6 most beautiful villages in Veneto
Last updated on December 21st, 2025.
When most people think of the region of Veneto, the one destination that comes to mind is always Venice.
And I get it. Veneto’s capital city, Venice, is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places to see in Italy.
But, I’m here to entice you away from Venice to visit some of the most beautiful villages in Veneto.
Ideal for off-the-beaten-track travel, these beautiful towns in Veneto are authentic and utterly charming. Join me on this tour and discover another side to the picturesque region.
The capital is Venice
Venice is usually one of the top 5 visitor choices when it comes to planning a trip to Italy.
The island city is home to landmarks like the exquisite Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco.
Explore the city by gondola, water taxi or on the vaporetto (water bus). To put it simply, Venice is nothing short of a traveler’s dream.
A brief introduction to Veneto
The region of Veneto is located in the north-east of the country. Alongside Venice, other major cities include Verona, Padova, Vicenza, Treviso and Bolzano.
Veneto shares part of the gorgeous Lake Garda alongside Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. A region that marries nature, history and a mouthwatering cuisine, Veneto is more than a one-city stop.
My father-in-law fondly calls Veneto the ‘open-air museum of Italy’ and he’s not wrong. Beyond the noise of the busy cities, the Veneto countryside is filled with grandiose villas like Villa Rotonda, castles and endless green scenery.
All of the following small villages and towns in Veneto hold the title of ‘most beautiful borghi in Italy’.
These are towns characterized by its commercial economy or by its agricultural periphery. A borgo can also be described as an expansion of a city outside of its circuit of walls.
6 most beautiful villages in Veneto
1. Arquà Petrarca
We start our tour of the most beautiful villages in Veneto in the medieval village of Arquà Petrarca.
The village is located on the slopes of Monte Ventolone and Monte Castello in the region of Padova. Surrounded by the Colli Euganei (Euganean Hills), Arquà Petrarca is a spectacular sight from within and from afar.
Named after Tuscan-born poet and scholar, Francesco Petrarca, the village makes an ideal day, or half-day trip.
Step inside his last home
The poet spent the latter years of his life at the exquisite Casa del Petrarca. Its outdoor walls give nothing away to the splendor that awaits inside.
The building dates to the 13th century, with many of its original features still present today. Its most exquisite room in the Central Room, with an eye-catching ceiling and a decorated frieze.
There were no lines to visit Casa Petrarca, and it’s an attraction where you can easily take photos — and uninterrupted.
Casa del Petrarca, Via Valleselle, 4, Arquà Petrarca
Other noteworthy attractions to see include the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, outside of which is Petrarca’s tomb.
Spend a few hours in Arquà Petrarca, enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza San Marco and revel in the pretty atmosphere.
How to reach Arquà Petrarca
If coming from Venice, the quickest route takes around 53 minutes (by car) to reach Arquà Petrarca. This might sound long, but you can double up your trip by seeing nearby places in the area. The town of Monselice and the jaw-dropping Castello del Catajo are both a short drive away.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Venice to Padova, which takes around 26 minutes. From here, you’ll need to hire a car as there’s no public transport that’ll take you directly to Arquà Petrarca.
Where to stay in Arquà Petrarca
If the thought of traveling back to Venice doesn’t appeal, Arquà Petrarca has several charming accommodations. A few of my personal favorites include:
- Locanda Viridarium, Via Fontanelle, 5: good location and beautiful modern rooms
- Alloggio Franciscus, Via Valleselle, 20: rustic B&B in the center of the village
- Casa Zorzi, Via Jacopo da Arquà, 23: charming apartments in a historical stone home
2. Asolo
Setting foot inside the picturesque town of Asolo is like being transported to a bygone era. One of the most beautiful villages in Veneto, Italian poet Giosué Carducci called Asolo ‘the city of hundred horizons’.
A town that has inspired literary greats like Robert Browning and Freya Stark, Asolo’s charm is indescribable.
