The Italian region of Veneto, in northeastern Italy, is most famous to travelers who want to visit the capital of Veneto, Venice. Neverthless, there is much more to the Veneto outside of Venice.

From the high peaks of the Alps and Dolomites mountains, to the shores of Lake Garda, down to sea level at the the Po River Delta near Venice, Veneto has something for all types of travelers. There are many destinations around the region worth a visit.

The Veneto region is one of the most productive wine regions in Italy. Although the region produces more red wine than white wine, it is most famous for its Prosecco and Soave wines.

Click here for Italy tours that include the Veneto.

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Veneto Location

Veneto is located in northeastern Italy. It is at the top of the Adriatic Sea.

The Emilia Romagna region is south.

The Lombardy region is west.

Northwest of Veneto is Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol and northeast is Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Veneto also touches Austria.

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Veneto Travel Guide Video

For more information about the best places and destinations in the Veneto watch the video below.

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Travel Guide Map of Veneto

The map of Veneto is interactive. Click the upper left corner of the map to display the points of interest that correspond with map locations.

Top Ten Places To Visit In Veneto

• Venice – instant romance
• Verona – deepens the love story
• Lake Garda – adds water & relaxation
• Prosecco Hills – bubbles & freedom
• Padua – culture & original Spritz 
• Vicenza – Palladio’s Teatro Olimpico
• Treviso – Tiramisù birthplace + canals
• Po River Delta – Flamingos + fisherman huts
• Bassano del Grappa – World’s most beautiful bridge
• Belluno – Dolomites gateway

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Northern Italy Towns In Veneto

Once the heartland of the Venetian Republic, Veneto is today among the wealthiest, most developed and industrialized regions of Italy. Having one of the country’s richest historical, natural, artistic, cultural, musical and culinary heritages, it is the most visited region of Italy.

Besides Italian, most inhabitants also speak Venetian. Having been for a long period in history a land of mass emigration, Veneto is today one of the greatest immigrant-receiving regions in the country.

Magical Venice is the capital and largest city in Veneto. Among the many beautiful vacation destinations to see in Veneto region are the towns of Padua, Verona, and Vicenza.

Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme – Europe’s biggest (and hottest) thermal spa playground

Locaton: 45 minutes from Venice and 35 minutes from Verona.

Tucked into the green volcanic Euganean Hills, Abano Terme and Montegrotto terme together boast over 300 thermal pools fed by water that erupts at 87 °C after a 3,000-metre, 30-year journey underground – officially the hottest spa water in Europe.

Abano Terme – the elegant, adults-focused side

Think grand belle-époque hotels, manicured parks, and the famous fango (therapeutic mud) treatments that have drawn royalty and athletes for centuries.
Our top picks:

Grand Hotel Trieste & Victoria 5★ – classic luxury, gorgeous gardens
Hotel Due Torri 5★ – timeless Italian elegance right in the centre

Montegrotto Terme – the fun, family-friendly side

Bigger pools, waterfalls, grottoes, and dedicated children’s thermal areas.
Our top picks:

Esplanade Tergesteo 5★ – spectacular rooftop infinity spa
Terme Preistoriche 4★ – huge outdoor pools and dinosaur-themed kids’ zone

While you’re here

• Float until midnight in 37–38 °C water
• Book a fango mud session (it’s strangely addictive)
• Taste peppery Colli Euganei DOC reds and silky volcanic olive oil in the surrounding hills

Perfect 2-night “culture-to-relax” bolt-on after Venice, Verona or Padua – step off the train at Terme Euganee station and you’re already in bathrobe territory.

Bassano del Grappa – The City of a Hundred Horizons

Location: One hour by train from Venice. 

The star is the Ponte degli Alpini – Palladio’s 1569 wooden covered bridge, blown up in WWII and faithfully rebuilt by the Alpini mountain troops using the original plans. At sunset it’s pure magic.

Right on the bridge sits Nardini, Italy’s oldest grappa distillery (since 1779). Step up to the historic wooden counter and order a mezzogiorno (7-year Riserva) at 10 a.m. like a local.

Bassano is the ceramics capital of Veneto, and every shop window drips with hand-painted majolica. Stroll the main street and you’ll feel like you’re inside a Renaissance pottery gallery.

For the big view: 10-minute taxi to the cable-car base, then an 8-minute ride to the Monte Grappa summit (1,775 m). On clear days the panorama sweeps from the Venice lagoon (yes, you really can see St. Mark’s campanile 70 km away) to the jagged Dolomites.

That’s why Bassano is known as the city of a hundred horizon, “La Città dei Cento Orizzonti”. Stand in the middle of the bridge at golden hour and start counting the ridges, valleys, and peaks. Locals swear you’ll never find fewer than 100 distinct horizons.

One perfect half-day from Venice (just 65 minutes by train) or the ideal mountain stop between Prosecco hills and Lake Garda.

