Valpolicella is a land rich in nature, art, history, and flavors, a marvelous area in the province of Verona dotted with small villages and ancient traditions. In this hilly region preceding the Verona Prealps, one of Veneto's most famous wines is produced: the Valpolicella Classico Superiore, a DOC red wine. Easily reachable by car from Verona, it makes an excellent day trip from the City of Love. Let’s discover together what to see in Valpolicella.
Foto di Aaron Epstein. Also called San Giorgio Ingannapoltron, San Giorgio di Valpolicella is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is located in the heart of Valpolicella, perched on a hill and surrounded by woods and vineyards.
The small village is characterized by stone houses and an ancient atmosphere, making it feel like stepping back in time. Be sure to visit the Pieve of San Giorgio di Valpolicella, an ancient church from the 7th-8th century, and the archaeological area behind it, where remains of rock-carved buildings from the Iron Age have been unearthed.
Foto di Adert. Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella is one of the main towns in Valpolicella, a perfect starting point to explore this territory rich in history and traditions. Due to its excellent location, it is considered the natural gateway to Valpolicella.
In the municipality of Sant'Ambrogio, you can discover many treasures, from Venetian villas to centuries-old churches, numerous nature trails, and wineries where you can participate in tours and tastings. For example, beyond the wine bars in the center, you can visit the Foresteria Serego Alighieri to sample some local specialties.
Foto di NuKeglus. Marano is located in the heart of Valpolicella, entirely surrounded by gentle hills and vineyards in one of the most picturesque valleys of this magnificent territory.
Marano offers a chance to experience authentic and ancient Valpolicella, with wineries and small hamlets. Visit the Santuario di Santa Maria Valverde for stunning views of the surroundings, savor traditional local dishes such as Amarone risotto at the Antica Trattoria Da Bepi, and explore one of the many nearby wineries. From here, you can also easily reach other beautiful villages in Valpolicella, such as Fumane and Negrar.
Foto di Adert. Negrar di Valpolicella is a must-see if your goal is to explore the wine-making traditions of the region: this is where some of Valpolicella's most renowned wineries are located, such as Cantina Valpolicella Negrar. Here, you can learn about the area's winemaking traditions and the origins of Amarone.
But it's not just about wine: Negrar is home to some of the most beautiful villas in the area. Don’t miss a visit to the Pojega Garden at Villa Rizzardi or the spectacular Villa Mosconi Bertani, a neoclassical Venetian villa from the 18th century, which is now also a winery offering insights into the history and production of Amarone Classico.
Foto di Adert. San Pietro in Cariano, located in the heart of Valpolicella, is a village where history, art, and culture converge. If you're coming from Verona, this is one of the first places you'll encounter, so be sure to make a stop.
San Pietro in Cariano is one of the most historically significant areas, with fossils and archaeological remains testifying to the region's long history dating back to the Neolithic period. Artistically, San Pietro in Cariano boasts stunning historic villas, such as Villa Costanza and Villa Pullè, as well as Villa Fumanelli in the San Floriano hamlet. Don’t miss the Pieve di San Floriano Martire, an ancient church considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the province. It's a must-see!
Foto di Llorenzi. Valpolicella offers not just history, culture, and fine wine: it also boasts stunning natural attractions. For a peaceful escape, visit the village of Molina, a hamlet of Fumane.
This small and quaint village feels like a place where time has stood still. It is home to one of Valpolicella's natural treasures, the spectacular Parco delle Cascate di Molina. This large park, easily accessible by car, features forests, trails, and numerous waterfalls, each more beautiful and captivating than the last. It's the ideal spot for a day immersed in nature, even for families, as the trails are very easy to follow.
Foto di Adert. Gargagnago is a tiny village in Valpolicella, a hamlet of Sant'Ambrogio. It sits on a small hill surrounded by vineyards and cherry trees, making it a must-visit in spring when the cherry blossoms create a unique spectacle.
Gargagnago is also perfect for walking enthusiasts. Five trails of varying difficulty start from its church, making it suitable for everyone. One of the most famous is the Trail of the Four Fountains, a 2.5 km walk with no significant elevation changes, making it ideal for families with children.
Foto di Adert. In the heart of Valpolicella, Fumane offers a diverse landscape, from vineyards in the plains to cherry trees on the hills and forests and waterfalls in the mountainous areas.
Enjoy a stroll through its small yet charming historic center, then visit the Santuario della Madonna de La Salette, which offers breathtaking views of the valley. Architectural wonders are also abundant: the area is home to Villa della Torre, a spectacular 16th-century villa designed by Giulio Romano, now a hotel surrounded by vineyards.
Foto di Zairon. Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo, situated between Valpolicella and Lessinia, is located in a pristine, ancient territory filled with beautiful forests and hills surrounded by endless vineyards.
This village is a must-visit for history and geology enthusiasts, thanks to the Museo Paleontologico e Preistorico di Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo. It’s also a great destination for nature lovers, offering trails of varying difficulty, from hill walks to mountain treks, including the path to the Croce Corno D'Aquilio.
Foto di Adert. Lastly, Pescantina, just 12 km from Verona, is one of the first villages you'll encounter along the route from the City of Love. Located on the banks of the Adige River, this town serves as a gateway to Valpolicella.
Pescantina is an ideal spot for some well-deserved relaxation: it is home to several thermal centers. For example, you can unwind at the Terme della Valpolicella Villa Quaranta, housed in a villa with a pool and wellness center, or visit the famous Aquardens Terme, located just outside Pescantina, for an afternoon of fun and relaxation.
Valpolicella is particularly recommended for wine lovers, thanks to its rich winemaking tradition and numerous wineries. At the same time, it offers a variety of experiences, from relaxation at thermal baths to exploring its beautiful villages and hiking in nature. Here are some recommended itineraries in Valpolicella:
Valpolicella, a hilly area preceding the Verona Prealps, includes seven municipalities in the province of Verona. Here, you’ll find villages that have preserved their ancient charm and traditions over time. This is a perfect destination for a day trip from Verona, and visiting the various towns lets you take a journey through the history and flavors of this incredible land. Here’s how to reach it from Verona:
Valpolicella is a perfect region to visit as a day trip from Verona, perhaps during a stay in the City of Love. From here, you can easily reach the main villages by car and visit some of the area’s wineries.
In Verona, you’ll find our Hotel San Marco, a 4-star hotel with private, secure parking. After a day of exploring, you can rest in our modern rooms, relax in the wellness center with a pool, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the restaurant. The hotel is ideally located, just 2 km from the Verona Arena (about a 30-minute walk) and less than 10 minutes from the bus stop for destinations like Gardaland or Peschiera del Garda.
Choose the room that best suits your needs and book your holiday in Verona now.
Book Now
