A Mountain of Sports in VenetoVeneto, Italy

Lovers of the great outdoors and extreme sports rejoice, the mountains of Veneto, in Italy, are an action-packed playground just waiting to be explored.

Comprising the Italian Prealps, the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mount Baldo and Lessinia mountains of Verona, the famous peaks of Asiago and the Fiorentini and Cansiglio plateaus, it’s a region well-placed to host an adrenaline-pumping array of activities. And trust us, there’s something for everyone high up on these hills.

Perhaps the most popular method of traversing the many tracks that zigzag across the mountain ranges is walking or hiking. It’s the best way to really take in the beauty of Veneto, and you’ll have to stop yourself from stalling at every lookout for a happy snap, that’s how good the views are. There are a number of routes to follow, with many crossing fertile woods and rocky outcrops, past mountain lakes and up steep valleys.

Rock climbing is another option, with the cliffs and rock faces of Veneto ideal for climbing enthusiasts. An assortment of trails of varying difficulty means there’s something for beginners right through to hardened professionals, and if you want to be pushed to the limits, this is definitely the place to do so. The mountain bike trails will do that to you as well, and the tracks are up there with some of the best Italy has to offer.

But does anything really beat soaring through the sky? The mountains of Veneto are home to a few specialised paragliding and hang gliding schools, so if the idea of a bird’s eye view of the forests, gorges, and undulating ranges appeals to you, this is the place to take flight.

difficulty

We’re not going to lie – some of these sports are seriously hard. Many of the climbing trails boast a grade six difficulty level, while some of mountain bike trails will test even the most confident of riders. While there’s still plenty to do for those just starting out, it’s important not to underestimate the mountains of Veneto.

need to know

This tip was provided by the Italian National Tourist Board, but we’re sharing it with you because we think it’s great.