Get to the top
If you like your views unspoiled, mark down Rocca di Asolo as the first place on your list. A bit of a walk from the center — which at times can be challenging — the fortification sits 310m above ground.
The Rocca di Asolo was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and served as a garrison for the town. Its height was a great advantage and came to be a vital part of Asolo’s defense strategy.
From the top, enjoy the views of the historic center of Asolo and the wider region of Veneto. During our visit, we spotted the peaks of the Dolomites and the tiny outline of Venice to the north.
Rocca di Asolo, Via Rocca, Asolo
The only castle in the village
Castello della regina Cornaro is another important symbol of the city. Asolo’s imposing castle dates to the 10th century and its city grounds are free to enter.
It’s named after Queen Regina Cornaro. Queen of Cyprus, Jerusalem and Armenia, she lived in the castle from 1489 until 1510.
There’s a small entry fee of €3 ($3.40/£2.50) to enter the castle’s bell tower. It’s open on the weekend from 10am to 5pm.*
Castello della regina Cornaro, Via Sottocastello, Asolo
When hunger (and thirst) strikes in Asolo, dining options are aplenty and very good. We had lunch at Due Mori, which is just by the castle.
Fresh, authentic and seasonal, it’s exactly the kind of meal to top off your visit to Asolo. The town is also prosecco country, meaning it’d be rude not to sample a glass of Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Due Mori, Piazza Gabriele D’Annunzio, 5, Asolo
How to reach Asolo
The simplest way to arrive in Asolo is by car. Many enclosed villages across Italy are inaccessible by public transport and often difficult to reach.
To visit Asolo from Venice by train, it involves 1 train change, a bus ride and a 22-minute walk. In comparison, by car, the journey takes around 1hr 15mins, making it more straightforward.
Where to sleep in Asolo
On your way to the Rocca di Asolo, you’ll pass a gorgeous two-tone building called Albergo al Sole. The 5-star hotel has spacious rooms and a pretty terrace bar and restaurant.
Albergo al Sole, Via Collegio, 33, Asolo
For a villa experience in Asolo, consider booking at the fabulous Hotel Villa Cipriani. The accommodation has 28 rooms and suites, with a choice of a garden or a valley view.
Hotel Villa Cipriani, Via Canova, 298, Asolo
Map: most beautiful villages and towns in Veneto
3. Castelfranco Veneto
Tucked away in the province of Treviso is the beautiful town of Castelfranco Veneto. One of the best preserved castle walls in Italy, it’s a fascinating small town in Veneto to explore.
Its most famous resident was the Italian painter Giorgione. He belonged to the Venetian school during the Renaissance period but sadly passed away in his thirties.
Today, his home — like in Arquà Petrarca — has been transformed into a museum. Unlike Arquà Petrarca, however, Museo Casa Giorgione contains little about the man himself. This isn’t surprising, as Giorgione was considered somewhat of a mysterious figure in the European art world.
Museo Casa Giorgione regularly hosts art exhibitions and is an absolute must for art lovers everywhere.
Museo Casa Giorgione, Piazza S. Liberale, Castelfranco Veneto
Step inside its cathedral
Not long after walking through the arches of the castle, you’ll come by the main church in Castelfranco Veneto. Its full title is the Parrocchia del Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta e San Liberale.
If that’s too much of a mouthful to remember, fear not. Most locals know it by its much simpler name, Duomo di Castelfranco Veneto (Cathedral of Castelfranco Veneto).
The current cathedral building that stands today dates to the 18th century. In order to build it, the former church, Chiesa della Santa Maria Assunta, had to be destroyed.
Its most renowned feature is Giorgione’s altarpiece that was designed in the 16th century. The church organizes guided tours to learn more about the altar if it interests you. Times and dates vary according to the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you visit.
Parrocchia del Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta e San Liberale, Vicolo del Cristo, 14, Castelfranco Veneto
It won’t take more than 2 hours to see the entirety of the center of Castelfranco Veneto. In fact, it probably takes longer to walk the entire circumference of the castle walls.