Belluno – Secret Alpine Gem

Location: About 2 hours by train from Venice.

Belluno is the only place in Veneto where you wake up to 9,000 foot high Dolomite walls while still drinking your morning cappuccino under Venetian arcades.

This secret alpine gem is often called the little Dolomites town nobody knows about.  The town sites entirely in the alps where the Piave River meets the Dolomites.

Here you’ll find Venetian-style piazzas at 1,200 foot altitude. There is zero mass tourism. As you walk around the dramatic limestone peaks of Marmolada, Civetta, Pelmo, Schiara tower straight above red-roofed historic center.

From Belluno consider day trips in under an hour to Lake Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cortina, and the Marmolada cable car.

Bibione

Location: About 2 hours from Venice and 3 hours from Verona

Bibione is a beach town with about 2,500 people, located on a pretty peninsula on the upper Adriatic Sea.

Bibione’s peninsula is about 8 miles long. On the peninsula are four cool beach towns: Bibione Spiaggia, Lido dei Pini, Bibione Pineda, and Lido del Sole.

Each place has its own special vibe, but Bibione Spiaggia is the most lively. It has a fun promenade, great hotels, lots of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a perfect holiday spot.

Lido dei Pini, Lido del Sole, and Bibione Pineda are quieter but still fun and great for vacations.

Brenta River Between Padua and Venice 

Location: 30 minutes from Venice

Known as the Brenta Riviera, here you’ll find Palladian and Tiepolo frescoed villas (many open to public). This was the “summer escape” of 18th-century Venetian aristocracy.

Notable four villas you may want to visit:

• Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta” – Palladio’s masterpiece. Perfect symmetry and frescoes
• Villa Widmann – Rococo jewel. Chinese salon and romantic gardens
• Villa Pisani Nazionale – “The Queen of the Brenta” 168 rooms, Tiepolo ceiling, giant maze
• Villa Foscarini Rossi – Shoe museum heaven. 1,500 historic luxury shoes (Rossimoda factory)

Chioggia

Location: one hour by bus from Piazzale Roma. Summertime direct ferries from St Mark’s Square about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Sometimes called “Piccola Venezia” by Italians, Chioggia is an island located at the southern end of the Venice Lagoon, about 20 miles from Venice. The town includes nine canals, 200 bridges, colorful houses, and a fish market on the canal every morning.

It is popular Italy summer vacation destination because of its popular beach Sottomarina.

Points of interest in Chioggia include its Duomo and belltower, Chiesa di San Domenico, and Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo. Most of the sights are located right along its main street Corso del Popolo.

Conegliano – Heart of Prosecco Superiore Hills

Only the steep hills covered with vineyards between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene can label their wine “Superiore” – UNESCO prosecco site since 2019.

Take the one hour train from Venice to Conegliano.

Sightseeing:

• Castle of Conegliano frescoed school of Prosecco
• e-bike between vineyards
• sunset tasting at the original 1876 Carpenè Malvolti cellars

Hidden gem: Osteria senz’Oste – self-service hut on a hilltop with honesty box and million-euro view.

Eat & drink: Prosecco Superiore Brut + soppressa veneta.

Jesolo – Venice’s Biggest and Liveliest Beach

Location: 30 minutes by summer ferry from Venice St Mark’s Square or Punta Sabbioni. 45 minutes by bus from Venice Piazzale Roma.

10 miles of golden sand and shallow Adriatic water make Jesolo Italy’s ultimate family beach escape.

Blue Flag every year, wide beaches, sunbeds and umbrellas everywhere, and lifeguards on duty. All beaches perfect for kids.

Via Bafile, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, turns into the nightly passeggiata with shops, gelato, cafés, and restaurants as far as the eye can see.

Top family hits

• Aqualandia – voted Italy’s #1 waterpark (30+ slides & wave pool)
• Caribe Bay – Caribbean-themed park right next door
• Sea Life Aquarium – sharks, rays, and touch pools
• Water sports, mini-golf, go-karts, beach volleyball

Evening vibe

Beach clubs with DJs, open-air concerts, fireworks, and nightlife that goes until dawn. The ideal 3–5 night “culture and beach” finale after Venice, Verona, or the Prosecco hills.

Lake Garda – Veneto’s Turquoise Playground

Location: These towns in the Veneto are within 2 hours from Venice and 30 minutes from Verona.

Italy’s largest lake, half in Veneto. Dramatic cliffs, lemon groves, windsurf & sailing paradise.

Three towns on the shores of Lake Garda easily accessbile from Venice to add to your itinerary:

• Peschiera del Garda: UNESCO fortified star-shaped town. Direct train from Venice. 
• Desenzano del Garda: Lively evening passeggiata, ferries to everywhere, beautiful Roman villa. 
• Sirmione: Beautiful peninsula on Lake Garda. Walk over fairy-tale drawbridge to the Piazzale Castello next to the Castello Scaligero. Enjoy the views or a day at the thermal spa.

