Venice is one of the most unusual cities in the world, which will certainly be remembered for its unique charm and stunning architecture. You can walk endlessly along its winding ancient streets, enjoying the unforgettable atmosphere and ancient palaces. But if you want to take a little break from the noisy, touristy city, go to the surrounding area, because there is also a lot of interesting things to do here. Where to go from Venice for one day? Here are some options...
Where to go from Venice for one day
The city of St. Anthony is believed to have been founded in 1185 BC. Locals call Padua the city of three "without" - the Saint without a name (Antony of Padua is usually called simply "the saint"), the Meadow without Grass (the main square of Prato della Valle, which is one of the most large areas in Europe) and the Cafe without a Door (the legendary Pedrocchi Cafe, whose doors used to be open 24 hours a day). The city is famous for its historical and cultural heritage.
Shrouded in many secrets, the city of love and romance fascinates with its magical atmosphere and unique architecture. The best way get acquainted - go for a walk around the Old Town, looking at numerous ancient buildings. Known as “little Rome,” the city is sure to impress with its artistic and cultural heritage.
Near the southern foot of the Alps is Lake Garda, which appeared here at the end of the last ice age. Small towns are nestled along its coastline, architectural complexes and gardens. Sirmione, Scaliger Castle, Monte Baldo, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda... It will take more than one day to visit them all! But if you want to leave the noisy, tourist-crowded city, feel free to choose any place on the coast of the city itself. big lake Italy, you can't go wrong!
Center small town, surrounded by picturesque fields, is located inside powerful walls on top of a hill. Every two years, a medieval festival takes place here, during which locals dress in chess costumes. Thanks to him, Marostica is also known as the “city of chess”, because even in the main square of the city you can see a giant chessboard! The main attractions of the city are two ancient castles: one is located on the main square, and the second is on the top of the hill.
This provincial town still retains the luxury of the Renaissance. The city has a lot of architectural monuments and works of art, but the main attraction of Ferrara is the Castle of St. Michael (Castello Estense). In the Middle Ages it was the luxurious residence of the Dukes of Este, so the interiors are very impressive!
The city, also known as "Little Venice", has been known since Roman times and is located in the southern part of the Venetian Lagoon. In 1987, the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its exceptional features: historical Center from a bird's eye view it looks like a fish skeleton.
Dominant of the city - Mountain chain Dolomites, among which the Antelio and Civetta mountains, the three peaks of Lavaredo and the Marmolada massif stand out. In Belluno you can see the most beautiful medieval palaces and a magnificent cathedral. And the main bell tower, which has been towering over the centuries old square, is the tallest structure of its type in the entire region.
Ancient palaces and squares, a castle on a hill, a cathedral, the construction of which began in 1257, the sea and the unique Venetian charm - this is what will delight the quiet and majestic city of the discerning tourist. And on the outskirts of the city there is the famous Palmanova outlet center, which will certainly appeal to all shopping lovers.
This seaside resort is famous for its beaches. Well, if you are not a fan of such a holiday, go to Old city, most of the historical and cultural values of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, the city is famous throughout the world for its luxurious mosaics.
Trieste and Miramare Castle
The pompous city, which the Austrians turned their back on and which the Italians did not like, will delight you with monumental architecture, rarely inherent in coastal cities. In Grignano Bay there is a fairy white, which is said to have a curse hanging over it. Be sure to visit this romantic place and learn its history!
To the north of the Adriatic Riviera lies the Venetian Riviera with prestigious resort Lido di Jesolo, located 35 km from Venice. Lignano (50 km from Venice) - beautiful place For family vacation with kids. Here, in vast park areas, there are hotels and the best children's camps in Italy, including the Adriatica children's health center, famous for its magnificent sandy beaches and water park.
Beaches of the Veneto region
Veneto(Veneto) is a small province that attracts tourists from all over the world. And it is not surprising - after all, on its territory there is a unique city, sung by poets and glorified by great painters - Venice. The Veneto coast stretches for 120 km along Adriatic Sea and full of beautiful sandy beaches.
Bibione
Bibione- a small island connected to "solid land" long bridge. An excellent family resort: 8 km of the softest clean sand (the beach is up to 400 m wide), framed by blue sea waters, and the same blue umbrellas protecting vacationers from scorching sun. The beach is illuminated at night and is fully equipped with everything necessary; the bottom drops very slowly, so it is safe to swim here even for children.
Here you can go paragliding, yachting, windsurfing and diving. A few kilometers from the beach there is a water park and big park entertainment with a magnificent marine aquarium. Bibione is also popular thermal resort, functioning all year round.
Caorle
Caorle- This is 9 kilometers of golden sand, picturesque lagoons surrounded by green valleys, sand banks and typical fishermen's huts on the shore. On the territory there are two modern docks, 5 discos, a water park, a theater, an equestrian center, a golf club, tennis courts, a school sailing and tracks for athletics. International sports competitions are regularly held here.
Santa Margherita
Port Santa Margherita- an ideal point for yachting. It is one of the largest harbors in Italy, accommodating up to 800 boats and offering a full range of services for sea vessels and their teams. Local beach- classic golden sand, hiding from the sun under rows of umbrellas. Villas and hotels on the shore are surrounded by lush pine trees; access to the beach by car is prohibited. On the beach there are tennis courts, rental centers for equipment for surfing, diving, and paragliding.
Eraclea
Eraclea called the "green pearl" of the Adriatic. Its luxurious beaches (total length - 3 km) are surrounded by ancient pine forests. The beaches have tennis courts, cinemas, a riding center and a sailing school; Festivals and exhibitions are regularly held. This is a great place for those who like not only to sunbathe, but also to take excursions around the surrounding area.
