Euganean Hills Regional Park
A vast regional park offering scenic drives, diverse hiking trails, historic villas, and local culinary delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Euganean Hills Regional Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast regional park offering scenic drives, diverse hiking trails, historic villas, and local culinary delights.
"Tranquil woods with stunning scenery and views over olive groves and vineyards."
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The winding roads offer exhilarating drives with spectacular views.
🥾 Trail Variety
Walks vary in length and difficulty, catering to everyone from tourists to experienced hikers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Villa Selvatico
Colle di Sant'Elena
A stunning 17th-century villa with frescoes, reflecting in thermal lakes within a historic garden.
Scenic Drives
Throughout the park
Exhilarating drives with winding roads and hairpin bends offering spectacular views.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Various locations
Tranquil woods with stunning scenery, olive groves, and vineyards, suitable for all levels.
Local Gastronomy
Various trattorias and restaurants
Enjoy local wines and delicious food, from casual trattorias to Michelin-starred dining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hills: Plan Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The winding roads offer exhilarating drives with spectacular views.
🥾 Trail Variety
Walks vary in length and difficulty, catering to everyone from tourists to experienced hikers.
🍯 Taste of the Hills
Discover local wines and delicious food, from casual trattorias to fine dining.
💧 Thermal Waters & Bees
Experience the unique blend of thermal waters and local honey products.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The winding roads offer exhilarating drives with spectacular views.
🥾 Trail Variety
Walks vary in length and difficulty, catering to everyone from tourists to experienced hikers.
🍯 Taste of the Hills
Discover local wines and delicious food, from casual trattorias to fine dining.
💧 Thermal Waters & Bees
Experience the unique blend of thermal waters and local honey products.
🗺️ Trail Maintenance Needed
Some visitors note a need for better trail indications and maintenance for circuits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Euganean Hills' stunning natural beauty, diverse walking trails, and exhilarating scenic drives. The region offers a perfect blend of outdoor activity and cultural exploration, with historic villas and excellent local cuisine adding to its charm. Some suggest improvements in trail signage and maintenance for a more seamless experience.
"You cannot really do a National Park justice by a short visit and a small review. The drive into the mountains is spectacular, with winding roads and hairpin bends for an exhilarating drive. There are walks aplenty in tranquil woods with stunning scenery and views over olive groves and vineyards. There are picnic areas available on the walks we did and the walks vary in both length and difficulty. There are walks for tourists through to experienced hikers so anyone can enjoy this beautiful part of Italy."
Alan Oliver
"Unspoilt and varied walking routes , hard to beat , top wildlife was fire salamanders crawling about after heavy rain"
Tom Gjertsen
"Great location for nature activities particularly walking/running, mountain biking and similar. Needs more indications and maintainance of the tracks as well as connections between them to create true enjoyable circuits and develop a network of them."
Massimo Di Bella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car, with scenic drives winding through the hills. It's also a short drive from Padua and about 50 km from Venice, making it a great day trip destination.
While cars offer the most flexibility, some bus routes connect towns within the park. However, for in-depth exploration of trails, a car is highly recommended.
The roads are known for being winding with hairpin bends, offering an exhilarating experience. Plan for slower travel times to enjoy the views.
Parking is generally available in towns and at trailheads. Some areas might have limited parking, especially during peak season.
Yes, the park is conveniently located about 50 km from Venice and very close to Padua, making it an ideal excursion from these cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is a natural area and generally free to enter. However, specific attractions like Villa Selvatico may have admission fees.
As a natural park, it's accessible at all times. However, visitor centers or specific villas might have set operating hours.
For popular villas like Villa Selvatico, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Generally, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment. Specific rules might apply to certain areas or during particular seasons.
Pets are usually allowed in the park, but it's essential to keep them on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Trails vary greatly in difficulty. Popular options include routes around Monte Venda and Monte Gemola, offering diverse scenery and historical sites.
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity with many trails suitable for cyclists. Some visitors suggest better trail connections would enhance the network.
Yes, picnic areas are available along many of the walking routes, providing lovely spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
The park is home to diverse wildlife. After heavy rain, visitors have spotted fire salamanders.
While many trails are well-trodden, some visitors suggest that improved indications and maintenance would enhance the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a range of options from charming local trattorias serving regional specialties to restaurants with Michelin stars.
Absolutely! The region is known for its local wine makers, and tasting the regional wines is a must-do experience.
Many trattorias offer a welcoming atmosphere and traditional dishes that are suitable for families.
Look for dishes featuring local produce, game, and of course, enjoy the regional wines. The area also offers unique products like honey.
Many restaurants are situated to take advantage of the scenic landscape, offering beautiful views along with delicious food.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic drives, historic villas like Villa Selvatico, vineyards, and panoramic viewpoints offer incredible photo opportunities.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light for landscape and architectural photography.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A versatile lens for landscapes and details, a sturdy tripod for low light, and a wide-angle lens for expansive views would be beneficial.
With patience, you might capture local fauna like fire salamanders, especially after rain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for trattorias that are known for being family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere and dishes that appeal to children. While there aren't specific 'attractions' for kids, the sheer joy of exploring nature, spotting wildlife, and enjoying open spaces provides ample entertainment.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Solo travelers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings, with plenty of opportunities for photography and contemplation. The local wine and food scene also offers a chance to connect with the region, whether dining at a local trattoria or joining a wine tasting.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
This region is perfect for a leisurely exploration by car, allowing you to easily access different trailheads, historic villas like Villa Selvatico, and local wineries.
+1 Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for hilly terrain, and be prepared for slower travel speeds to fully appreciate the journey. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails: Hiking and Walking
While the trails are generally well-maintained, some travelers have noted that improved signage and better connections between routes could enhance the experience for creating longer circuits.
A Taste of the Hills: Wine and Gastronomy
Visitors can indulge in wine tasting experiences, sampling regional varietals that reflect the unique terroir of the volcanic soil. Beyond wine, the area boasts a rich culinary scene, ranging from rustic trattorias serving authentic local dishes to restaurants that have earned Michelin stars. This offers a delightful spectrum of dining experiences for every palate and budget.Don't miss the opportunity to try regional specialties, which often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. The park's connection to thermal waters also extends to local products, with some producers offering unique items like honey, which blends the sweetness of the beehive with the essence of the region.
Exploring the local food and wine is an integral part of understanding the culture and charm of the Euganean Hills. Historic Villas and Thermal Waters
Visiting these villas provides a cultural counterpoint to the natural beauty of the park.The region is also intrinsically linked to its thermal waters, particularly in nearby towns like Abano Terme. This connection influences local products and wellness tourism.
The combination of historical architecture, natural landscapes, and the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters creates a multifaceted destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors seeking both relaxation and exploration. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit