Top Day Trips to Explore Near Venice

Venice is a captivating city that offers plenty of attractions and experiences to immerse yourself in for several days. Nevertheless, if you find yourself craving a change of scenery, the Veneto region is home to numerous remarkable destinations that are easily accessible for exciting day trips. From stunning islands to lively towns, the options are plentiful.

Venice’s Top Islands

The islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are ideal for day trips from Venice. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, while Burano enchants visitors with its colorful canals and is renowned for lace making. Torcello, a tranquil oasis, features Byzantine mosaics in the ancient 7th-century Cathedral.

• Getting There: From Fondamenta Nove, take Vaporetto Number 41 or 42 to Murano, or Number 12 to Burano and Torcello.

Venice Lido

Venice Lido is a beautiful strip of land off the coast of Venice, offering beaches, shopping, and nightlife. It serves as a refreshing escape from the tourist bustle, particularly around Piazza San Marco. Additionally, the Venice Film Festival occurs here every September, making it a vibrant destination year-round.

• Getting to the Lido: Take Vaporetto Number 1 from Piazza San Marco, with services from other parts of Venice as well.

Venetian Villas on the Brenta Riviera

The Brenta Canal, linking Venice and Padua, is adorned with stunning ancient villas, many designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. While most can only be admired from the outside, select gardens have been opened to the public, and a few villas welcome visitors.

• Getting There: Buses run from Venice (Piazzale Roma) to Padua, stopping at Mira or Stra, but the best way to explore is by boat or car.

Padua

Located east of Venice, Padua (Padova) is a historic walled city featuring Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, the iconic Basilica di Sant’Antonio, and Scrovegni Chapel frescoes painted by Giotto. The city invites exploration with a pleasant walk through its intriguing historic center.

• Getting to Padua: Trains from Venice to Padova take approximately thirty minutes and run frequently.

Treviso

Treviso is a charming medieval town located north of Venice, characterized by its picturesque canals and inviting alleyways. The remnants of defensive walls and town gates create a sense of history. The town center, a short stroll from the train station, is perfect for leisurely exploration or enjoying a drink in a cafe.

• Getting There: Trains from Venice to Treviso take about thirty minutes and operate frequently.

Chioggia

Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice,” is a picturesque fishing port situated in the Venetian lagoon. Its main street, bustling with cafes and restaurants, leads down to the vibrant port. The town is home to a lively morning seafood market, the clock tower museum, and the Museum of the South Lagoon, making it ideal for summer day trips from Venice.

• Getting to Chioggia: In summer, a direct tourist boat operates from Saint Mark’s Square to Chioggia. Otherwise, vaporetti or train services may take around two hours.

Vicenza

Vicenza distinguished itself as a prominent city from the 15th to the 18th centuries. This city is known for being the birthplace of the famous Renaissance architect Palladio, who designed numerous buildings here, including the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, which houses the Palladio museum. The Basilica Palladiana is widely regarded as Palladio’s masterpiece, while nearby villas beckon for exploration by car.

• Getting to Vicenza: Trains from Venice to Vicenza take about forty-five minutes and are available frequently.

Verona

Often referred to as the Florence of the North, Verona is celebrated for the house and balcony that are famously linked to Juliet from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” This enchanting city is home to a 2,000-year-old Roman Arena, where magnificent summer opera performances take place, as well as a stunning Roman bridge and a lively market square that once served as the Roman Forum. Because of its remarkable attractions, Verona is among Italy’s most visited cities.

• Getting There: Trains from Venice to Verona take between sixty and ninety minutes.

Bassano del Grappa

Bassano del Grappa is a charming medieval town situated beneath Monte Grappa along the Brenta River. Known for its iconic Alpine wooden bridge, local grappa, and ceramics, it provides a delightful base to explore the nearby Venetian villas, castles, and attractions within the picturesque Veneto region.

• Getting There: Trains from Venice to Bassano del Grappa take approximately ninety minutes.

For more insights on Venetian experiences, check out The Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy.

Original article by Martha Bakerjian.