Jesolo
Famous resort town Jesolo, like Venice, lies in a quiet lagoon and attracts vacationers with 15 kilometers of golden beaches. The resort is divided into 4 parts: Faro(Faro) Centro(Centro), Pineta(Pineta) and Cortelazzo(Cortellazzo). Each of them has its own “specialization”. Faro- these are vast sea areas, yachting, water sports; Centro- lively beaches and shops; Pineta- shady groves and flowering meadows; Cortelazzo- taverns serving a variety of seafood dishes.
On the territory of Jesolo there is the Aqualandia water park, a tourist port, many swimming pools, tennis courts, a sailing school, cinemas and dance floors.
Venice
Venice was built as a port and shopping mall Western world. It is hidden in a picturesque lagoon, closed from the sea by islands Lido(Lido) and Pellestrina(Pellestrina). These long, narrow islands create a natural barrier to sea waves and winds, so the lagoon is almost always calm. To both islands and two large beaches - Cavalino(Cavallino) and Sottomarina(Sottomarina) - since the mid-90s, sand extracted from the seabed has been regularly added.
Essentially the only "decent" public beach in Venice is Lido. The water here is not the cleanest, but quite warm. There are free toilets on site. From Lido you can reach paid beaches opposite first class hotels.
15 km littoral Cavalino- a great place for a “wild” holiday: more than 30 campsites are scattered along the coast, among the lush Mediterranean vegetation. Sottomarina is a classic Italian beach, lined with umbrellas and sun loungers.
Beaches of the Friuli region
The northernmost province of Italy, Friuli(Friuli) is very interesting historically and geologically. In a small area between the mountains and the sea you can find dense forests, deep rivers, flowering valleys and sandy beaches. Wide lagoons Marano(Marano) and Grado(Grado) and the mouth of the river Isonzo(Isonzo) form a flat West Coast Friuli. Eastern Bank, formed by the Gulf of Ponzano, is steep and rocky, replete with small secluded coves and small rocky beaches.
Friuli's climate is humid and temperate, varying slightly from region to region. A characteristic feature of the area is the seasonal sirocco, which brings heavy rain and thunderstorms to the coast.
Trieste
Capital of Friuli, Trieste, is located in the bay of the same name, close to the Slovenian border. This is the only city whose main square faces directly to the sea. Opposite the coast of Trieste, in the western part of the bay, there is a small island Grado with beautiful sandy beaches. The same sandy beaches are located next to a small town Muja(Muggia), lying near the border with Slovenia. The remaining 14 km of the coast are rocky, with many cozy bays.
The sandy beaches of Trieste are almost all paid (entrance is about 4 euros per person), equipped with showers, toilets, changing rooms and swimming pools. Here you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, sit in a bar by the water, various types sports
The warmest months are July and August. The water temperature at this time is about +25-37°C. The water temperature sometimes reaches + 28°C, and it rarely rains. These are also the busiest months, so if you want more privacy, choose June or September, when it is still quite warm (+25°C air, +20-25°C water), but there are fewer people.
The sun is especially dangerous from 12 to 16 hours, so best time for sunbathing - from 9 to 11 am and after 16 o'clock. The sea is usually very calm in the mornings; in the evenings, expect breezes of varying degrees of intensity.
In principle, you can swim and sunbathe from April to October, but it is already difficult to predict the weather here, so for a holiday in April-May and October it is better to choose more southern regions Italy.
Marano and Grado
Lagoons Marano And Grado- the northernmost resorts in the Mediterranean. They consist of many small islands and sandbanks scattered along the coast for 30 km. A network of canals stretches between the islands, covered with low-growing bushes. with total area more than 16 hectares. Total length beaches - 130 km. 23 yacht ports provide space and service for 15,000 vessels.
Marano- the ancient fortified settlement, which gives the lagoon its name, delights guests with the lively atmosphere of a traditional fishing village: stone buildings from the 16th century surround the harbor and luxurious fish market, and family-run taverns serve delicious Italian cuisine.
Grado, the “sunny island”, has today turned into a modern resort, where thousands of vacationers bask on the golden sand every year. There are golf courses, spas and, of course, chic fish restaurants.
Lignano
The main resort of Friulia - Lignano lies on a small peninsula, between the wide delta of the Tagliamento River, the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea and the picturesque Marano Lagoon. Almost the entire 8 km of coastline is a single sandy beach, surrounded by dense pine forests. The resort was founded in the 30s of the 20th century and since then has continuously grown, developed and modernized. Today, it provides guests with everything necessary for a good rest in combination with untouched nature.
Entrance to the beach is free. Along the beach, at a distance of 200 m from each other, there are “offices” where you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas or “huts” on the shore. Moreover, if you are just planning to visit Lignano, you can book your umbrella online.
The territory consists of three sections: Lignano Riviera, Lignano Pineta And Lignano Sabbiadoro.
Lignano Riviera- the quietest corner of the resort. If you are tired of the hot sun, shady green parks stretching along the coast are at your service. The beach is divided into 6 zones and equipped with three thousand umbrellas (with different rent), installed quite far from each other. On site there are toilets, showers with cold and hot water, playgrounds and baby care facilities, and a rescue service.
In summer, various entertainment events are organized on the beach, there are water gyms, a fitness club, parties and training courses for children and teenagers. It is possible to rent a yacht or take sailing lessons.
The equipment is updated annually. Every day, cleaning machines operate off the coast, diving to a depth of 15 cm.
