As incredible as a spring trip to Italy might sound, figuring out where exactly you want to go and what to do during your time there is nothing short of a logistical nightmare.
That’s why indecisive travelers like me are leaning more and more on the preferences of their peers since bigger trends always bring into light places that are most definitely worth seeing.
For example, Veneto, a gorgeous Italian region broke its all-time tourism record, having welcomed over 21.1 million visitors in 2023 alone (this is a 16.1% increase from 2022 and a 4.3% jump from the pre-pandemic record set in 2029).
Seeing these numbers, it’s impossible not to ask – why are so many people flocking to Veneto, and, more importantly, should you visit it, too?
The Epitome Of Classic Italian Beauty
If you’ve never been to Italy, visiting one of the many gorgeous cities in Veneto is the perfect way to get introduced to the country’s unparalleled beauty and iconic culture.
At the heart of the region lies its famous capital, Venice, which is one of those places so coveted and widely talked about that it needs no introduction.
You probably already know everything about the winding canals, the dreamy gondola rides, and the classically Italian buildings that perfectly complement the rest of the scenery. Even though mass tourism has started to dampen the overall Venetian experience, I’d still say that Venice remains on the “places travelers must visit at least once in their lives” list.
However, if you want to avoid overpriced restaurants, inauthentic experiences, and overcrowded piazzas at all costs, you’ll be happy to learn that Veneto has a lot more to offer beyond its iconic capital.
Exploring Veneto Beyond Venice
Most travelers underestimate just how interesting and visit-worthy Italy is beyond its biggest hotspots, and Veneto is the perfect example.
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a Shakespeare fan, or just a curious traveler looking for that next cool spot to discover, a trip to Verona should definitely be on the books.
The city of the most famous love story on Earth (that of Romeo and Juliet) is also a place where you can explore an ancient amphitheater, go people-watching in charming piazzas, and experience Italian street markets in their most authentic form.
Other gorgeous destinations to add to your Veneto itinerary include Padua, Treviso (which, like Venice, is also home to some picturesque canals and Renaissance pieces), and the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomite Mountains.
Plenty To Do Year Round
From the iconic frescoes of Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel to the ancient ruins of Aquileia, Veneto is what I’d describe as a living museum of history and artistry, so sightseers, this is your haven.
With that said, seeing pretty views and perspective-changing pieces isn’t the only thing you’ll get to do in the region – though that alone sounds pretty great to me!
The famous Venice Carnival, which is the main event travelers fly to Veneto for, has unfortunately ended this year since it usually takes place in February; however, it’s never too early to start planning for 2025!
What’s more, you still have the Verona Opera Festival to look forward to.
Concerts will be held in the famous Verona Arena starting June 7th.
If you’re set on visiting Venice, though, you can always attend Festa della Sensa, an event filled with parades, celebrations, and great food that’ll take place on May 12th.
One Of The Best Value Destinations In All Of Italy
Even though, according to livingcost.org, prices across Veneto are slightly higher than the national average (8%, to be exact), most cities that lie within its limits are still considered great-value destinations because there’s a lot they offer in return.
The same database has found Veneto to be the fourth best region in Italy in terms of quality of life, which, while more of a metric to evaluate a place’s liveability, is still based on a lot of criteria that matter to short-term visitors, too, including safety, environmental quality, healthcare access, and infrastructure.
And believe me, going someplace where you feel comfortable, at ease, able to turn to a healthcare professional when something doesn’t feel right, and where public transportation is so convenient and cheap you don’t need a rental is always worth paying a bit extra.
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