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Top 9 Lakeside Villages in Veneto to Explore in 2025

Explore the top 9 lakeside villages in Veneto for 2025. Discover peaceful escapes, beautiful views, and charming spots by the water for your next trip.

Veneto isn’t just about big cities and famous sights – it’s also home to some of Italy’s most beautiful lakeside villages, that, despite their size, offer lovely views, calm surroundings, and a glimpse into local life.

During my trip to the region, I visited a bunch of these villages and picked out the ones that felt the most relaxing and authentic. So, if you’re after a calm getaway with great views, good food, and a slower pace of life, keep reading to find out which villages are worth visiting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Veneto is home to several lakes and lakeside villages, with the most popular ones being near Verona and Vicenza.
  • The most noteworthy highlight of these areas is their cultural background, scenic views, boating activities, and cuisine.
  • You can reach most of these destinations via busses, or train, though you may need to use a car to get to a few isolated villages like Misurina and Alleghe.

Malcesine

A wide-angle view of malcesine in italy, covering the harbor and nearby houses.

Malcesine near Lake Garda, Italy (Image Source)

  • Location: Lake Garda

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Malcesine is the largest lakeside village in the area. Its alpine background truly makes it stand out, and you can see the mountains, including Monte Baldo, in their full glory.

The village is only a few hours away from major cities like Verona and Venice, making it an easy escape for a day or a weekend away.

For accommodation, I recommend checking out Aurora and Dolomiti. And if you’re a fan of seafood, I suggest you visit the Ristorante Al Bacio to get a taste of it!

Peschiera del Garda

  • Location: Lake Garda

For easier access from Venice, Verona, or Milan, but also to experience its beauty, the Peschiera del Garda is at the top of my recommendation list. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from Verona, and the routes are safe and secure.

As for the village itself, it’s a walled town, so you’ll see the fortified structure from almost anywhere when you’re inside. There are more shops and functional ferries here than any lakeside hub at Lake Garda, and they are affordable, too.

I stayed at Hotel Garden, which I wholeheartedly recommend. It was extremely comfy, clean, reachable, and had a friendly staff.

Bardolino

  • Location: Lake Garda

For tourists and expats looking for festivities and other outdoor activities at their preferred lakeside villages in Veneto, Bardolino has you covered. It’s almost an hour-long drive from Verona, and the ferry/car trips from here offer an experience of their own. 

During my visit in October, I joined the Grape and Wine Festival, which had a ton of visitors from all over the globe. Not only were the event’s treats and foods delectable but the parades and concerts lit up the entire town. Despite being fairly small, Bardolino’s population is higher than both Peschiera del Garda and Malcesine, so it can get a bit crowded here.

Arcugnano

Arcugnano's signature bridge over the fimon lake in italy.

Arcugnano near Lake Fimon, Italy (Image Source)

  • Location: Lake Fimon

Arcugnano is a relatively large town near the A4 highway just outside of Vicenza. As the originator of the oldest filled pasta in Italy, you can imagine how much care they put into their cuisine. And, while there’s not as much to do besides taking long walks from the lake and enjoying the beauty, it’s worth visiting for the views and, of course, the food!

I stayed at Villa Jasmine, which had a fantastic breakfast and food gallery, including continental, western, Asian, and even gluten-free options. Outside the hotel, there were many restaurants with even more variety in taste and pricing. My favourites were definitely the Locanda Trentin and Trattoria Zamboni because of their unbelievable bakery and entree items. For these dining experiences alone, Arcugnano takes the top spot in terms of delicacies.

Valstagna

  • Location: Brenta River

Tucked between mountains as far as the eye can see, Valstagna is a must-visit spot along the Brenta River. If you’re coming from Vicenza, I recommend taking the train to Cismon del Grappa and covering the rest of the journey by car. The route itself is scenic and sets the tone for what’s to come.