Lignano Pineta famous for its spiral driveway that unfurls from the center big park. It was designed by the architect Marcello D'Olivo and is today a textbook solution included in all architecture textbooks. Pineta is full of hotels, villas and apartments. the main street, with shops, bars and restaurants, divides the territory of Pineta into two parks: Hemingway and Marine. Between the hotels and the sea there is still a strip of pine forest.
The beach is divided into 9 zones and equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, chairs and beach huts, which can be rented at various prices. Tourists can use toilets and showers with cold, hot and room temperature water for free. The beach has special paths for the disabled and general access to the water, there is a rescue service, several swimming and windsurfing schools are open, and you can rent canoes and pedal boats. The beach is cleaned daily, and any vacationer can find out information about the cleanliness of the water and area.
Lignano Sabiadoro, with its wide beach sloping gently down to the water, is ideal for children and those who like to explore the historical monuments of the area. Sabiadoro - old City Full of charming squares, chic nightclubs, music bars and discos, it will also satisfy the needs of those looking for an active nightlife.
Lignano Sabbiadoro, like all other beaches, is equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, small houses, showers and toilets. Showers with cold water are free; to use warm water you need to buy special tokens at the beach offices. The large, 3,000-seat outdoor stadium regularly hosts international sporting events and evening entertainment shows.
If you decide to spend a week in Venice, then, of course, you may have a completely natural desire to combine your stay in the capital of the Most Serene Republic with exploring the surrounding area. Fortunately, there are a lot of interesting things near the gondola city.
Today I will tell you where you can go from Venice for one day, and at the same time I will share information on how to get to interesting places without spending extra money.
VENICE ISLANDS: MURANO, TORCELLO, BURANO
The most obvious thing is to ride around the islands of the Venetian lagoon: Murano, Torcello and Burano. The tour takes a day, and this is more than enough time to explore three of the most famous islands Venice. First you will be taken to Murano- for my taste, the most uninteresting of all the islands on the list of compulsory programs, but, nevertheless, you should not miss it, because Murano glass is a full-fledged attraction of Venice, and there is a museum of it.
The name “Torcello” often makes Russians smile, but in vain - it comes from the word “torre”, which means “tower”. Interestingly, there is no tower on the island, although, according to ancient legend, it was she who helped the Veneti discover this place many centuries ago. As legend has it, in the fifth century AD, the ancestors of the modern inhabitants of Torcello were from the now defunct city of Altinum. They feared an invasion of barbarians led by the formidable Attila, and therefore they prayed to God and asked him to protect them from the enemy. A sign was sent to the Veneti, telling them that they should climb the tallest tower in the city, and from there see a safe haven. This is what was done, the residents climbed the tower and from its top they saw the island on which they escaped.
In the photo: Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
Venetians still live on Torcello to this day, although there are very few of them. According to statistics, depending on the season, the population on the island ranges from 30 to 300 people. The main local attraction is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, where Byzantine mosaics have been preserved: one depicts the Virgin Mary, and the other the Last Judgment. The second church of the island is the octagonal Santa Fosca. By the way, these churches are the oldest of the Venetian ones; their construction began back in 638. Unlike other churches in Venice, Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Fosca were never rebuilt, so they are rare examples of early Christian architecture.
There is also an archaeological park near the basilica. Here under open air exhibited fragments of statues, sarcophagi and monumental stone throne. It is believed that this is the throne of Attila himself, who finally reached the city of Altinum and wiped it off the face of the earth - you see how correctly the Veneti did in escaping to the island of Torcello. True, the throne did not pass the test of historians; it was established that Attila did not reach Torcello, so this stone artifact has nothing to do with the legendary leader of the Huns. However, there is a curious belief associated with the throne; it is believed that if a girl sits on it, she will certainly get married that same year.
In the photo: architectural park near Torcello
There is also a charming cafe on Torcello where it makes sense to stop for lunch. Here you can taste grilled fish and seafood in batter. They are served on a plate of bread, which is also supposed to be eaten. There is only one cafe on the island, so you won’t miss it.
In the photo: seafood on a bread plate
Third on the list of islands - Burano, the one with the colorful houses. By the way, the houses are painted in bright colors for practical reasons; it’s just that the island is often shrouded in dense fog, so in the old days the colorful buildings played the role of a kind of signal lights. They were used as a guide to safely moor to the shore, and it was easier for the residents of Burano to find their house in the fog by color.
In the photo: the colorful island of Burano
Of course, many have heard about the famous Buransky lace. There are still several shops selling it on the island to this day. It makes sense for girls to buy lace collars - you can always sew them on a black dress and get an option in the style of classic Yves Saint Laurent outfits - similar, for example, worn by Catherine Deneuve in the film “Beauty of the Day”.
HOW MUCH IS A TICKET TO THE ISLANDS? In order to visit all three islands in one day, buy a ferry ticket at Tabakeria (traghettij/ traghetto) for 24 hours. It is called Biglietto turistico 24H, and costs 20 euros. .
PADUA: GIOTTO'S FRESCOES, EUROPE'S LARGEST SQUARE AND A FAMOUS UNIVERSITY
Padua is one of the most interesting cities in Veneto, where you can spend the whole day with pleasure and benefit. The easiest way to get there from Venice is by train, and the travel time is less than half an hour. When you arrive at Padova station, immediately walk towards the center - the direction will be indicated on the brown signs with the inscription Centro.
In the photo: one of the city canals of Padua
The first interesting object that comes your way is ancient roman arena. Of course, this is not the Colosseum of Rome or even the Arena of Verona, but it’s still not worth passing by, because near the Arena in the same park there is the famous Scrovegni Chapel- a church whose inside walls are completely covered with frescoes by the great Giotto.
