The Venetian Riviera is a resort area on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is famous for its wide sandy beaches and warm sea, as well as a well-established tourist infrastructure, which has been developing since the middle of the 20th century. Sailing, diving and yachting are popular in coastal cities, and many comfortable hotels have been built along the well-groomed seashores.
A vacation on the Venetian Riviera is an opportunity to combine a beach holiday with a visit to the most famous and beautiful cities northern Italy: Venice, Padua, Chioggia, Verona, and also a reason to go on an unforgettable cruise around the islands of the picturesque Venetian Lagoon.
Seaside resorts near Venice
1. Lignano
Small and calm family resort located between Trieste and Venice. In northern Italy it is the best place for kids. The luxury hotels in Lignano, set in the midst of magnificent parks, prices are slightly higher than in the neighboring tourist areas. Coastline stretches for 8 km along the Adriatic Sea, it all consists of comfortable beaches - the best in this part of the country.
2. Lido di Jesolo
The Adriatic resort, popular among European tourists, is famous for its mild climate and comfortable temperatures in summer. Lido di Jesolo hotels are lined up in even rows along the coast, along a 14 km long stretch of golden sand. The city is perfect for a classic beach holiday, yachting, shopping and tasting of excellent Italian cuisine. It also differs more low prices compared to Lignano.
3. Lido di Venezia
If you want to combine a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in the world with sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea, welcome to the main Venetian beach, Lido di Venezia. It is here that residents of the city prefer to spend their holidays, who do not want to go far from home. From Piazza San Marco to resort area can be reached in just 10 minutes by ferry.
4. Bibione
Practically unknown to the Russian tourist, Bibione is in demand among tourists from Austria, Holland, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The resort infrastructure began to develop here in the middle of the 20th century. The town is located in a unique location just outside Venice. It is separated from the land by canals and lakes, its beaches are surrounded by centuries-old pine trees. Bibione has a very comfortable climate, conducive to relaxing holidays.
5. Caorle
Before the tourist boom, Caorle was a small fishing town. It has retained that unique atmosphere to this day, despite the crowds of tourists that fill its beaches and streets every summer. There is everything for a complete vacation: the beautiful sea, a rich excursion program, a variety of entertainment, sport complexes, clubs, bars and restaurants of Italian cuisine.
6. Eraclea Mare
The coastal strip of the town of Eraclea Mare is overgrown with a pine grove, in some places it reaches a width of 150 meters, which creates a unique climate in this place. This is a fairly quiet resort: even during peak season, when there is no escape from the noisy tourist crowds on the neighboring Lido di Jesolo, you can find the long-awaited privacy and tranquility here. In addition, Eraclea Mare has beautiful free beaches, which are not found in every Italian resort in the region.
7. Grado
Grado is located on a stretch of land that is often called Isola del Sole - the island of the sun. It is famous for its spas, magnificent nature and historical sites. There is a large water park, the Valle Cavanata nature reserve, museums with antique artifacts and early medieval temples built over 1000 years ago. In short, a tourist will definitely not be bored in Grado.
8. Sottomarina
A modern resort with a developed infrastructure, mainly focused on Italian tourists (this is reflected in prices). It is renowned for its seafood restaurants. Sottomarine has quiet streets, few cars - locals prefer to ride bicycles, general ignorance of English language and, of course, the widespread Italian good nature, seasoned with a good dose of laziness.
9. Albarella
Private island and resort 70 km south of Venice. Since 1988, it has been owned by the Marcegaglia Tourism Holding, which develops and maintains infrastructure. Guests will find luxurious villas, hotels, holiday cottages, golf courses, a port for 500 ships, all kinds of entertainment and all this under 24-hour security. There are also many private houses on the island.
10. Trieste
Pretty big citylocated on the border with Slovenia on the shores of the Gulf of Trieste. It can hardly be called a seaside resort, although there are also beaches here. People come here for excursions, shopping, cruise ship trips along the Adriatic, local cuisine - a bizarre mixture of Italian, Austrian and Slovenian traditions. In addition, there is a large port in Trieste, where ships from all over Europe dock.
If you decide to spend a week in Venice, then, of course, you may have a quite natural desire to combine your stay in the capital of the Most Serene Republic with exploring the surrounding area. Fortunately, there are many interesting things near the city of gondolas.
Today I will tell you where you can go from Venice for one day, and at the same time I will share information on how to get to interesting places without spending extra money.
ISLANDS OF VENICE: MURANO, TORCELLO, BURANO
The most obvious thing is to ride on the islands of the Venetian lagoon: Murano, Torcello and Burano. The tour takes a day and is more than enough to explore the three most famous islands Venice. First you will be taken to Murano - for my taste, the most uninteresting of all the islands on the list of the mandatory program, but nevertheless, you should not skip it, because Murano glass is a full-fledged attraction of Venice, and there is its museum here.
