Just 10 km from the AbanoRitz, in the green heart of Veneto, lies a trail that offers authentic emotions and spectacular views in autumn: the Alta Via dei Colli Euganei.
A hiking trail of approximately 42 kilometers that traverses the volcanic reliefs of the Euganean Hills, a microcosm of nature, culture, and age-old traditions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Alta Via connects some of the most evocative points of the Euganean Hills Regional Park, a protected area of over 19,000 hectares, where biodiversity meets history. The charm of the Euganean Hills lies in the harmony between man and nature.
Chestnut and hornbeam forests, vineyards and olive groves, medieval villages and Romanesque churches alternate along paths once traversed by monks and merchants, nobles and farmers alike. Between the rows of vines and the woods, villages, hermitages, castles, and Venetian villas stand as testament to the hills’ long-standing connection with the Serenissima Republic of Venice. Each hill holds a fragment of history, a unique panorama, and a distinct scent.
The gentle slopes are home to tidy vineyards and centuries-old olive groves, producing fine wines such as Fior d’Arancio DOCG, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenere (an ancient grape variety, a cousin of Cabernet Franc). The vines sink their roots into the volcanic soil, while the grapes ripen in the last rays of autumn, offering intense aromas and warm nuances that tell the story of an ancient and passionate viticulture.
The Alta Via dei Colli Euganei is the Park’s iconic trail. It begins and ends in Villa di Teolo and follows a mixed route—dirt roads, forest trails, and short stretches of paved road—for a total elevation gain of approximately 2,000 meters.
Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular panoramic views, such as Mount Venda (601 m), the highest peak of the Euganean Hills, and the ridge of Mount Fasolo, which offers sweeping views of the Veneto plain and the surrounding hills. Don’t miss cultural stops such as Villa Beatrice d’Este, an ancient 13th-century monastery immersed in the silence of nature, the 15th-century Church of Santa Lucia, and the Cava Bomba Archaeological Museum.
It’s a trail suitable for experienced hikers, but also for those who want to experience a day outdoors, combining nature and culture, perhaps choosing just a few stages along the route.
Autumn is the most beautiful time to set out, bathing the Euganean Hills in intense colors: the red of the vineyards, the yellow of the chestnut leaves, the silvery green of the olive trees. It’s the ideal season to experience trekking in all its beauty, taking advantage of the cool climate and the scents that accompany every step.
After a day on the trails, returning to Abano becomes part of the journey: letting yourself be enveloped by the warmth of the thermal waters at the AbanoRitz is the perfect way to conclude this experience.
The AbanoRitz is the ideal starting point for exploring the Alta Via dei Colli Euganei: an atmospheric hotel where thermal hospitality meets a love for the region. A stay here at the AbanoRitz allows you to experience the Venetian autumn in its most authentic form, with scenic hikes, local wine tastings, and moments of true wellness at the spa.