In the photo: the ancient Roman Arena in Padua
For some reason, it is believed that getting into the chapel is difficult, and tickets need to be booked in advance, but in reality this is not so - just go in, buy a ticket (it costs 15 euros) and go inside. Visitors are allowed into the chapel in groups; inside it is painted like a magic casket, and the most attention of visitors is attracted by a fresco depicting Hell, in the center of which sits a pot-bellied blue devil eating a sinner. By the way, it is this image of the “Last Judgment”, along with the fresco in the Bologna Cathedral of San Petronio, that is considered canonical.
After visiting the Scrovegni Chapel, continue down the street and you will inevitably end up in the city center, where the beautiful city courthouse is located Palazzo della Ragione, the ancient Jewish district of the Ghetto, the Square of Herbs (Piazza delle Erbe), where the market is located to this day, as well as the Pedrocchi cafe - one of the oldest in all of Italy.
Well, don’t forget to look at the University of Padovan, the walls of which are decorated with the coats of arms of famous families whose offspring studied here. By the way, this is the second university in Italy after Bologna, it was founded in 1222, and Copernicus and Galileo taught here - the latter’s chair is still preserved at the university.
In the photo: statue of the Trojan Horse in Palazzo della Ragione
Having examined the center, go further in the direction from the station and in 10 minutes you will find yourself in the largest square in Europe - Prato della Valle. It is surrounded on all sides by statues of famous residents of Padua, and after walking along it, go to St. Anthony's Cathedral- the second most popular Catholic church in Italy after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
In the photo: Prato della Valle - the largest square in Europe
Entrance to the cathedral is free, but filming inside is prohibited. From the outside, the building looks extremely non-trivial, because its architectural appearance reflects the features of Romanesque basilicas and Catholic churches, and tall towers Many associate temples with minarets. The interior decoration of the cathedral is stunning in its luxury and richness; there are sculptural compositions, gilding, and a chapel with the relics of the Saint, which are encased in gold and crystal.
Well, after sightseeing, go for a walk along the streets of the city center, most of which are hidden under numerous arches; they are another feature of the architectural appearance of Padua. By the way, restaurants and cafes in Padua are much cheaper than in Venice, and the quality of the food served here is much higher, so it makes sense to stay here for dinner.
In the photo: Padua Observatory, where Galileo observed the stars
HOW TO GET TO PADUA? The easiest way is by train regionale veloce, they depart every half hour from Santa Lucia Station at 12 and 42 minutes. Padua is the second stop after Mestre, travel time is 25 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is 4.15 euros. The main thing is not to forget to stamp your ticket from the machine at the station.
THERMAL POOLS OF MONTEGROTTO
Near Venice there is one of the largest thermal areas in Europe, where the resorts of Abano Terme and Montegrotto are located. And I have good news for you - from Venice you have the opportunity to go to the thermal baths for one day in order to take a hearty swim in the outdoor pools with warm and healthy water. I’ll say right away, don’t focus on Abano, get there public transport problematic, but there is a train station in Montegrotto, and the road here from Venice Santa Lucia station will take 40 minutes if you take the regionale veloce.
True, not all hotels in Montegrotto allow guests who are not staying with them to use their pools. One of the loyal ones, and even with an excellent pool - Mioni Royal San. It is located next to the train station. Just get off the train at the Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto stop, cross the street to the left and you will immediately see him. There is a huge outdoor pool, and there are also saunas and Jacuzzis. In order to get to the hotel, you need to call in advance on +39 049 891 1711 and book a visit. Bathrobes and towels are provided to guests of the thermal baths, but slippers, swimsuits and caps (they must be worn in the pools) must be taken with them.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT THE THERMAL POOLS? The cost of a one-time visit to Mioni Royal San is from 35 to 40 euros per person, depending on the day of the week. You can get there, as I wrote above, by train regionale veloce, these are the same trains that go to Padua, they leave from Venice station every half hour. In short, get on the same train, but get off at a stop later at the station Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto. The ticket costs 4.90 euros one way, but don’t forget to get it stamped from the machine on the platform before boarding the train.
The Veneto region, or Venice, is the most frequently visited region of Italy. To a greater extent, this is due to Venice, which is not only one of the three most visited Italian cities, but is also included in various ratings of the most popular centers in Europe. Also, this is a favorite place for many newlyweds. And this is not surprising, because walking on gondolas and kissing on cozy bridges is so romantic. But this region can boast of more than just Venice. Here is the famous Verona - the scene of the play "Romeo and Juliet", written by Shakespeare, and also famous throughout Europe ski resorts, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and Civetta.
The capital of the region is Venice and this region is divided into seven provinces: Venice, Verona, Belluno, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Vicenza and includes 579 communes. The population is almost five million people, which makes it possible to occupy fifth position in the country in terms of this indicator, but in terms of the size of its territory it ranks only eighth. Note that the region is one of the most developed in Italy and has a rich cultural heritage. Tens of millions of tourists come here every year, and local residents, in addition to Italian, also speak Venetian.
Agriculture is an important source of income for the Venice region. Tobacco, cherries, corn, peas are grown here; fishing, food and textile industries play an important role. In addition, tourism also contributes a lot of money to the budget. The GDP is 9.4% of the country's total and the region has a small border with Austria and access to the Adriatic Sea. It must be said that Venice has a very rich history.
Photo: Didier Descouens/Wikimedia Commons
At one time, barbarians, Germanic tribes, as well as Byzantium ruled here. The 12th century can be considered the heyday, when Venice became the capital of the region and over time, many nearby territories and islands came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. However, in the 18th century Napoleon extended his power here and after his collapse these lands went to Austria, but then became part of Italy.
