Rotonda near Vicenza,
• Villa Barbaro near Asolo,
• Villa Valmarana near Venice.

Venetian windows

A typical architectural feature throughout the region is the double or triple arched windows that often adorn palaces and buildings. This style is particularly pronounced in Venice, but is visible throughout the Veneto region.

Terrazzo tiles

The region is famous for its traditional terrazzo paving, which combines crushed marble with cement or resin to create a beautiful, asymmetrical mosaic. It also has its roots in Venice and is typical of historic houses and palaces throughout the Veneto.

Venetian glass from Murano

Glassware from the island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon, such as candlesticks, jewellery and statuettes, is an iconic symbol of the region’s artisanal tradition.

Things to see in the Veneto region

The Veneto offers a varied landscape that ranges from the majestic Dolomites to the romantic Adriatic coast. The region combines mountain ranges, fertile plains and coastal areas in a beautiful mosaic of natural scenery. In the Po Delta there are also beautiful beaches and sand dunes.

Canals in Venice

Venice, the city on the water Venice is probably without question the most important tourist destination in the region. So many people already come to this small town that in 2024 there was a charge to enter the city. You can take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal or just get lost in the streets of Venice and watch the gondolas pass by from the bridges. The most iconic is the Rialto Bridge.

St. Mark’s Square with St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace should not be forgotten. A fun bonus here can be the acqua alta (high water), when St. Mark’s Square and other low-lying areas are flooded with water. There are wooden footbridges in busy places and waiters serve in restaurants in their boots. This tends to happen in autumn or winter.

Arena in Verona

Verona has been called the “City of Love” and perhaps the fictional story of Romeo and Juliet sounds more familiar, Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, which is what it is mainly famous for. Arena di Verona is more real and significant for me though, it’s a Roman amphitheatre bigger than the one in Rome itself. In addition, there’s Castelvecchio Castle with the beautiful Ponte Scaligero bridge, Piazza delle Erbe with its fountain, beautiful houses and the Torre Lamberto lookout tower. And the castle of San Pietro on the hill with a view.

Lago di Garda

Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is the ideal destination for fans of water sports, sailing, walking and pretty towns. There are also olive groves and vineyards throughout the area. You can visit the historic town of Sirmione, the towns of Malcesine, Lazise and Bardolino on the eastern shore, or take a cable car ride up Monte Baldo for stunning views.

The ramparts in Asolo

Medieval Asolo, the pearl of the province of Treviso, is known as the“city of a hundred horizons“. The main landmark is the fortress of Rocca di Asolo, with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza

Vicenza is a small town where after 3 hours including lunch you will have nothing to do. But there’s the Teatro Olimpico, which literally blew me away and is definitely worth a visit in my opinion, at least if you’ve already made your way around. Teatro Olimpico is the first indoor stone theatre whose permanent set depicts the streets of ancient Thebes. And Scamozzi’s illusory perspective takes the streets seemingly forever.

Prosecco Hills

Officially Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene. As the name suggests, it is a wine-growing area, or rather the two main wine-growing areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The Prosecco Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the long tradition of Prosecco production and the beautiful landscape.

The ideal time to visit is during the Prosecco Wine Festival, when you can taste wines directly from local winemakers and get to know their stories and traditions.

The 47 km long Strada del Prosecco (Prosecco Wine Route) runs between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. It takes you through historic villages, vineyards and hillsides where Glera grapes are grown. Along the way you can visit wineries, taste different types of Prosecco, from dry to sweeter varieties, and learn more about the traditional production of this wine. The route is also great for hiking or cycling as it offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The Prosecco Wine Route is a great option for anyone who wants to taste wine right where it is made. Along the route you will find wineries such as Bisol, Nino Franco and Mionetto, which offer tastings and tours.

The islands of Murano and Burano

The islands of Murano and Burano are two pretty towns in the Venetian lagoon, known for their unique atmosphere and traditions. Both islands are easy to reach from Venice by boat, but are much quieter and less touristy.