Visit Museo Casa Giorgione, enter the Duomo, pass through the clock tower and stroll through the gardens. A pretty small town to see in Veneto, it’s no surprise why it’s considered one of Italy’s most beautiful.
How to reach Castelfranco Veneto
There are 2 ways to get to Castelfranco Veneto from Venice. One is by car, which takes approximately 56 minutes. The other is by train from Venezia Santa Lucia station that takes you directly to Castelfranco Veneto. It’s around a 57-minute train ride, during which you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Padova is a little closer to Castelfranco Veneto, at around 45 minutes by car and 37 minutes by train.
Where to stay in Castelfranco Veneto
Located in the heart of Castelfranco Veneto, Hotel Alla Torre is a former residence turned hotel. Just 3 minutes’ walk to the Duomo, the hotel has spacious rooms, modern furnishings and a gym on site.
Hotel Alla Torre, Piazza Trento e Trieste, 7, Castelfranco Veneto
Minutes away from the main piazza is Albergo Al Moretto Di Luciana Rigato & C. (S.A.S.). This 4-star hotel housed in a 17th century building offers first-class hospitality, traditional decor and serves homemade cakes for breakfast.
Albergo Al Moretto Di Luciana Rigato & C. (S.A.S.), Via S. Pio X, 10, Castelfranco Veneto
4. Cittadella
While you can admire the castle walls in Castelfranco Veneto, you can walk in them in the town of Cittadella.
Located in the province of Padova, the walls are one of the best-kept examples of medieval military architecture.
Truly the highlight of Cittadella, the walls offer the chance to walk in history, surrounded by the Venetian countryside.
Up close, it’s not possible to understand the magnitude of the city’s walls. But, step onto the walkway and you begin to see its scale and magnificence.
An almost perfect circle, it measures 15m high and is more than 1.5km in length. Our entire visit lasted 50 minutes. Within the complex are exhibitions that detail life in medieval Cittadella.
Built in 1220, the walls were designed to defend the northernmost part of its territory that bordered with Treviso.
More to see
There are 2 gates where you can begin your climb to walk Cittadella’s walls. Bassano Gate is situated at the northern end, while Padova Gate is towards the south.
Within the Bassano Gate is the home where the captain lived. Today, it’s used as Cittadella’s tourist office.
Opposite the Padova Gate at the other end is the Chiesa del Torresino (Torresino church). Rather than being used for its intended purposes, the church is used as an exhibition space. It’s only open to visitors when an exhibition is on, or if a prior booking has been made.
Chiesa del Torresino, Via Garibaldi, 54, Cittadella
The final notable landmark at this end of Cittadella is the Torre di Malta. A space that was once used as a prison, its reputation was notorious among many at the time.
Thankfully today, the space is now used as the town’s archaeological museum. Examine archaeological artefacts from Cittadella from the Bronze Age all the way to the Renaissance period.
Torre di Malta, Stradella del Cristo, 31, Cittadella
A pretty piazza in Cittadella
When the sun beams down upon Cittadella, the town’s principal square, Piazza Pierobon, becomes even more luminous.
As you enter the piazza, to your left is the striking Duomo di Cittadella. For a town as small as Cittadella, the neo-classical church makes a grand impression.
Inside are paintings by significant artists of the time such as Jacopo Bassano, Lattanzio Quarena and Sebastiano Santi.
Duomo di Cittadella, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 5, Cittadella
A center of art and culture
Piazza Pierobon is also home to historic buildings, Palazzo Pretorio and the Teatro Sociale. The former was the ancient seat of power, whose construction pre-dates the city walls.
Frescoes adorn the walls of Palazzo Pretorio, and the space is primarily used to host exhibitions. Just around the corner is the Teatro Sociale, the town’s performing arts theater. Dating to the early 19th century, the neoclassical building is still in good standing.