Venice
Venice is a province with a population of just over 850 thousand people and with the capital in the city of Venice. About 260 thousand residents live in the capital itself. It should be noted that this city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a unique place for tourists, because such a location can be found very rarely. The main attractions can be listed for a very long time and Venice itself is already of great interest, however, below we will list the most interesting places to visit.
Photo: kirkandmimi / pixabay.com Arriving in Venice, you need to take a ride along the famous Grand Canal. You can do this on a gondola, but it will not be a cheap pleasure. If you want to save money, then you can use by river buses“vaporetto”. St. Mark's Square may be a trivial attraction, but you can't live without it. Here you can see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the clock tower and two granite columns that overlook the canal. The Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute, built in the 17th century, looks very majestic and was built in honor of ridding the city of the plague, which claimed a huge number of lives.
The Ca'd'Oro Palace, which can be found in the Cannaregio quarter, is also definitely worth visiting. Let’s not forget about the Venetian bridges, which are called “Bridge of Sighs”, “Constitution” and the symbol of the city, the Rialto Bridge. Located near Venice famous island Burano and many tourists come here precisely to take photos against the backdrop of colorful houses and post them in social media. I must admit that the buildings really look very fabulous and bright.
Verona
Verona is a province with the capital of the same name and with a population of just over 920 thousand inhabitants, which includes 98 communes. Verona itself is home to just over 260 thousand people. If we talk about the terrain, it is quite mountainous and in these parts there is the largest natural bridge in all of Europe, called “Ponte di Veja”. Verona is quite popular among tourists and the city is visited annually by about 3 million people, who are attracted by the many preserved architectural monuments, as well as various cultural events and musical events.
Photo: Ste93r / pixabay.com We recommend visiting Piazza delle Erbe, as well as the huge amphitheater Arena di Verona, where an annual opera festival is held, as well as concerts and performances. If you climb the Lamberti Tower, it offers very stunning views. Everyone who comes to Verona cannot ignore Juliet's house. The house, built in the 13th century at 23 Via Capello according to Shakespeare's tragedy, was once the home of the heroine of this famous play.
Among other significant attractions it is worth highlighting a stone bridge Ponte Pietra, the Merchants' House in Piazza delle Erbe, Palazzo Maffei, which was built in the 15th century, Castelvecchio Castle, Cathedral, Arches of the Scaligers, as well as the amazing fountain of the Verona Madonna. The pearl of the region is Lake Garda, which is located 30 km from Verona.
Padua
Padua is a province with the capital of the same name and a population of just over 900 thousand people. It has 104 communes and is the most populous in this region of Italy. In general, it must be said that this area is rich in architectural monuments, ancient castles And nature reserves. In the northwestern part of the Venice region are the Euganean Hills, which are famous for their valleys and unique natural views and landscapes. If you want to treat your health, we recommend going to the thermal resorts of Abano and Montegrotto, which are considered the largest in all of Europe.
Photo: pxhere.com The main decoration of Padua can be considered Prato della Valle. It is considered one of the largest in Italy, but its appearance is more impressive. In the middle there is an island with statues of prominent Paduans, with lawns and trees, surrounded by a moat with water, and it all looks extraordinarily beautiful. In addition, you should visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, the Basilica of St. Giustina, the Zuckermann Palace, visit the Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe, and also look at the Cathedral of Padua.
Another interesting place to visit is the Palazzo della Ragione, which at one time served as the city's courtroom and is still one of the most large halls, which is not supported by columns. You can also stroll through the Botanical Garden, which is included in the World Heritage Fund.
Treviso
Treviso is a province where almost 900 thousand people live and its capital is the city of the same name Treviso. This capital can be called “Venice in miniature”, which is confirmed by the local residents themselves and there are a total of 95 communes in its composition. This region was founded by the Celts, but it still gained its prosperity thanks to the Romans. Nowadays wine, furniture, shoes and textiles are produced here, as well as various engineering equipment and this area is considered economically developed.
Photo: Boris Maric / Wikimedia Commons It should be noted that a holiday in this region of Venice will give tourists not only unforgettable natural landscapes, but also allow them to see many preserved castles, palaces, significant architectural monuments, parks and historical villas. The main waterways are the Piave and Sile rivers. Among the main attractions, it is worth highlighting Piazza dei Signori, which over the course of many centuries has witnessed many historical events taking place here. It contains the main city buildings: Palazzo dei Trecento, Palazzo dei Podesta and the city tower Torre Civica, which is a local symbol.
It must be said that there are always a lot of people here and if you are tired, you can take a break in one of the restaurants. Let's also highlight the Cathedral, which can be found on Piazzaa Duomo Square. It is dedicated to St. Peter and was built back in the 12th century. To summarize, this area is also famous for its unique wine and many culinary dishes, and if you love travel, good wine and delicious cuisine, then you should visit here.
Belluno
Belluno is a province with a population of 213 thousand inhabitants and with a capital in city of the same name Belluno. It consists of 67 communes. If we talk about the economy of the region, it is supported by agriculture, cheese production, household appliances and tourism, as well as by the production of glasses from some well-known companies. It should be noted that this is a fairly large area, but a significant part of it is occupied by the Dolomites. Most of the inhabitants live in the southern part, which is called the Valbelluna valley.
Photo: kordi_vahle / pixabay.com Among the attractions, it is worth noting the Cathedral with a 70-meter bell tower on Cathedral Square, as well as the Palazzo dei Rettori, where the rulers of Belluno lived for several centuries. If you are interested in local nature, then go to National Park“Dolomite Bellunesi”. Since a significant part is occupied by mountains, some famous ski resorts are located in this region of Venice. For example, the fashionable Cortina d’Ampezzo has long been chosen by wealthy ski lovers.
