If you’re visiting Verona and want to enjoy a day in nature, Lessinia – as Valpolicella – is the perfect destination to add to your itinerary. This Pre-Alpine plateau is located north of the city and can be easily reached in less than an hour by car.

In Lessinia, you’ll discover stunning places where nature, culture, and tradition take center stage. If you love hiking, good food, and authentic villages, Lessinia will offer you a truly memorable experience.

Walks in Nature: The Lessinia Regional Natural Park

One of the main attractions is the Lessinia Regional Natural Park, a protected area renowned for its lush landscapes, extensive network of hiking trails, and diverse flora and fauna. Don’t miss the Sentiero delle Malghe (lit. Mountain Hut Trail), suitable even for beginner hikers, and the hike to the Valle delle Sfingi (lit. Valley of the Sphinxes), where curious rock formations shaped by wind and water create an almost lunar landscape.
For a more structured experience, you can book guided tours or themed hikes, such as botanical or geological excursions, starting from Bosco Chiesanuova, one of the area’s main towns.

Another unmissable destination is the Molina Waterfalls, located within the Parco delle Cascate (lit. Waterfalls Park), near the village of the same name. This destination offers an immersive route through waterfalls, suspended bridges, and scenic paths. The park features trails of varying difficultyーbe sure to wear comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket. In summer, the area remains particularly cool and refreshing.

A Journey into Prehistory: Ponte di Veja and the Fossil Museum of Bolca

If you’re passionate about history and geology, Ponte di Veja is worth a visit. This gigantic natural rock arch, about forty meters wide, was formed thousands of years ago. It’s one of the largest of its kind in Europe and is linked to ancient myths and legends. The site is surrounded by woodland trails and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break in nature.

Also worth visiting is the Fossil Museum of Bolca, a village renowned worldwide for its exceptional fossils (plants and fish) from the Tertiary Era (Middle Eocene, around 50 million years ago), discovered in various sites across the area.

At the Origins of Dante’s Inferno: The Covolo of Camposilvano

The Covolo of Camposilvano is a spectacular karst cavity surrounded by vegetation, over 80 meters deep. It is an ancient collapse sinkhole with a residual cave, striking for its grandeur and mysterious atmosphere. According to local tradition, this very formation inspired Dante’s depiction of Hell in the Divine Comedy.

The visit to the Covolo starts from the nearby Camposilvano Geo-Paleontological Museum, which boasts a rich collection of fossils, including ammonites, a dinosaur footprint, the complete skeleton of a cave bear, and the mysterious “Tavoletta enigmatica” (lit. “Enigmatic Tablet”). The museum ticket includes access to the Covolo, offering an experience that blends nature, science, and literary inspiration.

Authentic Flavors: Tastings and Malghe

A trip to Lessinia wouldn’t be complete without tasting its traditional products. Monte Veronese DOP cheese, in particular, is a local excellence worth trying in all its flavours. Numerous mountain huts (malghe) and farmhouses offer tastings and lunches with zero-kilometer products, often served in panoramic settings that make the experience even more special.

Among the most popular malghe, Malga Lessinia is easily accessible and offers the perfect blend of gastronomy and nature.

How to get there and practical Tips

Depending on your destination within Lessinia, this area can be reached from Verona in about 45–60 minutes by car. For those without a car, organized hikes and public transportation optionsーalthough more limitedーconnect Verona with some of the main localities, especially during the summer months.

We recommend setting off early in the morning to make the most of your day. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, even in summer, as the climate at higher altitudes remains cool.

Photo credits to parcodellecascate.it