Things to do in Verona and surroundings: experiences, villages, and places to enjoy at a slow Pace

Talking about things to do in Verona and its surroundings means moving beyond the idea of a city to be visited solely through its most famous monuments. Verona is certainly the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Juliet’s balcony, but it is also the ideal starting point for exploring one of the most diverse territories in Northern Italy.

Within a radius of just a few kilometers, the landscape changes continuously: from the waters of Lake Garda to the hills of Valpolicella, from villages crossed by the Mincio River to the hidden corners of Valpantena. It is a region that lends itself particularly well to slow tourism—made of strolls, tastings, nature trails, archaeological sites, and small historic centers where time seems to flow at a different rhythm.

In this guide, we have gathered some of the most compelling experiences to enjoy in Verona and its surroundings, ranging from iconic spots to lesser-known treasures.

If you have two or three days available, Verona can serve as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding territory.

• Day 1: Dedicate your first day to the historic center, strolling between the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Ponte Pietra, and Castel San Pietro.
• Day 2: Spend the second day at Lake Garda, choosing among Sirmione, Bardolino, or Garda.
• Day 3: If you have a third day, head into Valpolicella among vineyards, wineries, and small historic villages like San Giorgio di Valpolicella—one of the most charming spots in the entire province of Verona.

Short on time?

Discover our complete itinerary for visiting Verona in one day, exploring both iconic sights and lesser-known corners.

Among the most beloved experiences for visitors to Verona is spending a day on Lake Garda. In less than an hour from the city, the scenery changes completely. The water alters the light, the pace slows down, and even the small towns seem designed to be explored without rush.

Sirmione: Roman Ruins, Thermal Baths, and Hidden Beaches

Among Garda’s most renowned destinations, Sirmione is perhaps the one that best blends history, landscape, and lakeside life. The peninsula reaches into the water in an almost surreal fashion—narrow, elongated, and surrounded by the lake on both sides.

Many visit Sirmione for the Scaliger Castle or the Grottoes of Catullus, one of Northern Italy’s most significant Roman archaeological sites. Jamaica Beach, with its smooth flat rocks and crystal-clear water, has become one of the lake’s most photographed spots, while Punta Grò still retains a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.

Those wishing to slow down can walk through Callas Park or reach the small church of San Pietro in Mavino, nestled among olive trees away from the busier routes. Spring and early autumn represent the best moments to truly experience Sirmione.

Stroll Between Bardolino and Garda

Among the simplest yet most enjoyable activities on Lake Garda is the lakeside walk connecting Bardolino to Garda. The path runs along the water past small piers, beaches, gardens, and scenic views that constantly shift perspective.

The true beauty lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself: stopping for an aperitif overlooking the lake, watching boats glide slowly across the water, or simply taking time to wander unhurriedly through the medieval streets of Garda. Walking through the historic center of Bardolino along Via Garibaldi, it is worth looking down at the small hand-painted decorative tiles that tell fragments of local history.

Borghetto sul Mincio

Among the most beautiful villages near Verona, Borghetto sul Mincio preserves a suspended atmosphere built around its relationship with water. Watermills, bridges, and stone houses transform the landscape into something that seems frozen in time. The village is often included in day trips from Verona thanks to its proximity and the famous Mincio cycle path. In quieter moments, the sound of the flowing river becomes the true protagonist of the experience.

Valeggio sul Mincio

Just steps away from Borghetto lies Valeggio sul Mincio, a small town deeply connected to the river and local culinary traditions. Strolling through the historic center, you encounter panoramic views, ancient fortifications, and the Scaliger Castle dominating the landscape from atop the hill.

Valeggio is best known for its famous tortellini, locally called nodi d’amore (“love knots”)—a specialty linked to one of the region’s most famous legends. Visiting Valeggio pairs village exploration with an authentic gastronomic experience, particularly delightful during spring and autumn.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà

Among the top outdoor activities near Verona, Parco Giardino Sigurtà stands out as one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks.

