Putting ’nature’ and ’Venice’ in the same sentence might seem like a bit of a stretch. After all, this compact seaside city is characterized first and foremost by its historic architecture and cobblestone streets. Sure, there are the canals and the lagoon which surround the city - but there's not much green to be seen here, right? Wrong! If you know where to look, Italy's City of Water actually offers more than a few opportunities to get back to nature. Here are our top 3 private tours that'll introduce you to the natural beauty of Venice and the surrounding area.
Giardini della Biennale
Everyone who's ever been to Venice has seen St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace - but did you know there is a beautiful park waiting less than 2 kilometers from these iconic landmarks? A visit to Giardini della Biennale offers natural beauty with a side of world-class culture and a generous dose of history. Set in the more subdued Castello neighborhood, the park was originally founded on drained swampland in the early 1800s by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. The park is most famous for hosting the Venice Biennale Art Festival, which has been running ever since 1895.
During the famous festival, Giardini della Biennale is transformed into a cosmopolitan hub of art and culture. For the rest of the year, the park is notably less crowded and offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Surrounded by leafy greenery, the park is relatively small and very walkable, with plenty of benches to relax on and great views looking over the canals.
The most interesting sight in the park are the 30 pavilions created for the festival, each one dedicated to a specific country. The pavilions are interesting to look at just for the architecture alone, as many were designed by world-famous architects, including Josef Hoffmann and Alvar Aalto. They designed the pavilions for Austria and Finland respectively. In addition to the pavilions, there are interesting and inspiring sculptures and statues dotted throughout the park area, creating a beautiful fusion between art and nature. This makes Giardini della Biennale a great outing for nature lovers and art aficionados alike, as well as providing a refreshing break from the city.
Parco San Giuliano
Radodavide, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If the narrow streets of Venice begin to feel constricting, and you find yourself craving some more space to run and play, make your way over to Parco San Giuliano. This spacious park is about 74 hectares in size and offers ample opportunity for sports and other outdoor activities. The park is located on the mainland, and from Venice's historical center you can reach it by crossing the Ponte della Liberta bridge. From its coastal vantage point, the park offers beautiful views of the lagoon, with several benches perched right on the waterfront.
Parco San Giuliano features multiple walking and biking trails crisscrossing the park. It is also a nice place to simply relax and maybe enjoy a picnic, especially on the waterfront. If you're traveling with kids who'd like to blow off some steam, this urban park is the perfect place to let them run wild, as there is plenty of space for them to roam on the large green lawns. The park also features a sports field and an ice rink during the winter. Throughout the years, Parco San Giuliano has hosted a variety of events, from music to international kite festivals.
Besides offering plenty of opportunity for recreation, Parco San Giuliano is also considered one of the most biodiverse areas in the Venetian Lagoon. A variety of birds nest in the park, particularly around the two artificial lakes. Species common to the area include gulls, mallards, blackbirds, swallows and many, many more. The two lakes are also home to turtles and frogs. The diverse wildlife has also made Parco San Giuliano a popular destination for nature photographers and bird watchers.
Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei
Rics1299, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Besides landscaped parks and gardens, the larger Veneto region is also home to several protected nature reserves. These parks are the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore the area's natural wonders. The one closest to Venice is called Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei, or Colli Euganei Regional Park, located about 60 kilometers from central Venice. This beautiful, protected area covers a whopping 18,000 hectares of land.
A popular destination for cycling and hiking, Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei is characterized by its hilly landscape. The highest peak in the area is Monte Venda which stands at 603 meters tall. The regional park sits on volcanic land and the hills are thought to have formed around 35 million years ago. Thanks to the area's rich history and varied natural landscape, there is a lot to explore here, from medieval structures to ancient gardens, and from historic monasteries to serene vineyards.
The scenery is beautiful throughout, with forested areas characterized by oak and chestnut trees. Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei is also home to many different animals, from mammals to amphibians. Over 120 different species of birds have been recorded in the park, including peregrine falcons which nest in the area. Whether you're an enthusiastic bird watcher or simply want to enjoy a beautiful day out in nature, Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei could be a great addition to your travel itinerary. To get the most out of your visit, consider touring the park with a private guide.
Conclusion
Venice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When all that stunning architecture and world-famous art starts to feel just a bit overwhelming, the surrounding area offers more than a few opportunities for a more nature-bound outing. Trust us: witnessing the area's natural beauty will introduce you to a whole new side of Venice. To make the most of your trip, why not explore the great outdoors and get to know the area's best parks on a private tour? Get to know our local guides and start planning your nature getaway!