Recoaro Terme: the hidden gem at the foot of the Little Dolomites

Recoaro Terme lies in the Conca di Smeraldo, a protected nature area, surrounded by the multifaceted peaks of the Little Dolomites in Veneto.

The small town in the province of Vicenza has always been famous for its thermal waters with curative properties, indicated mainly for the treatment and cure of illnesses.

But besides its beneficial thermal springs, Recoaro will surprise you with its lush nature and rich cultural heritage.

Indeed, Recoaro is the ideal destination not only for those who wish to undergo thermal treatments, but also for lovers of active holidays and outdoor sports, or for history enthusiasts.

If you are curious to discover what this pretty little town has to offer, read on to find out all there is to know about Recoaro Terme.

Recoaro Terme is a gem of peace and nature, nestled in the Little Dolomites. The village, known since ancient times for its precious waters, is characterised by old-world charm and an enchanting mountain landscape.

Its thermal baths, with five types of thermal waters, are a place of healing, relaxation and elegance.

But Recoaro is not just about thermal baths. Its historic centre is rich in historical and cultural attractions, including Art Nouveau villas and elegant palaces, which testify to the importance of this village, which was also a destination for members of the European nobility in the past.

The beauty of nature is another feature of Recoaro Terme. Sports and outdoor enthusiasts will find many trails in the surrounding mountains. In every season, you can admire different colours and views, but all are equally beautiful.

Finally, in the surroundings of Recoaro Terme, there are other places rich in culture and beauty, such as Vicenza, the city of the great architect Andrea Palladio, and, a short drive away, some of the most beautiful villages in the Veneto region.

All that remains is to discover what to do and see in Recoaro Terme!

Recoaro will welcome you with elegance and style, making you relive lost and bygone times.

Strolling through its streets, your attention will be caught by the presence of numerous Art Nouveau buildings with finely decorated façades. These include the Casa del Melograno (Pomegranate House).

In the central square you will find the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, built by the famous architect Vaccaro in 1950. Nearby you can also admire the stone bell tower with a hexagonal base.

For history lovers, we suggest a visit to the Museum of Soldier's Life in the Great War and the German bunker built during World War II.

The central street, on the other hand, is characterised by elegant shops and craft workshops, bars and typical Veneto taverns where you can spend a nice evening enjoying good wine and food.

Near the centre, you can drop by the 'Garden of Kindness'. A garden created at no cost kept alive and cared for by the kindness of citizens. 

At the end of the 17th century, following various analyses and research, it was ascertained that the waters of Recoaro Terme were rich in minerals and possessed numerous curative properties suitable for the treatment and medical care of various pathologies.

For this reason, illustrious and famous personalities of the time began to visit the spa resort, increasing the fame and notoriety of Recoaro's miraculous waters.

Inside a grandiose late 19th-century Art Nouveau palace are the Fonti Centrali di Recoaro, immersed in a park thick with centuries-old trees that stretches over 22 hectares.

Here you will find five different types of thermal waters, Lora, Lorgna, Amara, Nuova and Lelia, with different characteristics that must be taken in the form of a drink in order to benefit from their properties.

Among the various thermal therapies, all to be carried out under medical prescription, are cures for respiratory diseases, rheumatism, joint diseases, liver diseases, etc.

The Fonti Centrale's building can be easily reached on foot from the town centre. Nearby, in facilities detached from this central, you will also find four other thermal springs, known as Giuliana, Capitello, Franco and Aureliana.

If you a snow lover, you can reach Recoaro Mille in winter by cable car from Recoaro Terme.

Here you will not only find 15 kilometres of downhill slopes and 25 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, but you will also be amazed by the wonderful natural landscape that surrounds you.

From Recoaro Mille it is possible to follow the Sentiero dei Grandi Alberi (Big Trees Trail), a beautiful hike on the plateau that will take you through forests with large, majestic, centuries-old trees.

For the more adventurous, on the other hand, the Montagna Spaccata route is very original and unique, with a very special scenery. Here you will cross steep and high rock walls, along the Torrazzo torrent, by means of small bridges, footbridges and a metal staircase located beside a beautiful waterfall.

For the romantic people, the visit can also be made at night until 10 p.m., where the moonlight and stars will accompany you in a magical and evocative experience.

Throughout the year, Recoaro Terme hosts a range of cultural events and traditional celebrations that allow you to discover the history and local traditions of this town.

Every two years, on the last Sunday in February, 'La chiamata di Marzo' (The Call of March) takes place, a traditional celebration during which thousands of people parade through the streets of Recoaro in costume.

This is a historical re-enactment of the ancient customs, traditions and legends of the 'Cimbrian' tradition. The Cimbrians were an ancient Germanic-speaking people who settled in the Veneto and Trentino Pre-Alps in the Middle Ages. 

Another event that highlights one of Recoaro's main features is the Festa dell'Acqua (Water Festival).

On this occasion, the special atmosphere of late 19th-century spa culture is revived in bars, squares and streets, with people in costume, markets, concerts and thermal water tastings.

The date of this event varies from year to year.

There is no shortage of food festivals. In August, there is the "Festa dei gnocchi con la Fioreta", an event dedicated to a traditional dish made with potato gnocchi, seasoned with "fioreta", a fresh dairy product.

In addition to tasting this delicious local dish, there is music and dancing.

During the Christmas holidays, several interesting events take place. It starts with 'Rindolando', a craft market that takes place before Christmas.

Throughout the Christmas period, you can visit the historic nativity scene set up in the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate. Finally, on January 6, there is 'la festa e rogo della Stria' (the festival and burning of the Stria).

On this occasion, magicians, elves and stilt walkers parade through the streets of Recoaro. There is also a sledge race in period costumes between the districts of Recoaro, and the festival ends with the traditional Epiphany bonfire. 

Recoaro Terme is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.

By car: take the Alte-Montecchio exit from the A4 motorway and continue on the 246 provincial road towards Valdagno - Recoaro Terme.

By train: the nearest station is Vicenza. From Vicenza, continue by bus. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes and are operated by Ferrovie Tramvie Vicentine.

The nearest airports are Verona (Catullo) and Venice (Marco Polo).