English 
French 
German 
Italian 
Danish 
Although Veneto is famous for major cities like Venice and Verona, the region is also home to some beautiful towns you probably haven’t heard of before. Away from the busy tourist spots, these towns are perfect for a quiet holiday or could even be your new home if their atmosphere is what you’re looking for.
In this blog, I will share some of the hidden treasures of Veneto, where life moves a little slower, and the beauty of Italy feels more personal and genuine.
Key Takeaways
- Towns like Arquà Petrarca and Follina are known for their literary past and scenic vineyards.
- Valeggio sul Mincio and Soave stand out for their delicious local food, like the famous tortellini in Valeggio and world-class wines in Soave. These towns combine culinary delights with medieval architecture and serene views.
- San Pietro, located in the heart of Valpolicella, is known for its Amarone wine, while Cison di Valmarino offers picturesque vineyards and Prosecco Superiore.
- Many of these towns, such as Marano Vicentino and Valeggio sul Mincio offer a slower pace of life without the crowds found in major attractions.
Hidden Gems in Veneto: Underrated Towns for a Quiet Life in Italy (Image Source)
Arquà Petrarca
Located in the Euganean Hills, Arquà Petrarca is often called the “second-best town in Italy.” While it is famous as the final home of the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, its history goes back to the Stone Age and is still present today. The town stands proud of its literary past, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere reflecting the poet’s love for serenity.
A view of the Arquà Petrarca town (Image Source)
This scenic village is also known for its rustic charm and local specialities like Giuggiola, a unique type of jujube fruit used in jams and liqueurs.
Why Should You Visit This Town
- The Euganean Hills surround it, and it has many hiking and biking trails.
- It’s the perfect location to enjoy the locally produced Giuggiola products and fine wines.
- A small population ensures a welcoming community that is closely knitted together.
- You can visit historical places like Petrark’s house, the Oratory of the SS Trinity, and the Lodge of the Vicars.
- Visiting Costa Lake (surrounded by sunflowers) is an amazing experience that I would recommend to everyone.
Accommodation suggestion: Villa surrounded by nature near Padua and Venice
Valeggio sul Mincio
Valeggio sul Mincio is a small town brimming with romance and history. Surrounded by morainic hills, it is widely known as a “City of Art.” Known for its tortellini, the legendary “love knots” pasta, and the enchanting Borghetto sul Mincio (a medieval village on the bank of river Mincio), this town feels straight out of a fairytale!
Valeggio sul Mincio (Image Source)
Why Valeggio sul Mincio is a Hidden Gem
- Historical places like Sigurt Garden Park, Scaligeri Castle, and Visconti Bridge take you back to medieval times.
- You can enjoy musical and theatrical events that are happening throughout the year. As Christmas comes, you can visit the town to enjoy the traditional lighting of the Metasequoia trees.
- The peaceful town also has various wineries, like Corte Fornello and Casa Tione, where you can enjoy the tranquil environment while tasting fresh wine.
- The town is only an hour’s drive away from the famous Lake Garda, which makes it ideal for exploring one of Italy’s most famous lakes without staying in crowded areas.
- In the heart of the serene town, restaurants like Al Volto and AI Quattro Soldi serve authentic Tortellini pasta.
If you’re planning on visiting this town, I recommend staying in the Eden Hotel due to its proximity to all historical buildings and locations.
Follina
Tucked in the foothills of the Dolomites, Follina is another lovely town that welcomes visitors. It is a serene village famous for its twelfth-century Cistercian Abbey, surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views of the Venetian Prealps.
Cistercian Abbey in Folline (Image Source)
Follina is also a key stop on the Prosecco Trail, making it perfect for wine lovers. Recently, the road has also made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Why Follina is a Hidden Gem
- The peaceful town features the ancient Abbey of Santa Maria, a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture.
- As a wine lover, you will love the sparkling Prosecco from nearby wineries.
- For hiking lovers, there are many bike trails where you can peacefully ride bikes or horses or even do Nordic walking.
- The town is ideal for a quiet life with easy access to larger cities like Treviso.
For accommodation, I suggest Relais & Chateaux Villa Abbazia as it’s only a minute’s walk away from the Abbey of Santa Maria.
Soave
You might have heard of the famous Soave wine from this beautiful region of Veneto. While the wine is one reason for its popularity, Soave is also a peaceful destination for those interested in medieval architecture and historical castles. The narrow streets and historical architecture make it a treasure trove of Veneto’s rich past. The town’s vineyards and wineries also add to the city’s appearance.
Soave in Italy (Image Source)
Why Soave is a Hidden Gem
- The town offers a unique experience with premium Soave Classico wines at local wineries.