Highlights:

• Sunrise from Rocca di Manerba
• Private boat to Isola del Garda & its Venetian neo-Gothic villa
• Sunset Aperol Spritz in Sirmione’s thermal springs

Hidden gem: Borgo di Gargnano (Hemingway’s 1918 hideaway) or Limonaia del Castèl lemon house.

Eat & drink: Lake fish risotto + Lugana white wine.

Padua – Giotto, Spritz & 800 Years of Genius

One of Europe’s oldest cities (legend says founded by Trojan Antenor during Trojan War) and home to the continent’s second-oldest university (1222), Padua feels youthful, elegant, and surprisingly relaxed.

Must-sees

• Scrovegni Chapel – Giotto’s breathtaking 1305 fresco cycle (book 6–12 months ahead or join our timed private slot).
• Basilica of Saint Anthony – 13th-century pilgrimage giant; touch the tomb for a miracle and admire Donatello’s bronze horse out front.
• Prato della Valle – Europe’s largest square (90,000 m²), ringed by 78 statues and a canal – perfect for evening passeggiata and weekend concerts.
• Botanical Garden (UNESCO) – the world’s oldest academic garden, founded 1545.
• Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza della Frutta – daily market under the porticos and the exact spot where the Spritz was born in 1919 (yes, Aperol is Padovano).

Wander the porticoed streets lined with Venetian palaces, grab a Spritz at historic Caffè Pedrocchi (open since 1831), and feel the buzz of 60,000 students keeping the city alive.

The perfect half-day or overnight escape from Venice – same Veneto soul, zero tourist crush.

Passo Fedaia

Located in the Dolomites this mountain pass may be best known from the Giro d’Italia. It lies at the northern base of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the region and the Dolomiti. It is known for its beauty, for Lago Fedaia.

Po River Delta -Venice’s wild, secret lagoon with flamingos, reed huts, and zero crowds

Just 90 minutes south of Venice lies Europe’s most beautiful delta: shimmering lagoons, canals, and reed forests where the Po spills into the Adriatic.

Highlights

• Sunrise caíco (flat-bottomed boat) ride among pink flamingos
• Lunch in a fisherman’s casoni (traditional reed hut) – straight-from-the-lagoon seafood
• 100 miles of flat cycling paths through water and sky

Hidden gem Moeche – baby soft-shell crabs fried whole, only in April & October.

Eat & drink Granseola spider-crab salad, jet-black cuttlefish-ink risotto, and chilled white wine from the sandbanks.

The only place in Italy where you can river cruie on the Po, then be back in St. Mark’s Square for dinner.

Treviso – The Secret Venetian City Everyone Falls For

Location: 40 minutes by train from Venice. 2 hours by train from Verona

Often called “Little Venice” with better food and zero crowds. The historic center is wrapped by the Sile and Cagnan rivers – quieter and greener than Venice, with 13th-century water mills still turning.

Piazza dei Signori & Loggia dei Cavalieri is the most elegant square to visit in Veneto. The perfect piazza for an aperitivo under Renaissance arcades.

Treviso is also the origin of everyone’s favorite dessert, Tiramisù. Born in 1972 at Alle Beccherie restaurant – we book the original table where it was invented (yes, they still serve the 1972 recipe with raw egg and no alcohol version on request).

Another favorite is Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP, the late-harvest crimson chicory that makes risotto purple and delicious (Nov–Feb season).

Treviso is the prosecco gateway. It is 20 minutes to Conegliano – the official “Strada del Prosecco” starts right here.

Venice – The City that Floats on Dreams

Location: Venice is 2h15 minutes from Milan; 2h30 from Florence and 3h45 from Rome. Its main airport is Marco Polo Airport.

Veneto’s capital city was born in the 5th century when refugees fled barbarians and planted 118 islands in the lagoon. Since then Venice grew into Italy’s greatest maritime republic.

Today it’s pure romance: canals, palazzi, gondolas, and the soft light that makes every photo look like a painting. Venice is the undisputed jewel of the region.

Highlights

• St. Mark’s Square at 6 a.m. (empty!) + Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs
• Campanile panoramic lift for red-rooftop views of the city
• Grand Canal by vaporetto (#1 line, buy all-day ticket)
• Murano glass & Burano rainbow houses
• Cicchetti crawl in Cannaregio’s Jewish Ghetto

Best advice: Get deliberately lost in the calli, then find your way back with a €2 ombre and tramezzino standing at a bacaro like All’Arco.

Hidden gem: Libreria Acqua Alta – books stacked in gondolas and bathtubs to survive high water.

Come for the postcard sights, stay for the silence at dawn and the magic at dusk. We’ll book your after-hours Doge’s Palace tour and secret bacaro crawl so you see the real Venice, not just the crowds.