The name "Torcello" often makes Russians smile, but in vain - it comes from the word "torre", which means "tower". Interestingly, there is no tower on the island, although, according to an ancient legend, it was she who helped the Veneti to discover this place many centuries ago. According to legend, in the fifth century AD, the ancestors of the modern inhabitants of Torcello were from the now defunct city of Altinum. They feared an invasion of barbarians led by the formidable Attila, and therefore prayed to God and asked him to protect them from the enemy. A sign was sent to the Venets, which said that they should climb the tallest tower in the city, and from there see a safe haven. That was done, the inhabitants climbed the tower and from its top they saw the island on which they escaped.
Photo: Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
Venetians still live on Torcello, although there are very few of them. According to statistics, depending on the season, the population on the island ranges from 30 to 300 people. The main local attraction is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, where Byzantine mosaics have been preserved: one depicts the Virgin Mary, and the other depicts the Last Judgment. The second church on the island is the octagonal Santa Fosca. By the way, these churches are the oldest of the Venetian churches, their construction began back in 638. Unlike other churches in Venice, Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Fosca have never been rebuilt, so they are rare examples of early Christian architecture.
Also near the basilica there is archaeological park... Here under open air fragments of statues, sarcophagi and a monumental stone throne are on display. It is believed that this is the throne of Attila himself, who nevertheless reached the city of Altinum and wiped it off the face of the earth - you see how the Veneti did correctly, that they fled to the island of Torcello. True, the throne did not pass the test of historians, it was established that Attila did not get to Torcello, therefore this stone artifact has nothing to do with the legendary leader of the Huns. Nevertheless, a curious belief is associated with the throne, it is believed that if a girl sits on it, then in the same year she will certainly marry.
In the photo: an architectural park near Torcello
There is also a charming café on Torcello where it makes sense to stop for lunch. Here you can taste grilled fish and seafood in batter. They are served on a plate of bread, which is also supposed to be eaten. There is only one cafe on the island, so you shouldn't miss it.
In the photo: seafood on a bread plate
Third in the list of islands - Burano, the same one with colorful houses. By the way, the houses are painted in bright colors for practical reasons, it's just that the island is often shrouded in dense fog, so in the old days, multi-colored buildings played the role of a kind of signal lights. They were guided by them in order to safely moor to the shore, and it was easier for the inhabitants of Burano to find their house by color in the fog.
Photo: colorful Burano island
Of course, many have heard about the famous Buran lace. On the island to this day, there are several shops selling them. It makes sense for girls to buy lace collars - they can always be sewn onto a black dress and you get a version in the style of Yves Saint Laurent's classic outfits - like, for example, Catherine Deneuve wore in the movie "Day Beauty".
HOW MUCH DOES A TICKET TO THE ISLANDS COST?In order to visit all three islands in one day, buy a ferry ticket from Tabakeria (traghettij / traghetto) for 24 hours. It is called Biglietto turistico 24 Hand costs 20 euros. ...
FALLING: GIOTTO'S MURALS, THE LARGEST AREA IN EUROPE AND A FAMOUS UNIVERSITY
Padua is one of the most interesting cities in Veneto, where you can spend a whole day with pleasure and benefit. The easiest way to get there from Venice is by train, and the travel time is less than half an hour. When you arrive at Padua train station, immediately head towards the center - the direction will be indicated on the brown signs with the inscription Centro.
In the photo: one of the city canals of Padua
The first curious object that you meet on your way is ancient roman arena... Of course, this is not the Colosseum of Rome and not even the Arena of Verona, but you still should not pass by, because near the Arena in the same park is the famous scrovegni Chapel - a church whose walls inside are completely covered with frescoes by the great Giotto.
In the photo: the ancient Roman arena in Padua
For some reason, it is believed that getting into the chapel is difficult, and tickets must be ordered in advance, but in reality it is not so - just go through, buy a ticket (it costs 15 euros) and go inside. Visitors are launched into the chapel in groups, inside it is painted like a magic box, and the most attention of visitors is attracted by a fresco depicting Hell, in the center of which sits a pot-bellied devil of blue color, eating a sinner. By the way, this very image of the Last Judgment, along with the fresco in the Cathedral of Bologna, San Petronio, is considered canonical.
After visiting the Scrovegni Chapel, continue down the street and you will inevitably reach the city center, where beautiful building city \u200b\u200bcourt Palazzo della Rajone, the ancient Jewish district of the Ghetto, Piazza delle Erbe, where the market is still located, and the Pedrocchi cafe - one of the oldest in all of Italy.
Well, do not forget to look into the Padovan University, the walls of which are decorated with the coats of arms of eminent families, whose offspring studied here. By the way, this is the second university in Italy after Bologna, it was founded in 1222, and Copernicus and Galileo taught here - the department of the latter is still preserved at the university.
