Where to Stay in Veneto

Venice is what draws many to the Veneto region, and for most first-time visitors, it’s the best place to stay as a bucket-list destination. There are six different districts called sestieri to consider for your stay, with San Marco being the very best for those who want to enjoy landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square.

It’s also home to the world’s oldest café, Caffe Florian which opened in 1720, perfect for people-watching. Within this area, choosing accommodation along the tinier streets away from the piazza will provide a more tranquil setting while putting you just steps from the popular attractions. It’s not cheap, with some of the most luxurious hotels here, but most feel it’s worth the splurge. Verona is another great option with many outstanding boutique hotels and attractions of its own, including Italy’s most well-preserved Roman amphitheater and the House of Juliet with its famed balcony from Shakespeare’s play.

If you want to spend part or all of your vacation enjoying the beaches of Veneto, Caorle is a good choice. It provides a quieter setting for enjoying the sun and the sand with large stretches of pristine sand that are ideal for those who don’t relish the crowds. The Blue Flag quality beaches of Spiaggia di Levante and Spiaggia di Ponente are divided by Caorle’s historical center and are both within a short walk from just about anywhere in town.

There are free and paid sections at both, with most of the paid sections reserved for hotels – you’ll have some great beachfront accommodation options, including some with access to your own stretch of sand, umbrellas, and deck chairs. The tranquil town of Chioggia is worth considering too. Criss- crossed by canals, it sits in a group of small islands that are linked to the mainland by causeways and offers huge stretches of beach without insane crowds.

Those seeking a wine-focused trip should consider the Prosecco Hills, perfect for enjoying dolce vita on a food and wine getaway. Named after the former village of Prosecco which is now part of the city of Trieste, vineyards carpeted the valleys and hillsides with vines that have been cultivated for centuries. The main towns providing a base for exploring it are Conegliano and Valdobbiadene with the winding Prosecco Road running for about 20 miles between the two while hosting over 100 wineries.

Both will provide visitors with easy access to the wineries while offering a wide range of B&Bs and agriturismos, or farm stays for a memorable traditional experience. Conegliano offers a gorgeous historical center with outstanding shops, bars, and restaurants as well as having a direct train connection to Venice. Valdobbiadene isn’t as convenient in terms of location, but it’s a stunning town with excellent family-run eateries and fabulous vineyard views.

Venice is a crown jewel in Veneto, in a class of its own. Famously built on the water, it’s known for its picturesque canals and gondolas as well as its spectacular architecture. While there are six different sestieri, or districts, to choose from when it comes to where to stay in Venice, the historical center is the most convenient.

It’s the best choice for most visitors, home to famous St. Mark’s Square and the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. You’ll be steps from the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge too and there are many vaporetto stops that make it easy to explore elsewhere. This is the priciest area, with lots of luxury hotels. Accommodation ranges from mid-range to ultra-luxurious, with rates more expensive the closer you stay to St. Mark’s Square but it’s hard to beat the opportunity to rise early and visit the piazza with no other tourists around.

Built on the site of an ancient Roman camp at the foot of the Berici Hills where two rivers cross, Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Palladio’s architectural masterpieces. The late Renaissance-era architect redesigned the look of the city center and beyond, including villas in the countryside like Villa Capra, also known as La Rotonda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vincenza’s characteristic porticos (covered walkways), line Corso Palladio, the main street, and include many shops and bakeries. The most beautiful square is Piazza dei Signori, with enticing cafes, historical monuments, and noble buildings like the UNESCO-listed Basilica Palladiana. While the city is popular for day trips, it’s worth spending more time in with some good places to stay, including everything from converted villas and palazzi to family-run guesthouses and boutique hotels, all of which are usually much cheaper than what you’d find in Venice, about 47 miles east.

Cortina is one of the most famous ski resort villages in the world, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956. It’s easier to get to than other villages in the Dolomites, most of which require a long drive over winding mountain roads. It’s located at the southeastern edge of the mountains and can be reached in about two hours by car from Venice International Airport via Valle di Cadore. Mountain beauty is its main draw, with opportunities to ski as well as hike and cycle.

A former rail line now serves as a gravel trail for hikers and bikers to enjoy an easy grade while passing breathtaking mountain peaks. Cortina also offers one of the best shopping districts in Europe, similar to Vail, Colorado with everything from outdoor gear to haute couture, including retailers like The North Face and Louis Vuitton. Accommodation includes everything from sumptuous boutique hotels to well-known high-end chain properties with incomparable Dolomites views.

Set along the shores of Lake Garda, the charming town of Peschiera del Garda is encircled by the huge walls of its fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 14 th century. Its location makes it ideal for exploring the lake and other towns along the shoreline like Lazise and Sirmione. There’s a cycling path that winds inland through pretty small towns and villages like Borghetto sul Mincio and you’ll find beaches for swimming and sunbathing such as Braccobaldo Beach which includes umbrellas and sunbeds.

The historical center is a delight and summer evenings are extra-special for strolls along the promenade, enjoyed with gelato in hand and the sounds of the water that laps against the banks of the lake. Families with children will appreciate it too as the town sits at the doorstep and numerous theme parks, including Movieland and Gardaland, with free buses that will bring you to the main parks.