Click here for more about Venice sightseeing and when your ready to travel plan a trip to Venice

Verona – The City of Love and the world’s most romantic opera stage

Location: The city of Verona is 1h10 minutes from Venice and 15 minutes from Vicenza.

Verona is a stunning ancient Roman city. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet put Verona on the map. One step into its rose-colored streets and you’ll understand why. Elegant, ancient, and effortlessly romantic, it’s consistently among our guests’ top favorite city in all of Italy.

Highlights:

• Touch Juliet’s balcony & leave your love note in the walllight
• Arena opera under the stars (Jun–Sep) – 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater in better shape than the Colosseum
• Sunset from Castel San Pietro – panoramic red-roof magic and picturesque views of the city.
• Aperitivo in stately Piazza dei Signori or lively Piazza Bra
• World-class Italian shopping on Via Mazzini

Hidden gem; Amarone tasting in a 15th-century cellar beneath the city (Valpolicella hills just 20 min away).

Eat & drink: Risotto all’Amarone, feather-light potato gnocchi, tortellini di Valeggio picnic on the river.

Vicenza – Palladio’s Living Architecture

Location: Vicenza 45 minutes from Venice and 25 minutes from Padua.

Vicenza is known for its gold, textiles, and for sightseeing the Palladian Villas, which are protected by UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Andrea Palladio redesigned the city in the 1500s; every building feels like a theater set.

Highlights: 

• Teatro Olimpico (1585 – world’s oldest surviving stage set with forced perspective)
• Villa Rotonda (the house that inspired the White House)
• Rooftop aperitivo on Palladio’s Basilica roof

Hidden gem: Villa Valmarana ai Nani – frescoes by Tiepolo and dwarf statues in the garden.

Eat & drink: Baccalà alla vicentina (creamy cod) with Polenta.

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Tours of Italy that include Veneto

The following guided Italy tours include Veneto destinations on the itinerary.

Italy Tour including Veneto	Veneto Destinations
8-Day Rome, Florence, Venice Tour with Pisa & Verona	Venice, Verona
8 Day Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence Tour	Venice, Verona
9-Day Rome, Assisi, Padua, Milan	Padua, Venice
9-Day Italian Lakes Tour	Lake Garda, Verona
9-Day Italian Lakes Highlights Tours	Lake Garda, Verona
10-Day Best of Italian Lakes	Verona
10-Day Venice, Florence, Rome	Padua, Venice
11-Day Stresa, Turin, Cinque Terre, Parma, Treviso	Treviso, Venice
11-Day Rome, Venice, Florence, Sorrento Tour with Capri, Pompeii, Verona	Venice, Verona
11-Day Northern Italy and Italian Lakes Luxury Italy Tour	Venice, Verona
12-Day Beautiful Italy Tour	Venice, Vicenza
12-Day Northern Italy Luxury Tour	Venice, Verona
12-Day Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Assisi with Cinque Terre and Bologna	Venice, Verona
12-Day Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan with Siena, San Gimignano, Verona, Pisa	Venice, Verona
13 Day Rome, Capri, Venice, Florence	Venice, Verona
13-Day Venice, Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast	Padua, Venice
17-Day Rome, Sorrento, Orvieto, Perugia, Chianti, Lucca, Parma, Venice	Venice, Verona
18-Day Sicily and Italy Tour	Venice, Verona

For more guided Italy tours that include Venice click to check out the Venice, Florence, Rome tours.

If you are thinking of a trip to Northern Italy be sure to include the Veneto region. There are plenty of vacation options including Venice cruises, and northern Italy vacations and escorted tours.

For more information about touring Italy check out our Italy travel guide.

Veneto Food and Wine 

Spritz invented in Padua, tiramisù born in Treviso, Prosecco Superiore only from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene hills, Amarone from Verona, and the freshest lagoon seafood in the Delta. Veneto cuisine is based on what the lagoon gives, what the mountains preserve, and what the plains grow. A perfect triangle of sea, Alps, and rice fields.

The golden rule locals live by is “El saor per conservar, el riso per sfamar, la polenta per scaldar.” which means sweet-sour to preserve, rice to feed, polenta to warm.

Result? A cuisine that is lighter and more refined than southern Italy, fresher than Tuscany, and more varied than most regions because it literally stretches from sea level to 10,000 feet Dolomites in less than 100 miles.

Top Festivals To See In Veneto

• Venice Carnival (Feb–Mar)
• Verona Opera Festival (Jun–Sep)
• Festa del Redentore fireworks (3rd weekend July)
• Prosecco Festival Conegliano (Sep)

Best Time to Visit

• Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct: perfect weather, opera, harvest
• Feb: Carnival
• Nov–Mar: zero tourists + radicchio & moeche seasons