In the photo: a statue of a Trojan horse in Palazzo della Rajone
After seeing the center, go further in the direction from the station and in 10 minutes you will find yourself on the largest square in Europe - Prato della Valle... It is surrounded on all sides by statues of famous inhabitants of Padua, and after a walk on it, go to Cathedral of Saint Anthony - the second most popular Catholic church in Italy after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
In the photo: Prato della Valle is the most large area in Europe
The entrance to the cathedral is free, but filming is prohibited inside From the outside, the building looks extremely non-trivial, because its architectural appearance reflects the features of Romanesque basilicas and Catholic churches, and many associate the high towers of the temple with minarets. The interior of the cathedral amazes with its luxury and wealth, here are sculptural compositions, and gilding, and a chapel with the relics of the Saint, which are imprisoned in gold and crystal.
Well, after sightseeing, go for a walk along the streets of the city center, most of which are hidden under numerous arches, they are another feature of the architectural appearance of Padua. By the way, restaurants and cafes in Padua are much cheaper than in Venice, and the quality of the dishes served here is several times higher, so it makes sense to stay for dinner here.
In the photo: the Padua Observatory, where Galileo watched the stars
HOW DO I GET TO PADUI?The easiest way is by train regionale veloce, they leave every half hour from Santa Lucia train station at 12 and 42 minutes. Padua is the second stop after Mestre and takes 25 minutes. One way ticket costs 4.15 euros. The main thing is not to forget to stamp your ticket in the machine at the station.
THERMAL POOLS OF MONTEGROTTO
One of the largest thermal zones in Europe is located near Venice, where the resorts of Abano Terme and Montegrotto are located. And I have good news for you - from Venice there is an opportunity for one day to go to the thermal baths in order to bathe heartily in the outdoor pools with warm and healthy water. I must say right away, don't be guided by Abano, getting there by public transport is problematic, but there is a railway station in Montegrotto, and the road here from Venice Santa Lucia station will take about 40 minutes if you go to regionale veloce.
True, not all Montegrotto hotels allow guests who do not live with them into their pools. One of the loyal, and even with an excellent pool - Mioni Royal San... It is located next to railway station... Just get off the train at the Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto stop, cross the street to the left and you will see him immediately. There is a huge outdoor pool, saunas and a jacuzzi. To get to the hotel, you need to call in advance on +39 049 891 1711 and book your visit. Bathrobes and towels are given to the guests of the thermal baths, but slippers, swimwear and hats (they must be worn in the pools) must be taken with you.
HOW MUCH DOES THE THERMAL POOLS COST?The cost of a single visit to Mioni Royal San is from 35 to 40 euros per person, depending on the day of the week. You can get there, as I wrote above, by train regionale veloce, these are the same trains that go to Padua, they leave from Venice station every half hour. In short, take the same train, but get off at a stop later at the station Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto... The ticket price is 4.90 euros one way, most importantly, do not forget to stamp it before boarding the train in the machine on the platform.
In the northern part of the lagoon, you can relax on the Cavallino beach. It is a beautiful place surrounded by lush vegetation. The sand on the beach is white and soft with comfortable conditions. Camping sites, hotels, restaurants, night clubs are located nearby. This area is suitable for families with children. The average cost of a day at the hotel will be 4500 rubles.
In the south of the Venetian lagoon, on the peninsula, there is another beach - Sottomarina. Sand extracted from the seabed is regularly poured onto both beaches. Many beaches are owned by hotels, but there are also municipal ones. A sunbed and an umbrella are paid: from 8 to 20 euros per set, depending on the season. You can sit on the beach for free, on your own towel, as the locals do here. The entrance to the sea is shallow, you need to walk 50 meters to a depth. Probably, it is convenient for families with children, and there are also amusement parks nearby. The beach is interesting for its scythe extending into the sea and its lighthouse. A three-day stay in a studio near the sea will cost about 6,000 rubles. There are hotels here for every taste and budget, you can rent an apartment, it is easy to find it, ads are posted everywhere.
There are many cafes and restaurants on the beach where you can have an inexpensive snack. Lunch for two will be about 2,000 rubles. Dinner will cost more - around 3000 rubles. You can also provide yourself with a snack: inexpensive fresh fruit in a box - a Macedonian dessert, the famous Italian gelato - ice cream. Nearby is the old town of Chiaja with interesting ancient quarters.
The beaches of the island of Lido
Lido Island has beautiful beaches, 13 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide. The local resort is considered the most fashionable among Italians; the famous Venice Film Festival is held here. From Venice you can get to the island by vaporetto, on the other side of the island there is a beach. Behind the church of St. Nicholas is a clean, well-maintained municipal beach. A sunbed and an umbrella will cost 14 euros. On the beach, you can grab a bite to eat in numerous cafes and bars.