An equally attractive resort is called Civetta, which is also considered one of best places for riding and relaxation. They are part of the largest ski area in the world, which is called “Dolomiti Superski” and includes twelve ski centers. It should be noted that all the resorts in this area have all the necessary infrastructure so that tourists can relax, ski, and also go shopping.
Rovigo
Rovigo is a province with the capital of the same name, home to about 244 thousand people. Rice, corn, grapes are grown in this area, and some food industry enterprises are also located here. Of the smaller ones settlements It is worth highlighting Rovigo, Adria and Porto Viro. Considering that the province has access to the Adriatic Sea, there are resort villages with sandy beaches and clear sea water, such as Rosolina Mare, Rosa Pineta and Isola di Albarella.
Photo: Atigra / Wikimedia Commons From large rivers Let us highlight the Po and Adige, which generally determine the local landscape. If you like to eat, then in the small towns of this region of Venice you can taste delicious Italian dishes. If we talk about the sights of the city of Rovigo, then it is worth seeing the ancient towers of Torre Donna and Torre Mozza, which have been preserved from medieval castle. Appreciate the majestic Palazzo Roverella, which can be found in the main square named after Victor Emmanuel II. Palazzo Roncale is also worthy of attention, which at one time was the residence of the noble family of the same name.
Visit the octagonal church of Beata Vergine del Soccorso, which is nicknamed the Rotunda, but especially worth mentioning is the Duomo di San Stefano - not a very remarkable temple from the outside, but looks very pompous inside. It was built back in the 15th century and there you can see the fresco “Madonna delle Grazie” and paintings by one famous Italian artist.
Vicenza
Vicenza is a province with the capital of the same name and a population of almost 900 thousand inhabitants, which includes 121 communes. Other big cities: Lonigo, Marostica, Thiene, and also Valdagno. Note that these parts have quite varied terrain, where you can find mountains and plains. If we talk about the city of Vicenza, today it is an important industrial center, where medium and small businesses are developed at a fairly decent level. It is very popular among tourists and if you get to these parts, you can see a lot of interesting things here, and you will also have a good opportunity to do different types active rest.
Photo: trolvag / Wikimedia Commons A must visit central square Piazza dei Signori, where you can see the Palladian Basilica, construction of which began back in 1549. It must be said that the square itself has been the center of political life for many years. Among other significant attractions, it is worth noting the Chierikati Palace. The construction of this palazzo began in 1550 and was completed only 30 years later.
Fans of theatrical performances should check out the Olimpico Theater. The extraordinary beauty of the 16th-century La Loggia Palace, as well as the Temple of Our Lady with its high bell tower, will undoubtedly attract attention. Vicenza has many working museums, such as the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, the Palladio Museum, which displays the works of the great master, and the Museum of the Resistance, which tells about the struggle for Independence in this country in different times her life.
Today, we tried to tell you about the Venice region and it’s quite interesting area Italy, where you can see unique natural landscapes, many preserved historical monuments, locks and various cultural sites. As always, we definitely recommend you try the local delicacies and wine. In our next article we will tell you, which is located east of Rome on the Adriatic coast. You will learn about popular attractions and interesting places in this area of Italy.
Just look at the map to understand: there are more than enough beach resorts in Italy. Wherever you find yourself, no matter what region of Italy you come to, the sea is always nearby. Even from the alpine slopes you can reach the coast in just 3–4 hours.
It should also be noted that the seaside resorts of Italy are extremely diverse. In Italy there are wide sandy beaches, and secluded bays with pebbly shores, and beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, and places where the depth begins at the very shore. In short, the choice is extensive - there is a lot to talk about. This is, in fact, what we will do.
However, before we proceed directly, we will make a few reservations (to make it easier for you to navigate, since the text is voluminous).
The review of Italian beach resorts presented in this article is structured as follows. The focus is on popular Italian cities(or even rather airports), where it is not difficult to get to from anywhere in the world, including from Russia (read more about air travel with Italy).
Focusing on these cities/airports, we consider nearby resorts that seem to us the most interesting both in terms of quality and transport accessibility. (Most of the beach resorts discussed below can be reached by railway– see www.trenitalia.com.) However, we do not intend to list all existing options. If you like any of the areas listed below, then you can (and even need to!) go deeper into the topic - you will find many interesting places that we have not mentioned here.
So, in this review you will find information about resorts located near the following cities:
We will also briefly consider beach resorts Calabria and Apulia. Beyond the scope of this article are major Italian islands– Sardinia and Sicily ( beaches of Sicily discussed in detail) – since they require special attention.
As you can see, the order of consideration is from north to south, that is, from top to bottom on the map. It seems logical :) However, this order is also determined by the fact that getting to the north of Italy is easier, faster and usually cheaper than getting to the south. However, northern resorts are usually more expensive than southern ones. (Although, as you know, there are no rules without exceptions.)
Finally, it is worth saying that everything stated below is aimed primarily at independent travelers. If you are interested in standard tours, we advise you to turn to sites such as and where you can find and buy these same tours online. However, it is quite possible that you will find something useful for yourself here too.
This is where we can conclude the introductory part. Let's move on to the review.
Where to go to the sea in Italy, and how to get to the best beaches
So, Italy, sea, relaxation, beaches. Go!
Generally speaking, Venice itself can be considered as a beach resort, since there is an island Lido di Venezia(Lido di Venezia), famous for its long sandy beach. You can get here by water directly from Venice airport (sail a little over an hour; see www.alilaguna.it). The undoubted advantage of the Lido is that all Venetian attractions are nearby - for example, St. Mark's Square can be reached in just 15 minutes. Thus, it is quite possible to combine a beach holiday with walks around Venice. Read more about this option in the article “Beaches of Venice”.
