Veneto

Home to the unique city of Venice, the historic towns of Verona, Padua and Vicenza, plus several fortified settlements, Veneto has an abundance of sights to keep you entertained. Situated in the northeast of Italy, it stretches from the flat river plains to the Dolomites.

The capital city of Italy's Veneto region, Venice is internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its popularity with tourists from across the globe has given rise to many campsites in the Veneto region, where hundreds choose to stay in order to experience the cultural sites, architectural masterpieces and natural splendour the area has to offer. 

Built on a series of low mud banks amid the tidal waters of the Adriatic, the main thoroughfare through Venice is the Grand Canal. At nearly four kilometres long, 30 to 70 metres wide, it divides the city in half and palaces, churches and historic monuments line the waterway. The Piazza San Marco is the main focal point of the city, with the Oriental splendour of the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale and the Bridge of Sighs. With another famous bridge and bustling markets, the district of Rialto is one of the liveliest spots, while the lagoon islands offer an escape from the crowds.

Murano comprises a cluster of small islands, connected by bridges, and has been the centre of the glass-blowing industry since 1291; Burano is the most colourful with brightly painted houses and a long lace-making tradition, while Torcello boasts a 7th-century cathedral, the oldest building on the lagoon. Outside Venice, the old university town of Padua is rich in art and architecture, and Verona is renowned for its Roman ruins including the amphitheatre, which is the third largest in the world. It is also home to Casa di Giulietta, Juliet’s house, a restored 13th-century inn with a small marble balcony, immortalised in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The region is made up of seven provinces: Belluno, Padova, Rovigo, Treviso, Venezia, Verona and Vincenza. 

Places of interest

Bassano del Grappa: Well known for its majolica products and Grappa distilleries.

Conegliano: A wine producing region, renowned wine growers’ school, grape  festival in September, wine routes.

Euganean Hills: Hot sulphur springs and mud baths.

Montagnana: Fortified settlement with medieval town walls.

Padua: Basilica di Sant’Antonio, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy.

Treviso: Attractive town with medieval, balconied houses overlooking willow-fringed canals.

Vicenza: Roman-Renaissance architecture, home of Europe’s oldest surviving indoor theatre, 17th-century stone bridges.

Cuisine of the region

Risottos are popular, especially with seafood, plus pork dishes, polenta and heavy soups of beans, rice and vegetables. The region is also home to Italy’s famous dessert tiramisu, a rich blend of coffee soaked sponge cake and mascarpone cheese. Locally produced wines include Soave, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Grappa is made from grape husks, juniper berries or plums.

Brodo di Pesce: Fish soup.

Bussolia: Ring shaped cinnamon flavoured biscuits.

Radicchio alla Griglia: Red salad leaves lightly grilled.

Risi e Bisi: Soft and liquid risotto with fresh peas and bacon.

Risotto alle Seppie: Contains cuttlefish ink.