The park transforms completely throughout the year:

• Spring: Tulips convert the landscape into a sea of vibrant colors.
• Summer: Expansive lawns and shaded avenues take center stage.
• Autumn: Warm, quiet tones envelope the gardens.
• Winter: Geometries and perspectives hidden during other seasons emerge clearly.

The visit is as much about landscape design as botany. Paths, small lakes, and open vistas are designed to continually alter how space is perceived. It is one of those places that works best when traversed slowly, without feeling the need to see everything at once.

Parco Natura Viva

For families traveling near Verona, Parco Natura Viva—located in the hills between Bussolengo and Lake Garda—is a favorite destination. More than a traditional zoo, the park operates as a major conservation center dedicated to protecting species from around the globe. The pedestrian fauna area allows visitors to observe animals from various continents along tree-lined walkways, while the safari route offers a drive-through experience by car.

Visiting Valpolicella

Speaking of Verona and its surroundings inevitably means speaking of Valpolicella. Rolling hills, terraced vineyards, and historic wineries construct one of Veneto’s most recognizable cultural landscapes. Here, wine is not merely a tasting experience, but an integral part of the territory, rural architecture, and local cuisine.

Visiting Valpolicella means entering a refined balance between natural landscape and culinary heritage. Experiences range from small family-run cellars to more structured estates. In the late afternoon—especially in autumn—the light across the hills transforms the scenery, highlighting the deep bond between the land, agricultural labor, and winemaking.

Want to learn more about Veronese cuisine?

Discover typical products, local wines, and culinary traditions that tell the story of this territory.

Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona

Among the most evocative places near Verona is the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, built directly into the vertical cliff face of Mount Baldo. Beyond the shrine itself, what resonates most is how the surrounding landscape accompanies your arrival. The scenic road, the silence, and the mountain’s verticality make the approach an essential part of the experience.

The Ipogeo of Santa Maria in Stelle

Among the lesser-known things to do near Verona is a site that feels closer to collective memory than commercial tourism. The Ipogeo di Santa Maria in Stelle (also known as the “Pantheon”) is located in a small village in Valpantena, hidden beneath the church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Descending into the Ipogeo means entering a completely different dimension from monumental Verona. The temperature drops suddenly, outside noise fades away, and the underground chambers yield a deep silence rare to find elsewhere. Originally built as a Roman aqueduct, it evolved over centuries into a nymphaeum dedicated to water cults, a Paleochristian site, and later a medieval pilgrimage destination. The side chambers still preserve Paleochristian frescoes dating to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, remarkably legible after centuries.

Families traveling in the area will find numerous child-friendly activities:

• Parco Giardino Sigurtà: Broad open spaces and scenic paths.
• Lake Garda: Boat rides and lakeside walks.
• Mincio Cycle Path: Safe, flat cycling routes.
• Parco Natura Viva: Safari and wildlife conservation paths.
• Local Castles & Educational Farms: Engaging historical and rural stops.

What are the best things to do near Verona?

Top experiences include visiting Sirmione, enjoying a wine tasting in Valpolicella, walking between Bardolino and Garda, exploring Borghetto sul Mincio, and discovering the Ipogeo di Santa Maria in Stelle.

What to see around Verona in one day?

Lake Garda is one of the easiest day trips to organize. Alternatively, you can visit Valpolicella, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, or Parco Giardino Sigurtà.

Which villages should I visit near Verona?

Borghetto sul Mincio, San Giorgio di Valpolicella, Valeggio sul Mincio, and the historic towns along Lake Garda are among the most rewarding stops.

When is the best time to visit Verona and its surroundings?

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons thanks to mild weather, vibrant landscape colors, and fewer crowds compared to summer.

Things to do in Verona and its surroundings extend far beyond a simple checklist of attractions. What renders this region unique is how landscapes, villages, vineyards, nature routes, and historical landmarks remain in constant dialogue just a few miles apart.

Certain places reveal their best charm early in the morning; others transform completely in winter, while some make sense only when experienced without haste. This is perhaps the most authentic trait of the Veronese territory: its natural capacity to turn even the simplest journey into a moment of discovery.