An Italian’s guide to Italy’s under-the-radar region that tourists often skip

For many, a trip to Italy isn’t complete without seeing Venice and Verona.

Gondolas, canals and Roman amphitheatres draw millions from all around the world each year.

And yet, Veneto – the region in the northeast of Italy where both cities are located – has so much more to offer.

Here, our Venetian-born Head of Growth Martina Andretta reveals the hidden gems and under-the-radar attractions that tourists often miss.

Take a spa break in Montegrotto Terme

It’s not an obvious choice for wellness, but my homeplace of Veneto is replete with affordable spas.

Make a beeline for the thermal baths on the Euganean hills, one of Europe’s oldest spa locations with over 100 resorts and 200 pools of natural water.

The area has been known for its healing springs since ancient times, evidenced by the archaeological remains of Roman baths that still exist in Montegrotto Terme.

This sleepy town is the perfect place to recharge and indulge. My top pick – the background to many girls’ weekends and overdue catchups – is Terme Preistoriche, where day spa entry starts at £42.

There’s something for everyone, with family-friendly resorts, like Hotel Continental Terme, and luxury options, such as Esplanade Tergesteo.

Nearby towns with spa facilities include Abano, Battaglia, Teolo, and Galzignano; the Euganean Hills and its scenic walks are just a stone’s throw away.

If you’re staying here, it would be criminal not to visit nearby Padua (or Padova, as the Italians spell it), the home of one of the world’s oldest surviving universities, Saint Anthony, and… Aperol Spritz.

How to get to Montegrotto: You can reach Montegrotto via bus (40 minutes from Padua) or train (34 minutes from Padua). If you want to do some exploring, I recommend renting a car.

Sip wine in Soave

Veneto is Italy’s largest wine producer (by volume). Do the names Prosecco, Soave, Amarone, and Valpolicella ring a bell?

The region’s microclimate creates ideal conditions for both red and white varieties, meaning there is something for everyone.

My favourite place to bring friends is Soave, a medieval walled town in the province of Verona. Here, they produce four variations of Soave wine, a crisp white.

The family-owned Pieropan vineyard is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Its striking contemporary facade merges seamlessly into the hillside. Visits and tasting experiences start at £26 per person.

And who knows, the Soave Wine Road may take you somewhere unexpected. When you are done with your sommelier training, you should visit the town’s imposing castle, which boasts spectacular views of the countryside.

If sparkling wine is your tipple of choice, don’t miss the Prosecco Road between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, near the charming city of Treviso.

How to get to Soave: A car is a good idea if you want to make the most of this area. If you don’t want to drive, many operators organise group trips, including with bikes and e-bikes, and buses run regularly from Verona, approximately 30 minutes away.

Climb medieval walls in Marostica

If thermal baths and wineries weren’t enough to convince you, there’s something else Veneto is rich in: historic fortified towns.

The region was of strategic importance during the Middle Ages, when local lords fought to expand their territories. As a result, fortresses were built around many points of interest, and over 30 remain preserved today.

Alongside my (gorgeous) hometown of Cittadella, Marostica is a local favourite. Walk the defensive walls that connect the upper and lower castles and take in the view from the top.

My favourite time to visit is winter, around Christmas, when the trees are covered in shiny frost, and the air feels crisp.

However, the annual cherry festival in spring and the living chess game on the town’s giant central chessboard in autumn are also good excuses to go.

Other fortified towns worth visiting are Montagnana, Castelfranco Veneto, Este, and Asolo.

How to get to Marostica: The closest railway stations are in Bassano del Grappa and Vicenza, where you can get on one of the regular bus services. But again, my recommendation would be to rent a car.

Eat pasta in Caorle’s seaside alleys

If you’re a fan of fish, the Veneto’s seaside town of Caorle should be on your list.

Spaghetti alla busara, moscardini in umido with polenta, and risotto ai canestrelli are only some of the local delicacies you can try.

Caorle is where I spent many childhood summers, and it holds a special place in my heart. The centre of the town used to be made up of three small islands joined together by four bridges.

Just like Venice, Caorle had no roads, only canals overlooked by fishermen’s houses. Now filled, the canals have become narrow streets of colourful houses, artisanal shops and many, many gelaterias.

Another hidden gem is Chioggia, often described as a ‘Venice dupe’.

But Chioggia is special in its own right. This small seaside town has a strong local identity, with many locals speaking Chioggiotto, a unique variant of the Venetian dialect.

How to get to Caorle: The best train stations to get to Caorle are San Donà di Piave, San Stino di Livenza, and Portogruaro. All are served by regular bus connections.

Soak in lake views from Malcesine

No trip to Italy would be complete without a touch of romance – and you’ll struggle to find somewhere with more of that than Lake Garda.

The lake’s shores are dotted with charming towns, like Peschiera del Garda, Lazis,e and Bardolino, popular not only for their beauty but also with those seeking hiking, cycling, or water sports.

However, if you’re dreaming of a more intimate escape, go to Malcesine.

Here, you can snuggle on the cableway to Monte Baldo – soaring to 5,774 feet – sip an espresso while gazing at the harbour, or share a freshly baked cake after wandering through the Saturday market.

If you crave something even more secluded, the lake of Misurina in the Dolomites offers breathtaking tranquillity outside of high season.

Nestled amid mountains, it’s perfect for easy trekking and soaking in alpine scenery without the crowds.

How to get to Malcesine: Getting to Malcesine is a bit trickier than other towns.

The ferry connects it to other lakeside destinations, while the nearest railway stations (Rovereto, Desenzano and Peschiera) are connected by bus services. For maximum freedom and flexibility, renting a car remains the best option.