Venice wasn’t even my favorite part of Veneto, and that’s saying something. Don’t get me wrong, those iconic canals are stunning, but it was standing at the top of the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo, watching the peaks turn pink at sunset, that truly took my breath away. This region packs more punch than you’d believe.
From sipping Prosecco in the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene to wandering through Verona’s ancient streets where Romeo and Juliet came to life, these are the most beautiful places in Veneto that made me fall hard for northern Italy. Trust me, this region goes way beyond Venice, and I can’t wait to show you my favorite spots in this slice of Italian heaven that somehow combines alpine peaks with Mediterranean vibes.
Amazingly Beautiful Places to Visit in Veneto
Looking to explore Veneto’s most beautiful places? From the romantic canals of Venice to the stunning architecture of Verona, Veneto is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the charming streets of Padua, marvel at the natural beauty of Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, or explore the cultural richness of Vicenza. Discover the tranquil allure of Lake Garda, the picturesque landscapes of Asolo, or the serene vineyards of Valpolicella. Whether you’re into history, art, or scenic beauty, here are 12 of Veneto’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Albarella
This private island is basically your ultimate “I need to completely unplug” destination – and I mean completely, since it’s car-free. Albarella sits in the Po Delta Regional Park, about an hour south of Venice, and honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you live in a city. The 18-hole championship golf course is the real showstopper here, designed by British architect John Dering Harris and literally carved out of sand from the sea.
Green fees run around €65-90 depending on season, but golf hotel guests get it for €65 even on weekends, which is actually a steal. I spent most of my time biking the 16km of cycling paths where deer just casually wander by like they own the place (which, let’s face it, they do). The Blue Flag beach stretches 2.5 kilometers of fine sand that’s perfect for families since the water stays shallow and warm. Best time to visit is May through September when you can actually enjoy the water activities. Just don’t expect nightlife – this place shuts down early and that’s exactly the point.
2. Borghetto Sul Mincio
If you’ve been doom-scrolling through work emails all day, Borghetto Sul Mincio is where you come to remember what actual peace feels like. This medieval hamlet sits right on the crystal-clear Mincio River, about 30 minutes from Verona, and it’s one of those places that looks too perfect to be real. The ancient stone mills and the massive Visconti Bridge create these ridiculously photogenic scenes that’ll make your Instagram followers hate you.
The local specialty is tortellini di Valeggio, and trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve had them at Lo Stappo or La Chiusina with their riverside terraces literally hanging over the water. I watched boats glide by while eating the best pasta of my life for around €35 per person. The medieval stone bridges connect everything perfectly for walking, and there’s no rushing here – the whole place runs on what I like to call “medieval time.” Spring through early fall is perfect, but avoid summer weekends unless you enjoy sharing your romantic meal with tour groups.
- Read Next: 15 Incredible Things to See in Verona
- You may also like: Beautiful Places in Italy to Visit
3. Chioggia
Chioggia is basically what Venice would be like if actual Italians still lived there doing actual Italian things. This working fishing town gives you all the canal magic with none of the tourist madness – plus you can actually afford to eat. The fish market on Calle San Domenico opens around 4 AM when the boats come in, but you don’t have to be that hardcore. Show up by 8 AM and you’ll see fishermen haggling with locals over the day’s catch in a way that feels completely authentic.
I could spend hours people-watching along Corso del Popolo with its nearly kilometer-long covered walkways. The Thursday weekly market (called “El zioba” locally) is huge and runs until 2 PM – perfect for picking up clothes, food, and random stuff at great prices. Don’t leave without trying sarde in saor at a canal-side restaurant – this sweet-sour sardine dish has been made here for centuries and costs around €12-15. Sottomarina beach is just a bridge away with wide sandy shores that locals actually use, not just tourists.
4. Eraclea Mare Beach
Finally, a beach in Italy where you’re not packed in like sardines! Eraclea Mare is what Italian beaches used to be like before everyone discovered them. This Blue Flag certified stretch of golden sand sits about 45 minutes northeast of Venice, and the best part is the natural pine forest (called the Pineta) running right behind the beach. When the sun gets too intense, you can literally walk 50 feet into oxygen-rich forest shade.
I’m amazed this place stays under the radar since it’s got everything – wide beaches, calm shallow water perfect for families, and nature trails through the pines. The Laguna del Mort boardwalk at sunset is pure magic when the still water reflects the golden light like a mirror. Beach access is free, though private beach clubs rent umbrellas and chairs for around €15-20 per day. June through early September is peak season, but May and late September are perfect if you prefer fewer crowds and still want to swim.
- Read Next: Hidden Gems in Italy
5. Euganean Hills
The Euganean Hills pop up from the flat Veneto plain like volcanic green islands, which is basically what they are. This UNESCO-recognized area about 10 miles from Padua is where you come when you want wine, wellness, and hiking all in one perfect weekend. The volcanic soil creates wines with serious character – I spent an entire afternoon at Vignalta winery tasting bottles that cost way less than they should for the quality.
After hiking trails between medieval villages like Arquà Petrarca (where the famous poet lived), your muscles will thank you for soaking in the thermal waters of Abano Terme. These healing springs have been drawing people since Roman times, and spa packages range from €50-150 depending on treatments. The Villa dei Vescovi is a Renaissance masterpiece with frescoed interiors that’ll reset your creative inspiration. Best times are April-June for spring blooms and October for wine harvest season when the hills turn golden.