Another variant - Lido di Jesolo(Lido di Jesolo). This resort is located east of Venice and has an equally sandy and even longer beach. It is again not far from Venice airport - about 40 minutes by ATVO bus (see www.atvo.it).
Even further east you can find places like Eraclea Mare(Eraclea Mare), Caorle(Caorle) And Bibione(Bibione), which is also quite easy to get to by ATVO buses.
South of Venice is the pretty town of Chioggia with its adjacent resort Sottomarina(Sottomarina). The beaches here are also sandy, and the infrastructure is well developed, but getting there by public transport is not as convenient and fast as to the above-mentioned resorts. In this case (especially if you are going on vacation with small children), it makes sense to order a transfer (see) or rent a car, since this can be done directly at the airport (see www.rentalcars.com, www.economybookings.com and similar sites).
By the way, all these resorts can be reached not only through Venice airport (Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo, VCE), but also through the nearby Treviso airport (Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova, TSF), as well as through Verona airport (Aeroporto di Verona Valerio Catullo, VRN). However, it is worth saying a few words separately about Verona.
- Venice. General information + Beaches of Venice
Getting to the beach resorts of Italy via Verona is probably not the best idea (unless cheap tickets turn up - see www.skyscanner.ru, www.momondo.ru, www.aviasales.ru and other air ticket search engines). However, one cannot help but notice that from Verona it is a stone's throw to Lake Garda (Lago di Garda), where there are also beaches. It is clear that a beach holiday on the shore of an alpine lake is not at all the same as a holiday at sea. However, this opportunity should not be overlooked. Moreover, Garda is interesting not only as a beach resort, but also as a thermal resort. From this point of view, it is worth taking a closer look in particular at Sirmione(Sirmione).
However, let's return to the seaside resorts and pay attention to the next point. Verona may be interesting as a transit point on the way to the beach resorts of the Adriatic if you plan to travel to Italy by train (read more about the train service between Russia and Italy).
Again, like Verona, Milan boasts its proximity to lakes. In addition to Garda, it is worth mentioning at least two more lakes - Como(Lago di Como) And Maggiore(Lago Maggiore), – where you can also find beaches.
- general information: about Milan, about Bergamo
- Flights: to Milan and Bergamo
- Transfers: ,
- Car rental points: in Malpensa, at Bergamo airport
Genoa, as already mentioned, is located on the coast Ligurian Sea, and the most convenient way to get to the beach resorts of Liguria is not through Milan, but through Genoa. In addition, from Russia to Genoa you can not only fly non-stop, but also take a direct train. There are a huge number of options: Liguria has both sandy and pebble beaches.
To the west of Genoa, for example, there are Sanremo (San Remo) , Diano Marina(Diano Marina), Alassio(Alassio), Pietra Ligure(Pietra Ligure) And Finale Ligure(Finale Ligure). The beaches in the western part of Liguria are quite wide, long, often sandy, although pebbles are not uncommon. All these places are not so far from Genoa, but if you wish, you can find beaches closer: for example, in Arenzano(Arenzano)– here the beach is pebbly – or in Kogoleto(Cogoleto)– the beaches are partly sandy, partly pebble.
There are also many interesting places east of Genoa. For the most part, the beaches of eastern Liguria are pebbly and do not differ in length (probably with the exception of the beach in Lavagna). But the water here is clean and the places are picturesque. Attention should be paid, for example, to Sorry(Sori) And Camogli(Camogli)– both places are located near Genoa. A little further is located Santa Margherita Ligure(Santa Margherita Ligure). Even further - Sestri Levante(Sestri Levante); By the way, there is a beautiful sandy beach here. The further you go, the rockier the terrain becomes, but there are also places for swimming. There are beaches even in the Cinque Terre. The most interesting ones are in Monterosso al Mare(Monterosso al Mare): there are both sandy and pebble (more details).
All listed resorts in Liguria are accessible via railway transport. Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo, GOA), in turn, has convenient connections with the Sestri Ponente train station (Genova Sestri Ponente Aeroporto).
A detailed overview of the beach resorts of the Ligurian coast is presented in this article.
Let's return to the shore of the Adriatic Sea, where, in addition to the resorts discussed, there is a well-known Rimini(Rimini). Wide sandy beaches, calm seas and excellent development tourism infrastructure– all this attracts a huge number of lovers to Rimini and its surroundings beach holiday. There is a place here for families with children, and for noisy young people, and for older tourists (read more about hotels and areas of Rimini). In addition, this is a favorite destination of Russian tour operators. Therefore, before you think about independent trip in Rimini, it is worth carefully studying the offers of travel agencies (you can look at the same and). There is a high probability that buying a tour to Rimini will be cheaper than organizing a vacation yourself.
Conveniently, Rimini has its own international Airport(Aeroporto di Rimini Federico Fellini, RMI), from where, if desired, you can even walk to some hotels (see, for example, Hotel Ascot). In addition, it is convenient to get to Rimini through Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, BLQ).
At the same time, it is absolutely not necessary to limit yourself to Rimini and its immediate surroundings. If you like the Adriatic, but you are not attracted to either Rimini or Riccione(Riccione), nor Cattolica(Cattolica), nor Milano Marittima(Milano Marittima), then it’s worth taking a closer look at those located further south Pesaro(Pesaro), Fano(Fano) And Senigallia(Senigallia). Here there are the same wide sandy beaches and a smooth entrance to the sea. These resorts are also conveniently accessible via Rimini Airport. It is also worth keeping in mind Ancona Airport (Aeroporto delle Marche, AOI).
North of Rimini you can pay attention to such places as Lido Adriano(Lido Adriano) And Punta Marina(Punta Marina), which is not far from Ravenna.
