Colli Euganei Regional Park
Just minutes from Este's centre, the Colli Euganei Regional Park is a landscape unlike anything else in the Veneto: a cluster of ancient volcanic hills erupting from the flat Po Plain, draped in vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. The park is the green lung of the region and an ideal half-day escape from Este on foot or by bike.
Walking & Cycling Routes
The GEA (Grande Escursione Atestina) trail network criss-crosses the park with well-marked paths. From Este, the route to Monte Cero (334 m) takes about 2.5 hours return and passes through chestnut woods and terraced vineyards before reaching a summit with views across to the Adriatic on exceptionally clear days.
Bike hire is available in Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (both 20 minutes by car), and the flat lanes between the hills are perfect for leisurely cycling with stops at local agriturismo for a glass of Colli Euganei DOC Merlot.
Villages & Thermal Spas
Arquà Petrarca, a perfectly preserved medieval hilltop village inside the park, was the final home of the poet Petrarch and is one of Italy's Borghi più Belli (Most Beautiful Villages). His house is open to visitors and the village has two excellent restaurants serving local mushroom and truffle dishes in autumn.
The thermal spa towns of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme sit on the park's northern edge and tap into some of Europe's hottest natural springs (up to 87 °C underground). A half-day at one of the larger hotel spas — many sell day passes — is the perfect recovery after a morning hike.
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