6. Lido di Venezia Beach
When Venice gets too overwhelming (and it will), Lido di Venezia is your perfect escape just a quick vaporetto ride away. This sophisticated 11-kilometer island has been Europe’s aristocratic playground since the Belle Époque, and you can still feel that glamorous vibe today. The eastern shore has proper sandy beaches with those classic colorful Italian beach cabanas – something you definitely won’t find in Venice proper.
Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta cuts across the island to public beaches, or you can splurge on private beach clubs for around €20-30 per day. The Hotel Excelsior is this incredible Moorish fantasy that hosts celebrities during the Venice Film Festival in late August/early September – I spotted three movie stars during my aperitivo there last fall. Rent a bike (around €10/day) to explore the Liberty-style villas or head to San Nicolò Church at the southern tip for some fascinating military history mixed with beach time.
7. Marano Valpolicella
Marano Valpolicella is where wine dreams come true, sitting pretty in the hills about 15 minutes from Verona. This is Amarone country, where they use an ancient drying technique to create wines that’ll spoil you for everything else. Family-run wineries like Allegrini offer tastings for €15-25 that include their famous Amarone – trust me, it’s worth every euro and more.
The 8th-century San Marco al Pozzo church has incredible frescoes and a bell tower with panoramic valley views that are perfect for photos. I love how walking trails connect all five valleys through olive groves and cherry orchards, making this feel like a real-life Renaissance painting. September through October is harvest season when everything comes alive with activity, but April through June offers perfect weather for hiking between tastings. The terraced vineyards create these stunning geometric patterns across the hillsides that photographers absolutely love.
- Read next: Best Wine Regions in the World
8. Marostica
Marostica is where fairy tales become reality every two years when giant chess pieces come to life in the main square. Even if you miss the famous human chess match (held in even-numbered years in September), this medieval town is worth the 30-minute drive from Vicenza. The 14th-century walls connect two castles – the Lower Castle right in Piazza Castello and the Upper Castle on the hillside.
I climbed between the fortresses (about a 20-minute moderate hike) for those postcard-perfect views of red-tiled roofs below. The chess museum in Palazzo Doglione tells the fascinating story behind the town’s unique tradition and costs just €5 to enter. Even without the chess festival, Marostica shines during cherry season in late spring when the hills bloom white and locals celebrate with food festivals. The narrow cobblestone streets are perfect for wandering, and you’ll find excellent restaurants serving local specialties without tourist prices.
9. Montagnana
Montagnana is basically medieval architecture porn – 2 kilometers of completely intact walls with 24 towers that look like they’re straight out of Game of Thrones. This perfectly preserved fortress town sits about 40 minutes from Padua, and I still can’t believe these walls are real. You can walk the complete circuit, and every angle offers a new perspective perfect for photos.
The town produces Prosciutto Veneto DOP, a sweet and delicate cured ham that’s celebrated during May’s Prosciutto Festival – basically heaven for meat lovers. The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta houses works by Paolo Veronese and is definitely worth the €3 entrance fee. Castello di San Zeno reveals the town’s strategic importance throughout history. I spent hours just photographing these walls from different angles because they’re that impressive. Come hungry and bring your camera – this place satisfies both cultural curiosity and food cravings perfectly.
10. Porto Santa Margherita
Porto Santa Margherita is your classic Italian beach town done right – modern marina, golden sand beaches, and that relaxed Adriatic vibe that makes you forget about email notifications. Located about 40 minutes northeast of Venice, this family-friendly destination has wide, gently sloping beaches perfect for kids and shallow water that warms up beautifully in summer.
The impressive marina houses hundreds of boats, and you can rent sailboats or motorboats for around €150-300 per day depending on size. I love how the scenic promenade connects to historic Caorle with its famous cylindrical bell tower and “living rocks” – sea boulders transformed into sculptures by international artists. Fresh seafood restaurants line the waterfront serving the daily catch from boats you can watch returning to harbor. June and September offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds, while July-August brings peak beach season energy.
11. Scaliger Castle
Scaliger Castle in Sirmione is hands-down the most Instagram-worthy castle in northern Italy, rising dramatically from Lake Garda‘s crystal-clear waters. This rare port fortification features massive crenellated walls, three drawbridges, and a moat that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fantasy. Climbing the main tower (about 100 steps) rewards you with breathtaking 360° views of the lake, distant Alps, and Sirmione‘s terracotta rooftops.
Entry costs €6 and includes access to the fortified harbor where boats dock just like they did 600 years ago. Beyond the castle, Sirmione‘s pedestrian-only historic center leads to Grotte di Catullo, extensive Roman villa ruins that cost €8 to explore. The town’s famous thermal springs offer spa treatments from €50-200, perfect for relaxing after climbing castle towers. Boat tours around the peninsula provide unmatched castle views from the water and typically cost €15-25 per person. April through October offers the best weather for both castle exploration and lake activities.
12. Valle di Cadore
Valle di Cadore delivers those epic Dolomite mountain views you’ve been dreaming about without the tourist crowds that plague Cortina d’Ampezzo. This charming settlement sits in the Boite Valley surrounded by Europe’s most dramatic peaks, including Monte Antelao – literally called “the King of the Dolomites.” The village preserves authentic Cadore character with wooden balconies, flower-filled windows, and the remarkable 16th-century Church of San Martino featuring works by Titian, who was born in nearby Pieve di Cadore.
Summer hiking trails connect ancient villages through spectacular alpine scenery, while winter brings skiing opportunities on Monte Antelao with day passes around €45. The panoramic Strada delle Dolomiti passes right through with those money-shot mountain vistas that make your followers jealous. I used this as my base for exploring Lake Misurina and the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo – both easily accessible day trips. June through September offers perfect hiking weather, while December through March brings reliable snow for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Read Next: 12 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Dolomites
