Padova Province of Veneto Italy

Exploring the Veneto and the Province of Padova

The Province of Padova is in the green belt of the Veneto.  The land is flat except for the volcanic hills of the Eugenei that sit just south of the provincial captial, Padova. The rovince is rich in touristic sites. The city of Padua itself is home to masterpieces from Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, while the towns of Cittadella and Montagnana are famous for the well preserved Medieval city walls.

There are many ancient and beautiful villas in the countryside, a few of them from Palladio, the main ones being Villa Contarini (in Piazzola sul Brenta) and Villa Barbarigo (in Valsanzibio). The Euganei hills offer a relaxing naturalistic site, covered in woods, while at their eastern slopes there are many ancient spa sites: the Terme Euganee,  Abano Terme, Montegrotto Terme, Galzignano Terme, and Battaglia Terme. There is a small part of the Venetian Lagoon lying inside the province, the Valle Millecampi (one-thousand-fields valley); and also the river landscapes of the countryside offer some good easy naturalistic walking and bicycle routes, travelling by boat is possible as well.

Best Activities:

City Walking: Padova is a should not miss if you are interested in History, Cittadella and Montagnana are also work walking.

Bicycle Touring: Around the main part of Padova is not the best cycling but the city has developed some bike paths with in the city. Riding around and through the Colli Euganei or head north following the Brenta River. Most people do not realize that southeast torward Rovigo are some great flat rides and if planed well are not boring canal rides. There is also a bike path from Padova south to Monsélice

Rock Climbing:  The only hills in the province are the Euganei there you will find Rocca Pendici near Teolo.  There are a couple of other cliffs in the hills one being near Monsélise.

Kayak and Rowing: Not really an outdoor activity more or a sport, but there are a couple of suclling clubs along the river in Padova.  Also you can kayak (sea) along the Adige and the southwest tip of the Lagoon.