The Euganean Hills, south of Padua, are an oasis of gentle volcanic hills protected by a regional park: vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages, Venetian villas and an extraordinary thermal tradition. It’s here that you find the famous Euganean thermal area of Abano and Montegrotto, one of the largest and most renowned in Europe, famous for its therapeutic mud and thermal waters. An ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, wellbeing, nature and culture in a single stay, a step from Padua and Venice.
Choosing where to stay in the Euganean Hills means choosing between the comfort of a thermal hotel and the charm of a historic village. In this guide we tell you about the main destinations, from the spas to the walled towns, with practical tips and a selection of properties among the most appreciated by travellers.
Abano and Montegrotto Terme: wellbeing
Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme are the wellbeing capital of Veneto. Their thermal area, among the oldest and largest in Europe, is famous for its hyperthermal water and its DOC therapeutic mud, used for centuries for treatments. Here the hotels are not simple hotels but true thermal centres, with thermal pools, saunas, treatment departments and spas, often set in large parks. It’s the ideal destination for a holiday devoted to relaxation, health and regeneration, in every season of the year.
The two resorts, very close to each other, offer a wide choice of properties, from large 4- and 5-stars to more intimate family-run hotels. Most propose packages that include treatments, therapies and board, designed for multi-night stays in the name of wellbeing. Here are four recommended addresses between Abano and Montegrotto.
Hotel Aqua
A 3-star in Abano Terme with thermal pools, a wellness centre and a restaurant, in a quiet position with hill views. The large crowd of loyal guests confirms quality hospitality: the perfect base for a holiday devoted to relaxation and spa treatments.
Tritone Luxury Hotel Thermae & Spa
A refined 5-star in Abano with a large thermal park, a spa with saunas and two restaurants. The right address for those seeking luxury and wellbeing at the highest level, between thermal pools and treatments, in an oasis of elegance at the foot of the Euganean Hills.
Esplanade Tergesteo – Luxury Retreat
A refined 5-star in Montegrotto with panoramic thermal pools, a wellness centre and a rooftop. An address of great class for a restorative getaway, where thermal wellbeing meets hill views and impeccable service.
Hotel Garden Terme
An elegant 4-star in Montegrotto set in a large 50,000 m² park, with a wellness centre. The green space, the thermal pools and the calm make it an ideal base for a holiday of pure relaxation, between treatments, nature and walks in the hills.
Montagnana and the hill villages
The Euganean Hills are not only spas: all around open villages and small towns rich in history. Montagnana, with its extraordinary medieval walls — among the best preserved in Europe — is one of the most fascinating destinations. Not far away, Este with its castle, Monselice with the Rocca and the seven churches, and above all Arquà Petrarca, among the loveliest villages in Italy, where the poet Petrarch spent his final years. They are ideal destinations for those wanting to combine the wellbeing of the spas with the discovery of the art, nature and wine of the hills.
Sleeping in a village like Montagnana means experiencing the atmosphere of a small art town, strolling along the walls at sunset and tasting the local produce, like the famous Veneto Berico-Euganeo DOP ham. It’s a more intimate and authentic alternative to the thermal hotels, perfect for those who love history and calm, with the spas and the other destinations reachable in a few minutes. Here are two recommended addresses.
Exclusive Villa
A welcoming guesthouse with a garden and free parking in Montagnana, ideal for quiet stays. Well-kept and well located, it’s the perfect base for discovering one of the loveliest walled villages in Italy and the Euganean Hills, between history, nature and good food.
I giardini di Lo’
A guesthouse surrounded by a green garden in Montagnana, a short distance from the historic walls. A well-kept and relaxing address, ideal for those seeking calm and authenticity a stone’s throw from the walled centre, a perfect base for exploring the Euganean Hills.
What to do and how to get around
The Euganean Hills area lets you combine relaxation and discovery. At the spas you devote yourself to wellbeing, between mud treatments, thermal pools and therapies; all around, the hills offer trails for trekking and cycling, cellars where you can taste the DOC wines, and jewels like the monumental garden of Valsanzibio, the Villa dei Vescovi and the Praglia Abbey. Don’t miss the walled villages and Petrarch’s house in Arquà. It’s a perfect destination in every season, but particularly evocative in spring and autumn.
The Euganean Hills are easily reached by car from the motorway, but also by train: Abano and Montegrotto have their own station (Terme Euganee) and are very close to Padua, which is in turn half an hour from Venice. Many thermal hotels offer shuttle services and bicycles. A car is handy for exploring the villages and the hill cellars. To plan your travel, see the guide on how to get to Veneto. For thermal stays it’s best to book ahead, especially at weekends.
This guide is part of our journey through the region: discover all the areas and destinations in Where to Stay in Veneto.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in the Euganean Hills and spas.
Better Abano or Montegrotto Terme?
The two resorts are very close and part of the same thermal area, so the choice is more a matter of atmosphere than substance. Abano Terme is larger, more elegant and with a lively pedestrian centre; Montegrotto is a little quieter and greener. Both offer thermal hotels of every category, with pools, mud treatments and spas. In both cases you’re a few minutes from the Euganean Hills, from Padua and from the historic villages.
What makes the Euganean spas special?
The spas of Abano and Montegrotto are famous for their hyperthermal water, which flows out very hot, and above all for their DOC therapeutic mud, matured in special tanks and used for centuries for treatments. It’s one of the largest and oldest thermal areas in Europe. The hotels are true thermal centres, with thermal pools, treatment departments and spas. It’s an ideal destination for wellbeing, health and relaxation in every season.
What to see in the Euganean Hills besides the spas?
A great deal. The Euganean Hills offer fascinating villages like Arquà Petrarca, among the loveliest in Italy, walled Montagnana, Este with its castle and Monselice with the Rocca. Don’t miss the monumental garden of Valsanzibio, the Villa dei Vescovi and the Praglia Abbey, as well as trails for trekking and cycling and cellars where you can taste the DOC wines. It’s a destination that combines wellbeing, art, nature and food and wine.
Are the Euganean Hills a good base for Padua and Venice?
Yes, excellent. Abano and Montegrotto are a few minutes from Padua, which is in turn half an hour by train from Venice. Many choose a thermal hotel as a relaxing base to visit the art cities on a day trip, alternating treatments and relaxation with culture. The area is well connected by both car and train, with the Terme Euganee station. It’s an ideal solution for those wanting to combine wellbeing and tourism.
When to go to the Euganean spas?
The spas can be enjoyed all year round: the thermal hotels are open in every season and the pools are heated. The shoulder seasons — spring and autumn — are ideal for combining treatments with walks in the hills, with pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes, while winter is perfect for a getaway of pure relaxation in the warmth of the thermal pools. It’s best to book ahead at weekends and during holiday periods.