One of the highlights of Valstagna is Grotto di Oliero, which is perfect for a day trip. You can enjoy picnics, boat rides, and even explore the caves for a closer look at the area’s natural beauty. Valstagna has it all because it incorporates the beauty of its surrounding mountains with that of the Brenta River. 

Arsiè

  • Location: Lake Corlo

Although slightly smaller than Valstagna, Arsiè is a must-see lakeside village near Belluno. It’s roughly a 45-minute journey if you follow the SS51 route via car.

Once you reach the town, the main things to do are definitely go for a canoe ride or fishing along the lake. Since it’s not as populated as Lake Garda, you won’t need to worry about any type of crowdiness or pollution. 

The apartments here were affordable and well-kept. I stayed at Zimmer ‘Camera Rotonda’ because it advertised a mountain view, and it definitely did not disappoint!

Chioggia

A bird's-eye view of chioggia in italy.

Chioggia near the Venetian Lagoon, Italy (Image Source)

  • Location: Venetian Lagoon

Though not technically a lakeside village since it’s close to a lagoon, Chioggia offers scenery and activities for one. The roads are well-connected, making it arguably the most accessible area for tourists and expats staying in Venice. 

Moving on to accommodation, if you plan on staying there longer, my personal go-to hotel suggestion is the Domus Clugiae, simply because of its affordability. It’s better to start your day as early as possible in Chioggia, so once you’re done with breakfast, you can head outside and see the beautiful canals, colourful buildings, and clean ports. 

After that, you can go on a Canal Boat tour or visit the hundreds of shops along the coast.

In essence, Chioggia offers most of the experience of Venice but without the population and with more of the natural environment. 

Misurina

  • Location: Lake Misurina

When you hear the name “the Pearl of the Dolomites,” you can imagine how grand the town of Misurina can be. To get there, get the train to Cortina d’Ampezzo and cover the remainder of the path via car. 

The town is surrounded by evergreen mountains and crystal-clear water, and, in some cases, the scenic views rival the best of Italy. This place is undoubtedly a gem; however, it is slightly pricey. The hotels, inns, and apartments are comparatively more experienced, so I advise visiting Misurina only if you’re not on a budget.

Other than that, the accommodations were highly polished. The coffee served at restaurants and at the hotel I stayed in, Olimipia, was probably the best I’ve tested in Europe.

If you’re wondering about things to do, you can take day trips to the Dolomites and various lagoons.

Alleghe

The coastal area of alleghe in italy.

Alleghe near Lake Alleghe, Italy (Image Source)

  • Location: Lake Alleghe

Similar to Misurina, Alleghe is situated in the Dolomites, but this time, it’s close to Lake Alleghe. Comparatively, this town is slightly larger, has more infrastructure and cafes, and is significantly more affordable.

If you’re planning a longer stay, Alleghe is a great choice. While the views may not be as dramatic as Misurina’s, they’re still beautiful, and there’s plenty to do. Depending on the season, you can go skiing in winter or hiking in summer, making it a year-round destination.

I travelled to Alleghe directly from Misurina, and the ride itself was a scenic experience. Just keep in mind that it’s more remote and takes almost double the travel time from Venice or Cortina d’Ampezzo.

One thing to watch out for is that I had an issue with a driver overcharging me for the ride from Misurina, and a friend of mine had a similar experience. So, it’s worth staying alert and double-checking the price before starting your trip.

Summary

That wraps up my complete guide on the most incredible lakeside villages in Veneto. For natural beauty that stays untapped and away from the majority population, these destinations pack the experience you’re looking for. From boating trips to hiking in the mountainous ranges accompanying them, they have it all. 

Overall, the ideal place for you really depends on your budget and what you prioritize—access, scenery, hotspots, or something else. Although I can’t pinpoint a village I objectively loved the most, I can say that each area had something unique to offer, which encouraged me to visit it again.

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Sindi Topi

Sindi Topi is a travel expert, Internet personality and experienced relocation consultant. She is well known for her social media presence and sharp local insights.

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