- You can visit Castello Scaligero Di Soave, the town’s highlight tourist attraction, without worrying about long queues.
- As it is located near the Lessini Mountains, you can go for a quick hike in the serene hills.
- The town offers peace and tranquillity while also being affordable for tourists.
If you are planning to visit this town, you should definitely check out the Hotel Roxy Plaza, which is near the famous Rocca Sveva winery and Soavecastle.
Marano Vicentino
Marano Vicentino offers the charm of rural life with the convenience of being close to Vicenza, another famous city in Veneto. Known for its crafts and agricultural heritage, this small town provides a glimpse into authentic Veneto living. The community spirit here is strong, with various local festivals celebrating traditions, food, and art. Plus, its proximity to the mountains makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Marano Vicentino (Image Source)
Why Marano Vicentino is a Hidden Gem
- The town’s local crafts and handmade goods are a great way to connect with their traditions.
- You can visit the Igreja Paroquial de Santa Maria Anunciada church to explore the unique architecture of the region.
- The nearby mountains provide the perfect spot for hiking and meditation.
For those planning to visit the town, it is recommended to stay in the Kristal hotel for easy access to all nearby landmarks.
Cison di Valmarino
Filled with Venetian villas and ancient crafts, Cison di Valmarino is a stunning village filled with greenery. Among visitors, the village is known for Castelbrando, an ancient castle offering panoramic views. The castle was also used as a Castrum in old Roman times and right now, it is a famous hotel in the region.
Hotel Castelbrando (Image Source)
Why Cison di Valmarino is a Hidden Gem
- The village comes under DOCG of the Prosecco Superiore wineries territory, where one of the best wines in the world is produced. That’s why these hilly regions are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- You can enjoy scenic hikes and cycling routes on the famous Via dell’Acqua route along the bank of Rujo Stream.
- Events like Stelle a Natale in December, where people install stalls for Christmas preparation, showcase the unity of the people.
- For arts, music, and theatre lovers, the Bosco Incantato Sulle vie Dell’acqua event in April is a must-go.
To enjoy the serenity of this town in pure luxury, you should book your place at the Castelbrando Hotel.
Pieve di Cadore
This is another village located in the heart of the Dolomites and is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance painter Tiziano Vecellio. To celebrate his artistic legacy, the village has many museums and galleries dedicated to his works and life. In addition to that, Pieve di Cadore is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, which makes it an excellent spot to ski, hike, and enjoy nature.
Pieve Di Cadore (Image Source)
Why Pieve di Cadore is a Hidden Gem
- Art and classic lovers can visit the Museo Casa Natale di Tiziano, a museum that was originally Titian’s house.
- You can go skiing in winter or hike through the Dolomites in summer.
- The cosy experience of alpine mountains brings peace to the soul with stunning views.
- Many iconic places like Vedorcia Balcony, Father Christmas’s House, and Roccolo Park can be enjoyed by any crowd.
Book your alpine retreat in Pieve di Cadore Hotel Belvedere, which is just a few minute’s walk away from major landmarks.
San Pietro in Cariano
Located in the heart of the Valpolicella region, San Pietro in Cariano is a haven for wine lovers. Out of over 400 wineries in the Valpolicella region, many famous ones are present in this town. This charming town offers scenic vineyards, historic villas, and a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxation. Additionally, the town’s location near Verona and Lake Garda makes it an excellent base for exploring Veneto’s treasures while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.
A panoramic view of the town (Image Source)
Why San Pietro in Cariano is a Hidden Gem
- When visiting this town, the main attraction is the Romanesque Pieve of San Floriano, which is a tenth-century Roman church.
- In addition to the tasty local cuisine, visitors can also enjoy a fresh Amarone wine-tasting experience.
- For those interested in Andrea Palladio’s architecture, the town offers a beautiful villa that is open to visitors.
When visiting this town, you should definitely stay at Hotel Valpolicella International for a peaceful experience.
Conclusion
We hope these hidden gems gave you the perfect inspiration you needed to visit some new destinations in a region that’s peaceful yet has a lot to offer visitors and those planning to relocate there.
Feel free to follow MagicTowns on Facebook for more stories, travel tips, and updates on Italy’s most attractive towns!
Sources
- Arquà Petrarca
- Francesco Petrarca
- Al Volto
- AI Quattro Soldi
- Prosecco Trail UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Rocca Sveva winery
- DOCG of the Prosecco Superiore wineries territory UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Via dell’Acqua route
- Bosco Incantato Sulle vie dell’acqua event
- Pieve di Cadore
- Museo Casa Natale di Tiziano Museum
- Andrea Palladio’s architecture
Was this helpful?