Murano is famous for its long-standing glass production, and you can visit glass workshops and museums that show the art of glassmaking, including beautiful glass sculptures, beads and chandeliers.

Burano is renowned for its colourful houses and lace-making tradition – local lace-makers continue to produce traditional hand-sewn lace today.

Little Venice in Chioggia

The town (known as Piccola Venezia) lies on the southern edge of the Venetian lagoon, south of Venice. It has a unique atmosphere thanks to its canals, bridges and fishing tradition. It’s similar to Venice, but less famous, less touristy, quieter and more authentic.

The liveliest place in town is the fish market (Mercato del Pesce), where fresh fish and seafood are sold every day. From the town you can take a boat trip on the Venetian Lagoon, and a short walk from town is the long sandy beach of Sottomarina (the southern one is surrounded by hotels).

Padua

A historic city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture and important universities. There is one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Padua, founded in 1222, which attracts students and academics from all over the world. There is an important pilgrimage site, the Basilica of St. Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel, where there is fresco decoration by Giotto.

Dolomites

The Dolomites, skiing and resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dolomiti Superski aside, are a great place for summer treks, walks and views. Where to go:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo (The Three Peaks of Lavaredo) – one of the most famous natural landmarks of the Dolomites, the iconic three peaks are ideal for hikes of varying difficulty. The views from the route around Tre Cime are breathtaking.
• Val di Funes – a valley with typical mountain meadows and views of the Odle rock massif. A favourite place to take photos is the church of St. John(Chiesetta di San Giovanni).
• Lago di Sorapis – a turquoise lake surrounded by steep peaks.
• Alpe di Siusi – the largest alpine meadow in Europe, ideal for relaxed cycling trips.
• Sellaronda Bike Tour – a cycling circuit around the Sella massif.
• Via Ferrata – for more experienced climbers.
• Marmolada – the highest mountain (3 343 m) of the Dolomites has a cable car to the top with amazing views of the glacier.
• Lago di Braies – one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites with crystal clear water.

Venetian countryside

Even Veneto hides villages that remain outside the interest of mass tourism. Cison di Valmarino impresses with its stone streets and medieval atmosphere. Arquà Petrarca is nice for its medieval atmosphere and walks overlooking the magnificent Euganean hills.

What to taste in the Veneto region

A Venetian speciality is risotto all’Amarone, prepared with the distinctive Amarone red wine, which gives the dish an unmistakable depth of flavour. The meat is the common pastissada de caval (stewed horse meat), which is eaten with the Venetian traditional side dish polenta. Wines, especially Prosecco and Amarone, are the pride of the region.

In addition to the specialties of the Veneto region, you can also taste all the famous Italian dishes and desserts, from focaccia, pizza and pasta to tiramisu and maritozzi.

Fresh food and regional delicacies can also be sampled at traditional markets such as the Rialto Market in Venice or the weekly market in Treviso. Specialities on offer include Asiago and Montasio cheeses, prosciutto and seasonal fruit.

Traditional Venetian fiestas and festivals

The Festa della Madonna della Salute in Venice (21 November) includes the traditional procession across the bridge from the boats to the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. In autumn, the Prosecco Festival takes place during the grape harvest, where you can enjoy wine tastings and a cultural programme. From around mid-February to early March, the famous Carnival of Venice takes place.

Where is Veneto

Veneto is a region in northeastern Italy. It is bordered by Austria to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The capital of the region is Venice (Venezia).

How to get to the Veneto region

Technically, Veneto is the closest Italian region to Trentino-Alto Adige from the Czech Republic, less than 800 kilometres from Prague and Brno.

By air to Venice or Verona

The Veneto region has 3 airports that can be reached by direct flights. There is one in Venice, Marco Polo(VCE), and one near Venice, mainly for low cost flights, Treviso Airport (TSF). The other airport is Valerio Catullo in Verona (VRN). Flights here take less than an hour and a half.

Apart from the airports in the region, it’s also very quick to get here by train if you fly into Bologna or Milan.