- General information: about Rimini, about Bologna
- Flights: to Rimini, to Bologna
- Transfers: ,
- Car rental points: at Rimini airport, at Bologna airport
Pisa is perfect as a transit point on the way to the spacious sandy beaches of the so-called Tuscan Riviera (aka Versilia). In particular, from Pisa Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa Galileo Galilei, PSA), in just over an hour you can take a bus (for more details, see www.pisa-airport.com) to such popular sea resorts How Viareggio(Viareggio) And Lido di Camaiore(Lido di Camaiore). Nearby also Forte dei Marmi(Forte dei Marmi), Marina di Massa(Marina di Massa) And Marina di Carrara(Marina di Carrara).
Eastern Liguria with its cozy beaches, picturesque bays and others natural beauties, by and large, is also not far away, and if you are interested in this particular region, then Pisa is worth keeping in mind as an alternative to the considered Genoa.
Also, look south from Pisa. Interesting places a lot: for example, Marina di Cecina(Marina di Cecina), San Vincenzo (San Vincenzo) And Follonica(Follonica). It's pretty quiet resorts, perfect for a family holiday with children.
Separately, it is worth mentioning about the island Elbe(Elba), where you can find beaches for every taste: sandy, pebble, and rocky. Elba, by the way, has its own small airport (Aeroporto dell "Elba). You can fly here from Pisa (see www.silverairitalia.it) and some other cities. A more traditional way to get to Elba is by ferry from Piombino, You can get to Piombino by train.
For more information about beach resorts in Tuscany, check out this article. By the way, all of the above places can also be reached through Florence (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, FLR). However, Pisa is closer and flying to Pisa (at least from Russia) is more convenient and cheaper than flying to Florence.
- General information: about Pisa, about Florence
- Flights: to Pisa, to Florence
- Transfers: ,
- Car rental points: at Pisa airport, at Florence airport
The outskirts of Rome are also not deprived of beach resorts (the beaches here are often sandy). For example, literally a few minutes drive from Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma–Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci, FCO) there is a resort town Lido di Ostia(Lido di Ostia). From a logistics point of view, you can’t think of anything better (you can get here from the airport by Cotral bus), but from a quality point of view, there are much more interesting options.
If you focus on the immediate surroundings of the Italian capital, then you should pay attention to Anzio(Anzio) And Nettuno(Nettuno). It is convenient to get to these resorts from Rome by rail - the ride takes about an hour.
But perhaps the most interesting beach resorts are located further south. This is, first of all, San Felice Circeo(San Felice Circeo), Terracina(Terracina), Sperlonga(Sperlonga) And Gaeta(Gaeta). True, getting to these places by public transport is not as convenient as getting to Anzio and Nettuno. Therefore, in addition, let us also mention Formia(Formia): There are beaches here and you can get there from Rome by direct train. Moreover, from railway station Formia can easily be reached by taxi or by bus to the same Gaeta - the ride is about 15 minutes.
Concerning Sorrento(Sorrento), then directly in the city there are almost no beaches as such. One of the few lucky exceptions is the La Tonnarella hotel with access to a small private beach (small pebbles). However, it is convenient to get to Sorrento from Naples (for example, by train on the Circumvesuviana railway - see www.eavsrl.it). From the point of view of a beach holiday in Sorrento, it makes sense to focus on places such as Meta(Meta) And Marina di Puolo(Marina di Puolo).
On the Amalfi Coast, the situation with beaches is better - you can swim and sunbathe like in the ones mentioned Amalfi(Amalfi) And Positano(Positano), and in other towns - Praiano(Praiano), Majori(Maiori), Minori(Minori) etc. The beaches here are pebbly, small and very picturesque. From Naples to Amalfitana you can travel by bus (see www.sitasudtrasporti.it) directly or with a transfer to Salerno (first by rail, and then again by bus).
South of Salerno you can pay attention to Paestum(Paestum), Agropolis(Agropoli) And Marina di Asceia(Marina di Ascea). The beaches here are sandy, prices are reasonable, but the resort infrastructure is often (in Asheya, for example) not very well developed. But it’s convenient to get to from Naples – an hour and a half ride by rail. Not so convenient to get to places like Santa Maria di Castellabate(Santa Maria di Castellabate) And Cape Palinuro(Capo Palinuro). However, they also deserve mention, and if you travel by car, take a special look at them.
One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Naples from the point of view of a beach holiday is the island Ischia(Ischia). There are many beaches in Ischia, and in addition to them there are thermal springs. You can get there by ferry.
It is worth bearing in mind in particular airport Lamezia Terme(Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme, SUF). To the north of it there is, for example, Amantea(Amantea), and to the south - Tropea(Tropea) with their wonderful sandy beaches. This is Calabria - the region is far from the richest, but the sea and beaches here are excellent. It is worth noting that many resorts in Calabria, including Amantea and Tropea, can be easily reached by rail from Naples or even from Rome (although the journey, of course, is not close and quite long). Another airport in Calabria is located in Reggio Calabria(Reggio Calabria, Aeroporto dello Stretto, REG). Nearby we note such a resort as Shilla(Scilla).
Don't overlook Puglia either. You can focus on the region here Salento(Salento)– “the heel of Italy” – in general, and places like Galipoli(Galipoli), Otranto(Otranto) and their immediate surroundings in particular. The region is also of interest Gargano(Gargano)- “spur of the Italian boot.” And even in Bari(Bari) And Brindisi(Brindisi), where the main local airports are located (Aeroporto di Bari-Palese, BRI, and Aeroporto di Brindisi-Casale, BDS), you can find places for a beach holiday.