You can get around the island by bus or rent a bike. The main attraction of the island is the Church of St. Nicholas, which contains part of the relics of the saint. There is also an old Jewish cemetery on the island. On the Lido, you can stroll along the beautiful green streets, admire the ancient Italian courtyards. The central alley of Santa Maria Elisabetta leads from the vaporetto station to the beach. There are many shops, cafes, boutiques here.
Lido di Jesolo resort
In the north-east of the Venetian lagoon is the resort of Lido di Jesolo (Jesolo). The beaches are wide, comfortable, equipped with everything you need. The swimming season lasts from May to September. You can play volleyball on the beach, aquatic species sports. Fans of sophisticated entertainment will appreciate the fact that the resort has a golf club and a riding school. You can rent a bike. Some hotels offer this service free of charge.
Various competitions and relay races are held on the beach. You can visit the water park, aquarium, trampoline park, amusement park and go-kart track with children. The resort offers numerous spas, where you can get massages, body wraps, yoga sessions and other treatments. The resort offers numerous cafes, restaurants and night bars in the evening. Lido di Jesolo in the daytime is a calm quiet Italian town with narrow, very pretty streets, villas, courtyards.
Attractions and entertainment of Venice
Tired of a beach holiday, a tourist may want to visit iconic cultural sites. Of course, it is best to go to Venice itself.
The heart of the city is Piazza San Marco. On it stands the majestic Gothic Doge's Palace, striking in its size, beautiful both outside and inside the Cathedral of San Marco, campanile (bell tower), from which you can view the panorama of the city, two columns with amazing sculptures, a clock tower ... the square is divided into several parts , and you can walk along it for hours, just looking at the buildings, and even if you visit them!
- carnival masks;
- murano glass: dishes, decorations;
- venetian lace;
- wool products;
- natural homemade cosmetics;
- dolls on strings;
- works of local artists - who knows, maybe this is a future masterpiece;
- coffee, olive oil, pasta;
- bellini champagne.
Kitchen in Venice
Venice is replete with various cafes and restaurants, and not necessarily the best ones are located in the very center - the owners of the local shops are tired of tourists and it is not a fact that they pay adequate attention to their dishes.
Wealthy tourists can visit real Michelin-starred restaurants. And the economical ones - choose a diner where you can dine at the counter and save on the table, because sometimes they charge a separate fee at the table.
An interesting place is located in the main square. This is the Florian cafe, where coffee will cost about 700 rubles, but such historical figures as Lord Byron, Casanova, Brodsky drank coffee in this institution ... Sitting and enjoying the atmosphere is worth the expense!
What are the popular dishes in Venice? These are the seafood appetizers - chiketty. Oysters, cuttlefish, octopuses ... For meat lovers, it is worth trying a liver dish or famous Italian ravioli (by the way, there are not only meat, but vegetables, cheese and even chocolate). Naturally, Italian ice cream is compulsory - no other country makes it like that. And of course, it is worth drinking wine with dinner, because Italy is a country of a wonderful wine-making tradition.
So, Venice: it has something to offer both culture lovers and those who want to combine it with a mild relaxation. Beaches, parties, cuisine, beauty - all this awaits those who travel to Venice in 2020.
The Veneto region, or Venice, is the most frequently visited region of Italy. To a large extent, this is due to Venice, which is not only in the top three most visited Italian cities, but also in all sorts of ratings of the most popular centers in Europe. Also, this is a favorite place for many newlyweds. And this is not surprising, because gondola rides and kissing on cozy bridges are so romantic. But this region can boast not only one Venice. Here is the famous Verona - the scene of the play "Romeo and Juliet", written by Shakespeare, as well as famous throughout Europe ski resortssuch as Cortina d'Ampezzo and Civetta.
The capital of the region is Venice and the region is divided into seven provinces: Venice, Verona, Belluno, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Vicenza and has 579 communes. The population is almost five million people, which makes it possible to occupy the fifth position in the country according to this indicator, and in terms of the size of its territory it occupies only the eighth place. Note that the region is one of the most developed in Italy and has a rich cultural heritage... Tens of millions of tourists come here every year, and the locals, in addition to Italian, also speak the Venetian language.
Agriculture is an important source of income for the Venice region. Here they grow tobacco, cherries, corn, peas, fishing, food and textile industries play an important role. In addition, tourism also contributes a lot to the budget. GDP is 9.4% of the total in the country and the region has a small border with Austria and access to the Adriatic Sea. I must say that Venice has a very rich history.
Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
At one time, barbarians, Germanic tribes, and also Byzantium ruled here. The period of prosperity can be considered the XII century, when Venice became the capital of the region and over time many nearby territories and islands were under the rule of the Venetian Republic. However, in the 18th century Napoleon extended his power here, and after his collapse, these lands were ceded to Austria, but then became part of Italy.
