04.04.2022.
If you check the map of Padova, you’ll notice the Abano and Montegrotto terme, like I did. Nestled in the Euganean Hills, these two towns are also the ideal day trip from Venice, just like Burano island. Or take yourself a favour and book a recharging treatment in one of the many hotels here. Otherwise, taking a spa day is certainly a fantastic choice.
If you love spa vacation, explore the large palette of spa towns in Europe.
Montegrotto Terme- lovely town close to Euganean Hills
Actually, Montegrotto terme is closer to Euganean Hills and easier to reach by train, it’s only 10 minutes from Padova. While I haven’t visited Abano Terme, I had a fantastic spa day at Terme Preistoriche in Montegrotto Terme. Also, it’s an excellent day trip from Venice.
Taking a day spa in the hotel
Taking a spa at Montegrotto Terme will let you experience warm waters at the outdoor pool in Decembre. How cool is that! The lunch is also included in the spa package but I was late so I got only sandwiches and smoothie.
Terme Preistoriche offer the best way to indulge in the day spa.
Spa includes the classical rooms with Turkish steam bath, a hammam, a salt room and temaczal.
This hotel is one of the best, about 15 minutes walking from the train station.
Most of the hotels are beautifully decorated with some kind of historical statues. Though the town is not much touristic, people come here for spa.
One hotel is picturesquely with the pool that ressembles the beach- Relilax Terme.
I even found some street art, I guess it’s due to the Street Art festival that happens in Padova every summer.
Villa Draghi in Montegrotto Terme
It’s lovely to visit Villa Draghi in Montegrotto Terme which is an elegant oasis full of greenery. It’s set on the hill near the hotel Terme Preistoriche. Today it serves for various conferences and cultural events. Its Neo-Gothic style draws back to the 1850. The building is inspired by the famous Palazzo Ducale in Venice. Nowadays, the ancient luxurious decoration is almost gone. The stunning view of the spa town sits at its throne.
Montegrotto Terme also hosts the beautiful park where fairies live, it’s Butterfly Ark and Forest of the Fairies. You’ll find here Hazelnut tree witch, taking oracle in the colourful caravan or giant’s foor imprint and stone maze.
Eugaean Hills- what to see
Eugaean Hills, volcanic in origin, offer picturesque views full of lush vineyards and lovely hilly towns. The tranquility flows at almost every corner of the numerous paths. Arqua Petrarca is one of the charming villages where the famous poet spent his days.
Some of the places worth visiting are: the ruins of the former Olivetani Monastery in Monte Veda, Parco Avventura Le Fiorine in Teolo. The lovely towns nestled in the Eugaen Hills are Monselice, Este or Monte Lozzo, Battaglia Terme with their exquisite Veneto villas. Â
Abano Terme- the sister spa town
The name itself comes from the Greek word “à ponos“, which means to take away the pain. It truly evokates the feeling of the place. Abano Terme stays close to Monte San Daniele and the lovely Monastery of Benedictine. Monte Ortone is another picturesque hill, 7 km from Abano Terme.
Via delle Terme is a large street in Abano full of shops, bars and restaurants. Numerous fountains fill the marvel among which the special place takes fountain in Piazza Cristoforo Colombo. It’s named after the discoverer of the New World and built-in 1956.
The Church of the Beata Vergine della Salute is an oasis of peace, the medieval wonder of the town.
Montirone Park is a getaway to the first historical thermal baths in Abano. The columns built by Giuseppe Jappelli in 1825 provide a lovely entrance. In the past Montirone Hill was a place of the powerful families from Padova. It also represents the remains of the ancient Roman aqueduct.
You can also visit the International Mask Museum in Abano Terme.
The easiest way to reach Abano Terme is by bus from Padova.
Final thoughts
Montegrotto and Abano Terme are the hidden gems near Padova, though also the ancient and largest spa towns in Europe. Embraced by Eugaean Hills, this area is full of discovery. Though people come here mostly because of spa, these are lovely towns to stroll around. Enjoying the spa is a treasure that recharges so don’t miss the opportunity if you’re around.
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I would love to visit a traditional spa town, it sounds so relaxing!
Thermal baths and museums are my idea of a great break away, thank you for posting a new location for me to visit!
Thank you for this post! I am Italian and I did not know this SPA town. Really great to know.
Oh I love this! I hadn’t heard of these spa towns before but I’m dying to visit Italy so I’ll have to add them on to my visit – I love historic towns! Thanks for sharing.
I have never heard of a spa town, I would love to go to one
This place sounds so calming. Good place for a relaxing vacation. Thank you for sharing.
These are so close to me! Abano Terme is just 30 minutes away, I can’t wait to visit both!
We are very lucky to live in Bath so it’s always interesting to hear about other spa towns around the world. I hadn’t realised how close these are to Venice either, one of my favourite Italian cities.
This sounds like a dream! Especially the Turkish steam bath and salt room. I’m from the US and it’s always interesting to hear how spas in Europe differ so much. I was just discussing this with my Romanian colleague the other day. Thank you for sharing!
I liked your narration. Initially, I thought it’s a mythological place. I hope you had nice time there. Italian sculptures are awesome.
An I would love hiking through the aegaean hills. Our whole family loves hiking and going into an ancient land of history like that would be amazing.
These towns sound delightful I will be sure to go and visit these next time I am in Venice… Beautiful…
I love Italy and these places seem idyllic.
I love thermal baths! & it was amazing to know the origin of the word, I didn’t know it came from Greek! Glad you had a lovely time x Penny
You’re inspiring me to visit these places. Abano and Montegrotto Terme are about 40 minutes away. They look so enchanting!
I haven’t been to a spa town, but reading this makes me add one to my bucket list. And I wish I heard of this before visiting Venice as I would have loved to go.
This looks like an amazing experience! I would love to visit the spa, it sounds so relaxing!
I’m planning on going to Venice over the summer, and this came right in time. I think a luxurious spa day is just what I need, thank you!
sejal | thelazygal.com
These sound like a absolutely beautiful places to visit. The spa sounds heavenly, I need that in my life right now.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
It sounds like a lovely place to visit, with plenty to see and do. Lovely photographs. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Lauren
These sound like great places to visit. Thank you for sharing all about these hidden gems. Also how cool is that Street art!
I love italy and it seems like I would really have a great time visiting these places. You must have enjoyed your staying there!
Turkey is actually one of the places on my bucket list! And now I have even more of an itch to visit.
Turkey? This is Italy..
Living in Canada I feel very luck to have visited Venice twice. Your post has encouraged me to visit again so I can see this beautiful day trip. Thanks for sharing!
Oh I love a good spa. Thanks for sharing!
Spa towns are so beautiful and wonderful to explore! I have never actually been to these ones you speak about before but they look amazing, they are definitely being added to my travel list!
A spa town sounds like a dream! Thank you for this post!
Montegrotto Terme, situated closer to the Euganean Hills and easily accessible by train, provides an excellent opportunity to experience thermal baths like those at Terme Preistoriche. The setting amid lush landscapes and historical attractions like Villa Draghi adds to the charm of this town.
Abano Terme, known for its healing waters, is a sister spa town nearby. With its bustling Via delle Terme, filled with shops and restaurants, and landmarks like the Church of the Beata Vergine della Salute, Abano Terme exudes a serene, medieval atmosphere.
The Euganean Hills, volcanic in origin, offer picturesque views with vineyards and charming villages like Arqua Petrarca, steeped in history and natural beauty.