Palazzo Pretorio, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 30, Cittadella
The interior of the theater is decorated with delightful frescoes of flowers, cupids and mystical figures.
It was the handiwork of set designer and painter, Francesco Bagnara. Along with the Teatro Sociale, he also worked his magic on the Teatro La Fenice in Venice.
Teatro Sociale, Via Indipendenza, 19, Cittadella
How to reach Cittadella
We arrived in Cittadella after our visit to Castelfranco Veneto, a drive that took less than 20 minutes.
Because of its close proximity, I highly recommend following in our footsteps and making it a 2-in-1 day trip. Venice is around 1 hour away by car, or a 1hr 35-min ride by train and bus.
From Padova, the drive takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Cittadella. By train, you can expect a ride time of 54 minutes.
Where to stay in Cittadella
There’s only one hotel if you want to stay within the city walls in Cittadella, and that’s B&B Cittabella.
An inviting B&B, it’s just 200m from the Duomo. Colorful rooms and complimentary WiFi, there’s no better location for a place to stay in Cittadella.
B&B Cittabella, Piazza Gino Scalco, 12, Cittadella
5. Este
A beautiful town in Veneto, Este impresses you on arrival. The castle walls of Castello Carrese are visible long before you approach the center.
They envelop the large castle grounds, within which is a Renaisance-style garden. Open to the public, it’s by far one of the best things — and free — to do in Este.
The 14th century castle is an impressive sight, especially as it was destroyed several times in battle. Today, the former palace building houses the Atestino Museum.
Castello Carrarese, Via G. Negri, 9, Este
Explore Este’s piazza
Like Bologna, Este too has its own Piazza Maggiore — just slightly smaller than its counterpart in Emilia Romagna.
Filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, the piazza’s a popular meeting point for many locals. It’s also home to the 17th century town hall building which has an impressive loggia (portico).
While here, follow our lead by having breakfast at Salotto 38. With seating indoors or out, they’ve a good selection of homemade brioche and very decent coffee. There wasn't any fancy latte art like I found in New York City but it was delicious nonetheless.
Salotto 38, Piazza Maggiore, 5, Este
One landmark you can’t miss in Este is the Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia (civic tower of the old gate). Dating to the end of the 17th century, it stands on the site of the previous gate.
A magnificent clock face that entices you the second you lay eyes on it, prepare to take plenty of photos.
Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia, Via Porta Vecchia, Este
How to get to Este
Like with Castelfranco Veneto and Cittadella, Este and Montagnana (below) makes an ideal 2-in-1 day trip.
By car from Venice, it takes around 1 hour to reach Este. By train, it’s approximately 1hr 16 min from Venice. It involves 1 train change at Monselice and a 10-minute walk from Este station.
6. Montagnana
There’s no mistaking you’re entering the center of Montagnana. The grand archways signal the entrance (and exit) points to the small town in Veneto.
Four ‘doors’ in total, you may enter through Porta Padova, Porta Vicenza, Porta Legnago or Porta XX Settembre. It doesn’t matter which one you pass through. Eventually, you’ll find your way to the heart of Montagnana, Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele.
The large piazza is the beating heart of the small town in Veneto. It’s home to the 15th century Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, a church built in Renaissance and Gothic architectural style.
An unusual feature about the Duomo is its bell tower. Unlike other cathedrals across Italy, this one’s detached from the main building. Instead, you’ll find it next to Porta Vicenza.
Duomo di Montagnana, Via S. Giovanni, 6, Montagnana
More in the piazza
Within the square, and around Montagnana, are several palaces, but not quite like you’d imagine.
One such example is Palazzo Valeri. With emerald green shutters, iconic Venetian chimney spires and iron terraces, the former palace is now home to a bank.
Another ‘palace’ in Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele is the Palazzo della Cassa di Risparmio. However, unlike Palazzo Valeri, this palace isn’t what it seems.