Venice
Venice is a province with a population of just over 850 thousand people and the capital in the city of Venice. About 260 thousand inhabitants live in the capital itself. It should be noted that this city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and it is a unique place for tourists, because such a location can be found very rarely. The main attractions can be listed for a very long time and Venice itself is already of great interest, however, below we will give the most interesting places to visit.
Photo: kirkandmimi / pixabay.com Arriving in Venice, you need to ride along the famous Grand Canal. This can be done on a gondola, but it will not be a cheap pleasure. If you want to save money, then you can use river trams "Vaporetto". St. Mark's Square, albeit a trivial attraction, but there is nowhere without it. Here you can see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, the clock tower and two granite columns that overlook the canal. The Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute, built in the 17th century, looks very majestic and was built in honor of the deliverance of the city from the plague, which claimed a huge number of lives.
The Ka'd'Oro palace, which can be found in the Cannaregio quarter, is definitely worth a visit. Do not forget about the Venetian bridges, which are called “The Bridge of Sighs”, “Constitution” and the symbol of the city, the “Rialto” bridge. Near Venice is located famous island Burano and many tourists come here precisely to take photos against the background of colorful houses and post them on social networks. I must admit that the buildings really look very fabulous and bright.
Verona
Verona is a province with the capital of the same name and a population of just over 920 thousand inhabitants, which includes 98 communes. In Verona itself, a little more than 260 thousand people live. If we talk about the terrain, then it is quite mountainous and in these parts there is the largest natural bridge in all of Europe, which is called “Ponte di Veja”. Verona is quite popular among tourists and this city is visited by about 3 million people annually, who are attracted by many preserved architectural monuments, as well as various cultural events and musical events.
Photo: Ste93r / pixabay.com We recommend visiting the Piazza delle Erbe, as well as the huge amphitheater “Arena Di Verona”, where an opera festival is held annually, as well as concerts and performances. If you climb the Lamberti tower, then very stunning landscapes open up from it. Everyone who comes to Verona cannot ignore Juliet's house. The house, built in the 13th century on 23 Capello Street according to Shakespeare's tragedy, was once the home of the heroine of this famous play.
Other significant sights include the stone bridge Ponte Pietra, the House of Merchants in Piazza delle Erbe, the Palazzo Maffei, which was built in the 15th century, the Castelvecchio Castle, the Cathedral, the Arches of the Scaligers, as well as the amazing fountain of the Verona Madonna. The pearl of the region is Lake Garda, which is located 30 km from Verona.
Padua
Padua is a province with the capital of the same name and a population of just over 900 thousand people. It has 104 communes and is the most populous in this region of Italy. In general, it must be said that this area is rich in architectural monuments, ancient castles and nature reserves... In the northwestern part of the Venice region are the Euganean Hills, which are famous for their valleys and unique natural views and landscapes. If you want to heal your health, we recommend going to the thermal resorts of Abano and Montegrotto, which are considered the largest in all of Europe.
Photo: pxhere.com The main decoration of Padua can be safely considered the Prato della Valle square. It is considered one of the largest in Italy, but it is more impressive. appearance... In the middle there is an island with statues of prominent Paduanians, with lawns and trees surrounded by a moat with water and it all looks unusually beautiful. In addition, you should visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, the Basilica of St. Giustina, the Zuckermann Palace, visit the Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe squares, as well as look at the Cathedral of Padua.
Another interesting place to visit is the Palazzo della Ragione, which once served as a courtroom for the city court and still remains one of the largest halls that are not held by columns. You can also take a walk in the Botanical Garden, which is included in the World Heritage Fund.
Treviso
Treviso is a province with a population of almost 900 thousand people and its capital is the city of Treviso of the same name. This capital can be called “Venice in miniature”, which is confirmed by the locals themselves and there are 95 communes in its composition. This area was founded by the Celts, but it got its prosperity thanks to the Romans. Now it produces wine, furniture, footwear and textiles, as well as various mechanical engineering equipment, and this area is considered economically developed.
Photo: Boris Maric / Wikimedia Commons It should be noted that a vacation in this region of Venice will give tourists not only unforgettable natural landscapes, but also allow them to see many preserved castles, palaces, significant architectural monuments, parks and historical villas. The Piave and Sile rivers are considered the main waterways. Of the main attractions, it is worth highlighting the Piazza dei Signori, which over the centuries has witnessed many historical events taking place here. It houses the main city buildings: Palazzo dei Trecento, Palazzo dei Podesta and the city's tower Torre Civica, which is a local symbol.
I must say that there are always a lot of people here, and if you are tired, you can take a break in one of the restaurants. We also highlight the Cathedral, which can be found in the Piazza Duomo square. It is dedicated to St. Peter and was built back in the distant XII century. To summarize, this area is also famous for its unique wine and many culinary specialties, and if you love travel, good wine and delicious cuisine, then you should visit here.
