Europe’s ‘capital of Prosecco’ is a beautiful Italian town with flights from just £19

It’s no secret that Venice is becoming a little too popular with tourists.

In a bid to curb the number of visitors, the ancient city recently launched its controversial entry fee and also imposed a limit on the size of tour groups.

The overcrowding led one Redditor to question why other cities in the Veneto region of Northern Italy get so overlooked.

‘Everything you think you want, from history to art to food, is also available in Padova, Vicenza, Treviso…. Why are people only going to Venice?’ asked @Fastness2000.

Good question.

Treviso, often dubbed ‘Little Venice’, is perhaps the best alternative to it’s busy counterpart, with the same stone bridges that cross over quaint canals.

But it’s a destination in its own right, too. Lonely Planet said that while Treviso is ‘eclipsed by its more impressive neighbours’ it offers an ‘authentic’ experience with ‘medieval city walls, lots of pretty canals, narrow cobbled streets and frescoed churches’.

Let’s also not forget that Treviso is (arguably) the home of tiramisu, and its surrounding countryside is where some of the best fizz in the world is made, with the town often dubbed the ‘capital of Prosecco’. Do you really need any other reason to visit?

Before you book your flights and pop those corks, here’s everything you need to know about Treviso…

How to get to Treviso

The good news is that Treviso has its own airport, and it’s close to the city centre – a car journey takes just 12 minutes.

You can book a direct flight from the UK, with prices starting from just £19 one way with Ryanair, departing from East Midlands Airport in July. You’ll spend a little more if you’re flying out of London, but not much. Flights are currently £21 one way.

The only downside is that at the moment, the flights are only operated out of London Luton airport. Currently, one flight a day is scheduled to depart on Mondays and Thursdays.

What’s the weather like in Treviso?

As you might expect from a city in Italy, Treviso enjoys a mild climate, with temperatures soaring in the summer time.

The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when the temperature reaches highs of 29°C in July and August.

What to do in Treviso

The main town of Treviso is small, but there’s still lots to see. The Treviso Cathedral dates back to the 6th century. Legend has it that the bell tower remains unfinished, as the Venetian government didn’t want it to be taller than the one in Venice’s St Mark’s Square.

There are also three ancient city gates: Porta Altina, Porta Santi Quaranta and Porta San Tomaso. And, if you want a giggle head to the Fontana delle Tette, a fountain where the water pours from a topless woman’s nipples – yes, really.

And of course, you can while away an afternoon wandering along the canals, a coffee in hand.

Venturing further afield, it would be remiss of you not to explore the so-called Prosecco Hills.

The ‘Prosecco Road’ which runs from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, is Italy’s oldest wine route, which winds along hilly villages and vineyards.

Top tip from a Treviso local

Martina Andretta is Metro.co.uk’s Head of Growth, and grew up near to Treviso. She says you can’t visit her hometown, without exploring the stunning Venetian villas in the local area.

Between 1400 and 1800, Venetian aristocrats showed off their wealth by building grand homes in the countryside around Treviso. Set in parks with beautiful gardens and fountains, they are well worth a visit. Those designed my architect Andrea Palladio, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Perhaps the most famous is Villa di Maser, which is a 40 minute drive outside of Treviso. During the summer, the villa is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, with admission for adults costing just €9.

And, after all that sightseeing, when you’re ready to refuel, Martina says Treviso has some delicious food. ‘If you want to live like a local, you’ll just have to eat like a local and have an aperitivo before dinner.

‘We have some pretty unusual food too, considering what might come to mind when people think of Italian cuisine.’

Popular dishes include asparagus with boiled eggs, and radicchio, sometimes known as ‘Italian chicory’ which can be served in a variety of ways, you’ll find it listed on menus with a simple balsamic vinegar dressing, but it can also be used in lasagna and risotto. 

‘I love when its asparagus season, as all the restaurants do tasting menus. They do the same for radicchio,’ adds Martina.

And of course, you have to finish off your meal with tiramisu, first made in Treviso the 1950s.

Book yourself a ‘Prosecco Driver’, who will be your tour guide for the day, and can help you preplan an itinerary – which, considering there are over 100 wineries in the region, can help narrow down your options. Popular wineries for tours and tastings include Ca’Salina and La Tordera.

And, be sure to stop at Osteria Senz‘Oste, a quirky hillside farmhouse, which works on an honour system, meaning there’s no one to order food from and no one to pay. You can grab yourself a bottle of prosecco from a vending machine at the top of the hill, before helping yourself to the charcuterie inside. There’s a sign that reads: ‘Private property. Free access allowed to friends and to people with common sense, respect and responsibility.’

Elsewhere in the Veneto region, take to the water, and kayak on the River Sile or, for a more relaxing experience, head out on a boat cruise – some of which can take you all the way into Venice.

There are also beautiful villages to visit: Asolo is known as ‘The City of a Hundred Horizons’ thanks to its mountainous backdrop, and Castelfranco Veneto is a small walled village perfect for getting lost in.

Finally, if you’re a sports fan, you might want to head to Stadio Monigo, home to Benneton Rugby, the city’s famous team. If you’re visiting during rugby seasonseason (September to June), buy yourself a ticket and join the army of green-jersey wearing supporters.

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