Built in 1924 after a fire, they rebuilt it in a medieval style to recreate the previous look and feel.
How to reach Montagnana
It takes over an hour, by car, to reach Montagnana from Venice. The other option is the train from Venezia Santa Lucia station that goes directly to Montagnana. The journey time is approximately 1hr 34 mins.
Where to stay in Montagnana
If you’re thinking about extending your trip in Montagnana, the town has several comfortable choices.
The wonderfully named, Per la Dolce Vita, is centrally located, offering comfortable suites and complimentary WiFi.
Per la Dolce Vita, Via Circonvallazione, 28, Montagnana
B&B La Villa di Montagnana is just a few steps from the historic center. Offering modern rooms and generous size Italian breakfasts, you’ve everything you need for a comfortable stay.
B&B La Villa di Montagnana, Via Alberi, 45, Montagnana
Final words
I hope you’ve enjoyed this round-up post of the most beautiful villages and towns in Veneto. A region where Venice isn’t the only gem, consider adding some of these spots to your own Italy itinerary.
Which of these beautiful villages and towns in Veneto would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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You Might Also Like
What are the most beautiful villages and towns in Veneto, Italy?
1. Arquà Petrarca
2. Asolo
3. Castelfranco Veneto
4. Cittadella
5. Este
6. Montagnana
Wow! This place is charming. Happy to know that there are several accommodations available. Will take your advice and make sure to visit Rocca di Asolo.
I'm happy to read that!
I've only been to Venice, and I haven't seen any other places in Veneto yet. Your article convinced me that it is worth coming back there to see charming villages. I would like to see Arquà Petrarca and Asolo. The views from the top of Rocca di Asolo are breathtaking. The Duomo di Castelfranco Veneto is also impressive.The walls in Cittadella look fabulous as well. It's a great guide to Vento.
Thank you Agnes! I'm trying my best to promote the lesser known places here 🙂
Such beautiful buildings to explore, I would love to visit and experience the culture first hand
I promise you will love it!
The villages in Veneto are extraordinarily beautiful.The aerial views from the Rocco di a solo and the Citadella walls is amazing.And the architecture of Palazzo Valero is breathtakingly beautiful with the spires and the painted arches.
We have a wonderful region to explore here 🙂
This is such a fantastic guide for those who want to visit Veneto! I live in India and I’ve been wanting to take a trip back when the weather cools down. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Shreya, I'm glad you're considering on visiting
I would love to explore ethe streets of the medieval village of Arquà Petrarca. The view from the top of the Rocca di Asolo is incredible. This is the first I have seen chairs like in the Duomo di Castelfranco Veneto, I wonder if that was COVID related. Thanks all this information, another area for me to check out
Yes, our churches are like this since the pandemic. I'm happy to introduce you here 🙂
Pity that when I visited Venice, I only had a day to spare and rushed through the city. I would have really enjoyed lingering for several days to explore these beautiful villages in Veneto! I especially love the sweeping views from Rocca di Asolo, and the circular walls in tact at Castelfranco Veneto. And I shutter to think about what went on at the prison space of Cittadella is the Torre di Malta... When I return to Italy, I would like to explore these lovely towns for myself. Next time, it's slow travel through Veneto for me!
I'm so happy to read that Jackie! Slow travel is perfect in Veneto and I promise these places won't be overrun with tourists like Venice 😀
I do love Italy, there are so many places which are rich in architecture and culture. Out of these list of places to visit, I would love to go to Casa del Petrarca to see it in person
That's a great choice! So charming and in amazing condition
Great choice! It's an amazing attraction
We've been to Venice before, and although I'd love to go back, I would also love to explore further out. And Veneto sounds and looks like such a lovely place x
It's a lovely region with much more to see than just Venice 🙂
What a beautiful place to visit and take a lot of photos! All your photos are amazingly beautiful. I wish to visit there someday, too!
Thank you! I hope you visit too 🙂
I wish I could go on trips now. My hubby and I need a vacation.