Belluno
Belluno is a province with a population of 213 thousand inhabitants and the capital in the city of the same name Belluno. It includes 67 communes. If we talk about the economy of the region, then it is supported by agriculture, cheese production, household appliances and tourism, as well as by the production of glasses of some well-known companies. It should be noted that this is a fairly large area, but a significant part of it is occupied by Dolomites... Most of the inhabitants live in the southern part, which is called the Valbelluna Valley.
Photo: kordi_vahle / pixabay.com Of the sights, it is worth noting the Cathedral with a 70-meter bell tower on Cathedral Square, as well as the Palazzo dei Rettori, where the rulers of Belluno lived for several centuries. If you are interested local naturethen go to National park Dolomiti Bellunesi. Since a significant part is occupied by mountains, some famous ski resorts are located in this region of Venice. For example, the fashionable Cortina d'Ampezzo and it have long been chosen by wealthy ski lovers.
No less attractive resort is called Civetta, which is also considered one of the best places for skiing and recreation. They are part of the largest ski area in the world called "Dolomiti Superski" and includes twelve ski centers. Note that all the resorts in this region have all the necessary infrastructure for tourists to have plenty of rest, go skiing, and also go shopping.
Rovigo
Rovigo is a province with the capital of the same name, in which about 244 thousand people live. Rice, corn, grapes are grown on this territory, and some food industry enterprises are also located here. Of more or less large settlements worth highlighting Rovigo, Adria and Porto Viro. Given that the province has access to the Adriatic Sea, there are resort villages with sandy beaches and the purest sea water, for example, Rosolina Mare, Rosa Pineta and Isola di Albarella.
Photo: Atigra / Wikimedia Commons Of the major rivers, we single out the Po and Adige, which generally determine the local landscape. If you love food, then in the small towns of this region of Venice, you can taste delicious Italian dishes. If we talk about the sights of the city of Rovigo, then it is worth seeing the ancient towers Torre Donna and Torre Mozza, which have survived from the medieval castle. See the imposing Palazzo Roverella in the main square named after Victor Emmanuel II. Also worthy of attention is the Palazzo Roncale, which at one time was the residence of the noble family of the same name.
Visit the octahedral church of Beata Vergine del Soccorso, nicknamed the Rotunda, but especially worth mentioning about the Duomo di San Stefano Cathedral - not a very remarkable temple from the outside, but it looks very pompous inside. It was built in the distant 15th century and there you can see the fresco "Madonna delle Grazie" and paintings by a famous Italian artist.
Vicenza
Vicenza is a province with the capital of the same name and a population of almost 900 thousand inhabitants, which includes 121 communes. Other major cities are Lonigo, Marostica, Thiene and Valdagno. Note that these parts have a rather varied terrain, where you can find mountains and plains. If we talk about the city of Vicenza, today it is an important industrial center, where medium and small businesses are developed at a fairly decent level. It is very popular among tourists and if you come to this region, you can see a lot of interesting things here, and you will also have a good opportunity to do various types of outdoor activities.
Photo: trolvag / Wikimedia Commons Mandatory to visit central square Piazza dei Signori, where you can see the Palladian Basilica, the construction of which began back in 1549. It must be said that the square itself has been the center of political life for many years. Other significant sights include the Kierikati Palace. The construction of this palazzo began in 1550 and was completed only 30 years later.
Fans of theatrical performances should visit the Olimpico Theater. Will surely attract attention extraordinary beauty the La Loggia palace of the 16th century, as well as the Temple of Our Lady with a high bell tower. There are many working museums in Vicenza, for example, the Museum of Nature and Archeology, the Palladian Museum, which displays the works of the great master and the Museum of the Resistance, which tells about the struggle for independence in this country at different times of its life.
Today, we have tried to tell you about the Venice region and this is quite interesting area Italy, where you can see unique natural landscapes, many preserved historical monuments, castles and various cultural sites... As usual, we definitely recommend you try the local specialties and wine. In our next article, we will tell you which is located east of Rome on the Adriatic coast. You will learn about popular attractions and points of interest in this area of \u200b\u200bItaly.
Venice is a city of fabulous beauty, but since there are more tourists here (especially from April to October) than locals, and it is almost impossible to move around the historical center during this period, feeling all the charm of the city is not an easy task. The Venetians working in tourist spots also get tired of the wild crowds, wring up prices in bars and restaurants, do not miss their profit in hotels and generally do not stand on ceremony. Just because, as they say in the local dialect, tanto i ven lo stes ( « they will come anyway» ). To see Venice in its best possible way, you need to prepare for your trip in advance and remember a few rules.
