Europe's 'Prosecco capital' is a beautiful city with flights starting from £15

It's no secret that Venice is becoming a bit of a mess too popular among tourists.

To limit the number of visitors, the ancient city recently introduced its controversial entrance fee and also imposed a size limit on tour groups.

The overcrowding prompted one Redditor to wonder why other cities in Italy's northern Veneto region have been so overlooked.

“Everything you want, from history to art to food, is also available in Padua, Vicenza, Treviso…. Why do people only go to Venice? asked @Fastness2000.

Good question.

Often called “Little Venice”, Treviso is probably the best alternative to its busier counterpart, with the same stone bridges that cross the charming canals.

But it is also a goal in itself. The Lonely Planet said that while Treviso is “overshadowed by its more impressive neighbors,” it offers an “authentic” experience with “medieval city walls, lots of pretty canals, narrow cobblestone streets and frescoed churches.”

Let's also not forget that Treviso is (probably) the birthplace of tiramisu, and the area around it is where some of the best fizzes in the world are made, and the city is often called the “capital of Prosecco”. Do you really need another reason to visit?

Before you book your flights and pop the traffic jams, here's everything you need to know about Treviso…

How to get to Treviso

The good news is that Treviso has its own airportand close to the city center – the journey by car takes only 12 minutes.

You can book a direct flight from the UK, with prices starting from just £16 one-way on Ryanair departing from Birmingham Airport in November.

If you're traveling from London you'll spend a little more, but not much, as one-way fares are currently £17. The only downside is that at the moment routes only operate from London Luton Airport. Currently, one flight per day will operate on Mondays and Thursdays.

What's the weather like in Treviso?

As you would expect from an Italian city, Treviso enjoys a mild climatewith rising temperatures in summer.

The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures reach a maximum of 30°C in July and August.

That said, it's still a great option for a fall/winter break. In October the mercury could top 19°C, while in November the maximum temperature will be 13°C – still much less chilly than the UK.

What to do in Treviso

The main town of Treviso is small, but there is still plenty to see. The cathedral of Treviso dates back to the 6th century. Legend has it that the bell tower remains unfinished because the Venetian government did not want it to be higher than the one in St. Peter's Square. Mark in Venice.

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

And of course you can spend an afternoon wandering the canals with a coffee in hand.

If you are going further afield, it would be a sin not to visit the so-called Prosecco hills.

The “Prosecco Road”, which runs from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, is the oldest wine route in Italy, winding along hilly villages and vineyards.

Top tip from a Treviso resident

Martina Andretta is the Development Director of Metro.co.uk and grew up near Treviso. According to her, you can't visit her hometown without visiting the stunning Venetian villas in the area.

Between 1400 and 1800, Venetian aristocrats showed off their wealth by building sumptuous houses in the countryside around Treviso. They are worth visiting, located in parks with beautiful gardens and fountains. Those designed by architect Andrea Palladio are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Perhaps the most famous is Villa di Maser, located a 40-minute drive from Treviso. During summer, the villa is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with entry for adults costing just €9 (£7.50).

And when you're ready to refuel after all the sightseeing, Martina says there's delicious food to eat in Treviso. “If you want to live like a local, you just have to eat like a local and have an aperitivo before dinner.

“We also have some pretty unusual food, considering what might come to mind when people think of Italian food.”

Popular dishes include asparagus with hard-boiled eggs and radicchio, sometimes called “Italian chicory”, which can be served in a variety of ways. You'll find them on menus with a simple balsamic vinegar dressing, but they can also be used in lasagna and risotto.

“I love asparagus season because all restaurants have tasting menus. They do the same with radicchio,” adds Martina.

And of course, you should end your meal with tiramisu, first produced in Treviso in the 1950s.

Book yourself a 'Prosecco driver' who will be your guide for the day and help you plan your route – which, considering there are over 100 wineries in the region, can help narrow down your choices. Popular wineries to tour and taste include Ca'Salina and La Tordera.

And be sure to stop at Osteria Senz'Oste, a quirky hillside farmhouse that operates on the honor system, meaning there's no one to order food from and no one to pay. You can buy yourself a bottle of prosecco from the vending machine at the top of the hill before sampling the cold cuts inside. There is a sign there that says: “Private property. Free access to friends and people with common sense, respect and responsibility.

Elsewhere in the Veneto region, you can kayak on the Sile River or, for a more relaxing experience, take a boat cruise – some of which can take you as far as Venice.

There are also beautiful villages to visit: Asolo is known as the “City of a Hundred Horizons” due to its mountainous surroundings, and Castelfranco Veneto is a small walled village where you can get lost.

Finally, if you're a sports fan, it's worth heading to Stadio Monigo, where Benneton Rugby, the city's famous team, plays. If you visit during the rugby season (September to June), buy a ticket and join the army of green-shirted fans.

This article was first published on June 15, 2024.

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