Escape the Crowds: 4 Easy Day Trips from Venice to Quieter Destinations
If you’re looking for a break from the crowds in Venice, there are several serene day trips just a short train or water bus ride away. Venice is undeniably beautiful, but its narrow streets and popular attractions can feel overwhelming, especially during peak tourist season. Fortunately, escaping the hustle and bustle is easy, with plenty of peaceful destinations nearby. Here are four fantastic day trip options for a more tranquil experience.
Torcello: Discover Venice’s Oldest Mosaics
Torcello, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, offers a peaceful escape with its historic charm and tranquil atmosphere. Once a bustling trading post, it is now known for its lush green spaces, colorful houses, and peaceful canals.
The highlight of the island is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, a magnificent cathedral dating back to 639 AD. Its interior is adorned with golden mosaics, some of the oldest in the Venice area. Take a stroll through the island’s serene backwaters, cross the Devil’s Bridge, and relax at Taverna Tipica Veneziana, an idyllic spot under the shade of trees.
How to Get to Torcello: From Venice’s Fondamente Nove, take the number 12 vaporetto (water bus) to Torcello, a scenic one-hour ride.
Vicenza: Europe’s Most Elegant Street
Just a short train ride from Venice, Vicenza remains an under-the-radar gem. Known for its stunning Renaissance architecture, the city boasts 23 buildings designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio.
The Corso Palladio, named after the architect, is often cited as the most elegant street in Europe. Visitors can explore La Rotonda villa and the lavish Teatro Olimpico. Vicenza offers a peaceful blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture, all just a short distance from Venice.
How to Get to Vicenza: A fast regional train runs from Venice to Vicenza once an hour, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
Padua: The Birthplace of Aperol
If you’re a fan of Aperol Spritz, why not visit Padua, where this iconic cocktail originated? Located just a short train ride from Venice, Padua offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially in its Piazza delle Erbe, where locals and visitors gather to sip aperitifs at outdoor cafes.
In addition to its lively squares, Padua is home to the Scrovegni Chapel, which houses Giotto’s masterpieces. The city is rich in history, art, and culture, making it a perfect day trip destination.
How to Get to Padua: Fast regional trains run every 30 minutes from Venice to Padua, taking just under 30 minutes.
Ferrara: Feast on Food Fit for Royalty
Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Ferrara is a city known for its medieval architecture and its culinary heritage. Home to a majestic castle with a moat and the beautifully restored Romanesque Cathedral, Ferrara is a city steeped in history.
The Este family, who ruled from 1240 to 1597, left a significant mark on both Ferrara’s architecture and its food scene. Enjoy dishes like pasticcio (a pastry pie filled with pasta and ragù) and cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta), which were created by the Este’s court chefs.
How to Get to Ferrara: Fast regional trains run once an hour from Venice to Ferrara, with a journey time of about 90 minutes.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=venice
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, euronews.com