1. Pay € 120 for a gondola ride
Once upon a time, gondolas were the main means of transportation along the canals of Venice, but now they are nothing more than an effective way to rip off tourists' money. In the afternoon, a 40-minute route will cost you at least € 120 (the gondola can accommodate up to six people), and after seven in the evening - even more expensive. Expect to pay extra for the gondolier to sing you a Neapolitan song like « O sole mio» which has nothing to do with Venice. However, if you turn a blind eye to the rats darting along the canals and kill the unpleasant smell of stagnant water with something, a gondola ride in Venice can be romantic - at least until your gondolier starts rattling on his cell phone with boredom.
Save and Ride Channels for €****2-3
The Venetian Grand Canal can be crossed by a gondola, which serves as a ferry in places where there are no bridges, and is called « traghetto» ... It is larger, devoid of velvet cushions, driven by two gondoliers and ferried to the other side in just a minute - you won't even be able to sit down. Most interesting routes: from Pesqueria (the fish market in the Rialto) to Santa Sofia and from Punta della Dogana to Piazza San Marco (pier next to Harry's Bar).
2. Do not save by settling on the mainland or Lido
Despite the fact that the uncomfortable industrial area of \u200b\u200bMestre is officially considered part of Venice, this is not at all what you came here for. Hoteliers and travel agents often use this administrative trick to put you in one of the faceless hotels on the mainland; don't fall for it - stop only at historic center cities. By the way, the island of Lido, separating Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, it is also not the best location: apart from the film festival in early September, nothing much happens here.
Better look for available options in the old town
There is no shortage of hotels in the historic center of Venice, especially during the low season. If you are not planning a trip for Easter and during the carnival, you can easily find a great room for a reasonable price. Travel to Venice in November or March. In the quiet months, even chic hotels with history and four stars like Gabrielli Sandwirth charge double Room Total € 110. To find an option for your chosen dates, go to the official website of AVA, the Venice Hotels Association.
Canals of Venice.
3. Don't go to Harry "s Bar
This bar for wealthy Americans who come to Venice for a cocktail opened in 1931 and eventually gave its name to a global brand. Undoubtedly, this cozy establishment in a palazzo on the Grand Canal, next to St. Mark's Cathedral, has a Vezetian charm and a dolce vita atmosphere. But today stereotypical Italian dishes like spaghetti and pesto are served here, while eating is cheaper than for € 100 per person will not work. If you are already in Harry's Bar, go straight to the bar - there at least you can take the Bellini cocktail invented here, for which, however, you will have to pay € 15 with a 15% mark-up (quite impudent for a country where it is customary to leave 5% for tea).
Just go where the locals go
The Venetians themselves prefer to sit in, say, Taverna del Campiello Remer, a charming brick-walled eatery in the square by the Grand Canal (Campiello del Remer, Cannaregio; 39-41-522-8789). From 5:30 to 7:30 cocktails are no more expensive there €5 and for lunch you can have some of the local dishes (like pasta or fish) at a very reasonable price. If you walk towards the train station from Campo San Bartolomeo (the area north of the Rialto Bridge), and after a couple of minutes turn left along the narrow street to the Grand Canal, you will get where you need to.
Cozy cafes in Venice.
4. Don't agree to go on a "free" tour of Murano
If the receptionist of your hotel praises you the delights of a trip to the island of Murano, where the famous glass is produced, be prepared that a taxi driver with the meter turned on is already at the door - and you will have to pay by the meter. All these « free» Tours always follow one scenario: you are taken to a factory where glass is blown out (admittedly, the spectacle is really impressive), but then literally by hand they lead you to where this glass is sold - and on the price tags of vases and candelabra there are at least two, otherwise and three zeros. If you don't like anything, then « tour guides» they will not be left behind and will be taken to another, cheaper store, where they will try to slip a glass necklace, a clown figurine or other trinket at a clearly inflated price.
Go to Murano on your own instead
Most convenient way to get to the glass factory - walk to the Fondamenta Nove stop on the north bank and take the river tram (route 41/42); boats also leave from the San Zaccaria pier (next to St. Mark's Cathedral) and from the train station. The most famous factories are Berengo Fine Arts (not only a factory, but also a gallery) and Archimede Seguso, famous for its openwork vases (call in advance to confirm your visit). If you want to see the actual production process, try one of the guided tours of the local Museo del Vetro, which includes a 45-minute tour of the exhibit and a half-hour glass-blowing demonstration.
Murano Island, Venice.
5. Don't go where your eyes are
Walking with the crowd in Venice is not a good idea. The flow of people always moves along the same route: from the station to the Rialto Bridge along the main tourist street Strada Nova, and then rushes to St. Mark's Square through the shopping district with expensive food, not very good cappuccino, stupid souvenirs and nightmarish carnival masks ...
And as soon as you try to turn off the beaten track into the first lane that comes across, you are likely to find yourself in one of the many Venetian dead ends, the interweaving of which will instantly knock your inner compass. And don't count on GPS help: Venice is poorly mapped, and mobile communications are also so-so here.
