Treviso is a charming and historic town, still enclosed by 16th-century walls. Because of its proximity to the airport, it’s often overlooked in the rush to Venice and other cities of the Veneto. But linger here a while and you’ll soon succumb to its authentic charm. The narrow streets, Gothic churches and network of canals evoke a miniature Venice – but without the crowds and the high prices. Sit out on the Piazza dei Signori, Treviso’s main square, and soak up the atmosphere from one of the many café terraces. There’s a vast domed cathedral, several beautiful churches, and a museum dedicated to works by Treviso’s favourite son, Tommaso da Modena, a follower of Giotto. You can cycle along the riverside paths, or visit the nearby vineyards to see how the popular local fizz Prosecco is made.
Treviso is a gorgeous little town wrapped in 16th-century walls, which sits on its own miniature network of canals and oozes traditional Veneto charm. It’s only a couple of miles from the airport, and is often overlooked by visitors on their way to more famous sights in the Veneto region. But Treviso has plenty to offer holiday-makers, from picturesque squares and riverside walks to beautiful palaces and frescoed churches. The Piazza dei Signori, still flanked by a trio of impressive palaces, is the focal point of the enchanting historic city. Its elegant arcades are now full of delightful boutiques, cafés and restaurants, with more found in the narrow streets that surround the square.
You can tuck into lots of Veneto regional specialities in Treviso, which has a wide range of enticing restaurants, bars and cafés to try. Classic local dishes include bigoli in salsa, thick, hand-rolled whole wheat pasta in an anchovy sauce, and the hearty risi e bisi, a simple but very tasty rice dish made with peas. Treviso is famous for its radicchio, which makes an appearance in lots of dishes, including risotto al radicchio. There’s lots of local seafood, from sepe al nero (cuttlefish cooked in its own ink) to the traditional fishermen’s dish, sarde in soar (marinated sardines). Local wines – including the celebrated local fizz, Prosecco – are the ideal accompaniment.
Treviso is a fantastically family-friendly destination. It’s small, but perfectly formed, and its charming historic centre is a delight to explore with little ones in tow. Kids will enjoy sitting out on the arcaded squares with an ice-cream, or cycling along the river banks on one of the dedicated bike trails. You could hit the beaches in Lido di Jesolo, which are very well geared up to kids, sail off on a pirate boat, or spend the day at one of the water parks and theme parks. Plus, you could always take the kids sightseeing in gorgeous Venice – the museums may not appeal, but they’ll still be dazzled by the palaces, gardens and canals.
There are lots of outdoor activities to be found in and around Treviso. In the town, you can rent out bikes and follow the gorgeous riverside cycling trails. Around town, road cycling and mountain-biking in the hills are hugely popular, and there are lots of gorgeous hiking and horse-riding rails. You might also fancy a gentle rafting trip down the River Sile, while adrenaline-junkies might fancy a go at hang-gliding or paragliding in the foothills around Treviso. Down by the beaches, particularly in the biggest local resort of Lido di Jesolo, you’ll find a whole host of water sports, from parasiling to kayaking.
There are lots of gorgeous beaches on the Adriatic Coast within easy reach of Treviso. The biggest and most accessible resort is Lido di Jesolo, which boasts one of the longest beaches in all Italy. More than 10 miles of golden sand await, attracting millions of visitors every year. Much of the beach is taken up in classic Italian style with private lidos, where you can rent sun beds and parasols, and often enjoy extras such as bar or restaurant facilities. There are also free, public areas if you prefer. You’ll find loads of water sports on offer, from snorkelling and scuba diving to kayaking and sailing.
Treviso may be small, but it boasts a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene. Do as the locals do, and start the night out on one of the café terraces, enjoying an aperitivo and watching the crowds go by. Follow that up with dinner, maybe with a glass or two of the locally produced Prosecco, at one of the fashionable restaurants around dinner. Then hit one of the cocktail bars or clubs to finish the night in style. In summer, the crowds make for the beach – particularly in Lido di Jesolo – for the beach parties and open-air clubs.
Treviso makes a wonderful base in the Veneto region if you want to enjoy a relaxed and romantic holiday. The pretty little historic town, wrapped by sturdy walls, is infinitely charming, with its narrow streets and miniature canals. There are lots of stylish cafés, bars and restaurants to try, and the shopping is excellent – particularly the fashion boutiques. You can go wine-tasting in the hills, spend the day in gorgeous Venice or Padova, or head down to the fabulous beaches that stretch along the Adriatic Coast. Lido di Jesolo is the biggest, with more than 10 miles of golden sand, but you might prefer Caorle, an enchanting little fishing village.
Treviso has lots of cultural sights to keep art- and history-lovers happily occupied. Its monumental walls and gates date back to the 16th century, and enclose a charming medieval city full of palaces and churches. Three of the finest palaces overlook the Piazza dei Signori, which means the ‘Lords’ Square’ and is named for the 13th-century Palazzo di Podestà, where the city’s rulers once resided. There’s a beautiful domed cathedral, several lovely churches, and a museum dedicated to the works of Treviso’s most famous home-grown painter, Tommaso da Modena, a follower of Giotto. Treviso is also a great base for visiting the famous historic cities of the Veneto: Venice, Padova, Verona and Vicenza.