While famous for the battles it has played host to on the Giro d'Italia down the years, the Italian region of Veneto is a joy as a cycling holiday destination.
Veneto, the region in north-east Italy where Shay Elliott became the first Irishman to win a stage of the Giro d’Italia, is a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts.
The Euganean Hills ride in Padua, the Gira Sile in Treviso and the Donzella Ring in Rovigo are a superb opportunity to discover three of the region’s beautiful parks, set in environmentally-protected landscapes.
In addition, the stunning River Mincio cycle path and Dolomites long trail have become monuments for lovers of cycling tours.
Those who prefer mountain bikes should take on the “Grand Tour of the Plateau,” which encompasses a 300-kilometre trail that passes through many of the towns the Plateau of Asiago.
Advertisement
The region is also home to Venice, the city only a stone’s throw away from the site of the Grande Partenza of the 100th anniversary edition of the Giro d’Italia in 2009. That day, Team Columbia-Highroad were the victors in a 20.5 kilometre team time trial.
Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built on 118 little islands. Its canals are flanked by the most extraordinary pieces of architecture, and the city can also be visited on foot via little lanes called calli or an extensive range of bridges.
Verona’s historic city centre is a remarkable fusion of Renaissance, Medieval and Roman architecture. Shakespeare lovers will want to pay a visit to Juliet’s balcony, and music lovers won’t want to miss opera season at the remarkably well-preserved gladiatorial arena.
Former Giro winner Damiano Cunego comes from nearby Cerro Veronese.
Padua is noted for its association with St Anthony, the patron saint of lost items. A basilica bearing his name is found in the town today, and those with an interest in art should visit the Scrovegni chapel, home to a masterful collection of Giotto’s frescoes. Say a prayer for Dan Martin’s collarbone.
Vicenza’s city centre is another with UNESCO status, and is characterised by the classical architecture of Andrea Palladio. The area is home to a superb collection of Palladio-designed stately homes, and also to a famous 16th-century botanical garden which is full of medicinal herbs.
The Veneto region is home to a diverse range of sporting activities. Winter sports enthusiasts will find much to do in the Dolomites, while those who prefer something a little warmer will be at home on the Golden Coast that stretches from Bibione to the Delta del Po beaches. Take your pick from beach volleyball, surfing, sailing, water-skiing and of course cycling.
Related News
There is plenty of scope to pick challenging terrain for an independent holiday, or for signing up to a more structured touring trip or even a local sportive.
Traditional food in the region is based mainly around rice, vegetables and polenta, a versatile cornmeal-based staple that is eaten with fish, meat and cheese. Seafood is popular around the lagoon, with stewed eel a particular speciality in Venice.
Veneto is home to a broad range of both red and white wines, including Amarone di Volpicello, Breganze Bianco, Bardolino and Soave.
Seán Kelly says cycling is the new golf, but if you’re a devotee of both sports then you should pack your clubs to Veneto as well as your bike.
The region was declared the "Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year 2013" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and is home to 2013 BMW PGA Championship winner Matteo Manassero. 43 golf courses operate in the region.
Treviso, a name that will be familiar to rugby fans, is in Veneto. Tiramisu is said to have been invented here, so why not indulge yourself when you get a moment away from the bike? Treviso is called “Venice’s Garden” and it too is full of beautiful canals, as well as gothic churches and medieval and renaissance palaces.
Celebrated explorer Marco Polo is perhaps the region’s most famous son. He’s the man after whom Venice’s airport is named.
Polo returned to Venice in 1295 after spending a quarter of a century exploring the East. He had a wealth of tales to tell, and you will too if you take a leaf out of Polo’s book.
Channel his spirit by exploring Veneto for yourself this summer.
Topics