Be sure to buy a good card
To avoid jostling in the crowd and not getting lost in the alleyways, take out a proven (and most importantly, waterproof) card. With it you can get to the northern part of Cannaregio, where there are few people and shops, but there is the Madonna dell "Orto church with works by Tintoretto and a great view from the promenade to the lagoon and the island of Murano. Or cross the Ponte dei Scalzi in Santa Croce, one of the most authentic Venetian districts, along the southern, less crowded route to the Rialto.
Halfway through the enchanting Campo San Giacomo dall "Orio, children play in the shadow of a 13th century church. Grab a bite to eat at one of the city's best pizzerias, Il Réfolo (1459 Campiello del Piovan, Santa Croce; 39-41-524-0016 ), discovered by the son of the owner of the Michelin-starred establishment Da Fiore.
A girl holding a map of Venice.
6. Don't come to Venice in summer
The heat in Venice is hard to bear due to the high humidity and mosquitoes. In the summer, residents of the city turn on the savings mode and curtail all activity - only the most important tourist centers function. But for some reason, foreigners think that if summer is good in Tuscany, then Venice will be good.
The peak of the tourist pilgrimage falls on June-July, in the sweltering August the flow, if it thins, is not much. In odd years (2017, 2019, 2021 ...) from June to November, the city hosts the Venice Biennale - and this at least partially justifies the dense crowd. But apart from the Biennale in the summer in Venice, nothing interesting in terms of culture happens - the season of concerts and important exhibitions opens in September-October.
Better plan your trip in late autumn or early spring
In November, when dampness is spreading in the air and underfoot, Venice with its canals and magnificent architecture appears in its true light, opening from a new side. Locals They breathe a sigh of relief (finally, the city belongs only to them) and every evening, starting at seven, they drink spritz and prosecco on the embankments - try to join them. Most of the drinking establishments are concentrated in the Rialto market area, where bars (for example, Naranzaria or Al Mercà) are crowded even at sub-zero temperatures (213 Campo Cesare Battisti, San Polo; 39-347-100-2583).
7. Don't go to Piazza San Marco with the crowd
There is no doubt that Piazza San Marco, which Napoleon once called « living room Europe» , shocks everyone who sees her, and the pigeons have absolutely nothing to do with it. And all tourists consider it their duty to fulfill the "must-see program": together with a huge crowd, they enter the cathedral and try to see the poorly lit mosaics, then walk around the Doge's Palace with its richly painted frescoes, take the elevator to the cathedral tower to take photos in the spirit of Google Earth and finally, deadly tired, wander for a saving cup of cappuccino in one of the historic cafes of the square, Florian "s or Quadri" s, which went down in history, among other things, for their crazy prices.
Come to the square early in the morning instead
Try to get up early and come to the Cathedral of San Marco for morning mass - in this case, you will be able to feel the extraordinary atmosphere of this place, which is completely lost in the afternoon when the cathedral is flooded with tourists. Few people know about it, but one of the most interesting objects of the square is the Clock Tower (Torre dell "Orologio), towering on the north side of San Marco. Book a special guided tour (this can be done the day before the visit) and enjoy the magnificent creation of the era Renaissance.
You will see the restored internal clockwork of 1497 and bronze figures that beat the time by striking the bell hourly with hammers. In addition, the tower offers a fabulous view of St. Mark's Square, the cathedral, the Doge's Palace and the lagoon. The ticket price ( € 15) also includes a visit to the Correr Museum and the Museum of Architecture on the opposite side of the square.
8. Don't plan a shopping tour
If you're in need of designer clothing, west of Piazza San Marco, on Salizzada San Moisè and Calle Larga XXII Marzo, you'll find Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana boutiques. European stocks like Zara and Benetton (the latter is owned by a family from Treviso, which also owns the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal) are also in Venice, but why waste time shopping in a city that is famous for something completely different? For clothes you have to go to Milan, Rome or Florence: there is more choice and more serious discounts.
Better explore local handicraft and antique shops
There are a lot of art galleries and shops in Venice, where they sell antiques and all kinds of handmade interior items; in addition, the city is famous for weaving factories (Fortuny, Bevilacqua, Gaggio), producing silk and velvet - if you love all sorts of unusual home accessories, design and at the same time you have money for it, you are definitely here.
9. Don't buy concert tickets from people in wigs
On the streets of Venice, you will surely meet men and women in wigs, dressed in historical costumes of the 18th century - they sell tickets for « Four Seasons» Vivaldi. You should only give in to their persuasion if your weakness is powdered wigs, painted flies and deep necklines (this is how the orchestra's musicians, most of whom are girls, will be dressed). The musicians play quite professionally (mostly they are students of the conservatory who want to earn extra money from tourists), but if you like classical music more than a carnival environment, then it is better ...