I hope you do
I could easily get lost in that village. The side streets and stone paths...what a dreamy sight! I wish I could snap my fingers and be instantly transported there.
You will love it! The region has much to offer
Amazing ideas, these villages are so pretty. Love the views in Cittadella..
Thank you! Cittadella is a stunning village 😀
Fascinating visuals. I have been to Venice but could not explore Veneto extensively in that visit.
Very! Many people don't venture out but it's so worth it!
I would absolutely love to visit Veneto one day. I love the architecture. It's beautiful!
Very you must visit!
I have 3 children who are desperate to go to Italy. They have seen so many photos and it really appeals to them, I vest start saving!
Aw I hope you can all visit one day, I'm sure they'll love it!
I've never been to Veneto, I am speachless. I would love to explore all the villages there, that would be amazing...
You will definitely be wowed by our villages!
We would definitely want to visit the Veneto region and explore some of these great small villages. It might be fine to do day trips from Venice. But it looks like it would be better to rent a car and explore the small villages. And find charming local spots to stay. The views from above Asolo provide such a great view of the area. And we would certainly want to all the walls in Castelfranco Veneto. Definitely some great small village gems in the Veneto region to plan when we next get back.
I'm happy to read that! I know you will both enjoy exploring this region, there's plenty to see!
These villages are so gorgeous! I'd love to visit one day.
They are!
The only city I've been to in Italy is Rome since I did a cruise to/from there with my mom 15 years ago. I'd love to go back one day and bring my family. We always enjoy going away from the touristy things, so finding these villages would be perfect for us.
I hope you do come back and see these villages and towns here, there's more to see!
Wow! Beautiful! That is exactly why I got motivated to start learning Italian. Un giorno visiterò l'Italia!
Bene, devi vistarci un giorno 🙂
I do have a love for Itay, and would love to travel and explore various parts of the counry, the villages here look so lovely
You must, there's more to see here than the usual places
Venito looks like a nice place to chill and relax. Seems like the food culture is rich and enticing. Thank you for sharing your travel experiences
The region is more than Venice 🙂 It's my pleasure
Thank you for sharing! The pictures make my heart ache I would love to be there now.
It's a really beautiful region here 🙂
It is very nice to see on a foreign blog, I am Italian, talk about the Veneto. It is a very beautiful region that culturally, in addition to Venice, has a lot to offer. However, it is snubbed by Italians, let alone by foreign tourism. Even I found a lot of useful information in your article. Thanks!
I'm happy to read that Cristina. Living here, I really appreciate its beauty 🙂
You introduced me to towns in Italy that I have never heard before with your post. So many beautiful villages and towns in Veneto, but my favorite is Arqua Petrarca. I also like the look of that tortelloni at Du Morie. it looks really delicious.
It's one of my favourites too! So pretty, charming and really worth seeing
To be honest these villages throughout all of Veneto all sound intriguing to me. I mean the views from the top of the Rocca di Asolo alone would make me want to explore that village/town for sure. Though Citadella looks more intriguing as a whole to me. May it is just because of your pictures but walking Cittadella's city walls seems to showcase more color.
Cittadella is fascinating and I wish I had a drone to be able to take the entire aerial view!
Very nice ideas for less-touristy places to visit in Veneto. Acutally, Asolo and Este have been on my radar for quite a while now. We are just back from a three week trip in Tuscany and already decided that the next Italy trip will be Veneto!
So happy to read that Natascha! You will be charmed by them I promise
This is so interesting - mainly since most people keep visiting the same spots in Italy over and over again. I'm guilty as charged, by the way - as next month, I'm going back to Venice for the hundredth time. But I'm so happy that the Biennale is finally on - you cannot blame me. However, I'll try to make room and time for some day trips - and since I find trenitalia really good - don't laugh! - it won't be a biggy 🙂
Enjoy your trip Renata! I don't blame you at all. I'm just trying to promote places that not many people visit here 🙂