8 must see parks in Verona

Founded in the first century B.C., Verona is a historic city that has preserved numerous monuments from the ancient world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance era, and the modern period. Among its surviving architecture and magnificent urban structure are patches of greenery and natural wonders that showcase Italy’s priceless beauty and cultural wealth.

The City of Verona boasts twenty-six parks encompassing more than 130 acres with various facilities for recreation, relaxation, and exercise. They are managed by the Parks Department, which maintains and improves the city’s growing park system for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. Besides the parks in Verona, you’ll also discover many gorgeous gardens and other natural sanctuaries that provide a delightful escape from the stresses of life.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled destination, a quiet place to read a book, a scenic picnic spot, or a place to appreciate nature, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this list of the best Verona parks and gardens. Do you have too many shopping bags or heavy items to carry around? Don’t let them slow you down or stop you from an exciting outdoor adventure. We have luggage locations in multiple locations in Verona, so you have plenty of places to store your belongings while out and about.

Parco delle Mura

You don’t have to go beyond the city limits to interact with nature or see magnificent views. At Parco delle Mura e dei Forti, visitors can jog, walk, have picnics, and lie down on a grassy area and sunbathe, surrounded by greenery in the middle of Verona’s hustle and bustle. It’s a lovely place to get away from the noise but still close to all city conveniences and offerings.

The Parco delle Mura e dei Forti, which literally translates to “the Park of the Walls and Forts,” is a site of significant historical and environmental value. It surrounds the city for nine kilometers and develops along the walls with fortifications constructed between 1300 and 1850. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved fortifications and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This city park is located south of the historical center of Verona, near Verona Porta Nuova station. It combines nature, art, and history, allowing locals and visitors to walk the path and follow the walls to see a part of Verona’s rich heritage. The landscape is striking, but there aren’t benches to sit on, so bring a picnic blanket or rest on the well-maintained grass. For views, you’ll have to walk a few meters to reach the vantage point.

Giardino Giusti

Giardino Giusti is an absolute must when visiting the ‘Little Rome’ of Italy. It’s on the other side of the Adige River at Via Giardino Giusti 2 if you’re coming from the historic center. The site used to be a patch of ground where enormous cauldrons of dye were boiled for soaking wool before laying them out to dry. When the palace was built, the garden became an aesthetic reference point for the elites, including artists, poets, and European rulers. Some of its distinguished visitors during the Renaissance were Emperor Joseph II, Alexander I of Russia, Charles de Brosses, Cosimo III de Medici, and many more.

Today, visitors can still see many elements and items popular in 16th-century gardens, such as statues of mythological figures, lemon houses, grotesque masks, pots of citrus plants, pavilions, and Roman artifacts. There’s also a labyrinth, manicured gardens, and natural and wild vegetation you’ll notice as you explore the paths.

As you enter the main walkway into the gardens, you’ll be in awe of the tall trees and so much green around you. It’s the only 16th-century Italian garden in town, so take your time taking in the atmosphere. Climb the viewpoint and enjoy a breathtaking view of Verona from above. If you’re here on a hot summer day, walk away from the palazzo to the shaded areas toward the garden’s upper parts. You must wear comfy shoes because the paths in the upper garden are rooted and unpaved.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Italy, set in the heart of the Veneto region. It’s located in Valeggio sul Mincio, about thirty kilometers from Verona's city centre and a stone’s throw from Lake Garda (Gardasee.) It’s an ideal destination for a day trip with family and friends, filled with nature’s greenery, bright colors, and outdoor fun.

From its original 22 acres, Sigurtà Garden Park expanded to its current 60 hectares of endless areas of green, along with spectacular seasonal blooms. Come spring or summer to see more than a million bulbs blossoming into vibrant flowers, including roses covering over a kilometer of the promenade and water lilies, hibiscus, and lotus flowers flourishing in the ponds. With vast lawns, panoramic walkways, and striking views that will take your breath away, it’s no surprise that the Sigurtà Garden Park was named Italy’s Most Beautiful Park in 2013 and the Second Most Beautiful Park in Europe.

Allot a day to tour the park, as there are many points of interest you don’t want to miss. Besides the Viale delle Rose and scenic walks, the Labyrinth is not to be missed. It was inaugurated in July 2011, featuring a tower in the middle, which was inspired by Paris’ Bois de Boulogne Park. One of the tranquil parts of the park is the dog cemetery, where the loyal furry friends of the Sigurtà family rest. The Great Oak is also a favorite park attraction, which has stood there for four centuries, making it one of the garden’s oldest trees.

Parco Santa Teresa

Whether you want to exercise or take your bored children out for outdoor activities, you’ll have a great time at Parco Santa Teresa. It’s one of the best public recreational parks in Verona, with a vast green area for running, walking and jogging paths, picnic spots, benches, and playgrounds for children of all ages. There’s also a set of fitness equipment for exercise, a volleyball court, and open areas for free outdoor sports.

The park is clean and well-maintained, so you’ll love to come no matter the season. It comes alive every summer, offering residents and visitors moments of fun and sharing through unmissable events and activities. It hosts themed meetings, readings, dialogues, and philosophical evenings where everyone can share their thoughts and learn from others. One of the events held here was the Festa di Tutti i Colori, which celebrates the beauty of diversity and multiculturalism, inviting everyone to bring their culture through music, cooking, crafts, poetry, and more for mutual enrichment and cultural exchange.

Giardini Raggio di Sole

If you’re tired of having the same boring routine and wish to break the daily monotony and rejuvenate yourself, head to Giardini Raggio di Sole. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature without traveling far from the city and meet a few cool animals like goats and turtles. It’s located in the city center, a short walk from Porta Nuova, one of the city’s two remaining gates, and marks the beginning of the town’s historical section.

Giardini Raggio di Sole is perfect for couples looking for a romantic walk in the city or anyone seeking a resting place after sightseeing. Families with children will also enjoy a visit, thanks to its shaded playground with slides, swings, and climbing areas for kids of all ages. You can also let your little ones roam around and run free while you enjoy the scenery or set up the picnic table.

Get some exercise by jogging or walking along the three-lined paths or chill by the pond and watch the turtles do their business. Benches are scattered throughout the park, so you’ll find plenty of spots to rest, surrounded by huge trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers.

Parco Natura Viva

About half an hour from the city will take you to a nearby Italian town called Bussolengo, where a zoological park is located. Natura Viva Park in Verona province covers around forty hectares of land, home to about 1,500 animals of over 250 wild species. It receives nearly half a million individual visitors and 40,000 students from kindergarten to high school.

Natura Viva Park has two main sections: the pedestrian-only Fauna Park and the Safari Park to be explored on your vehicle, like an actual African Safari. If you don’t have a car, a jeep service can tour you around Safari Park. You’ll be in a wild environment to witness the elegant giraffes, lions, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and antelopes from the vehicle's windows.

On the other hand, Fauna Park involves four kilometers of walking to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. It is divided by continent to take you on an exciting journey to meet fascinating creatures from Africa, Asia, America, Oceania, and Europe. Here, you’ll see over 90 percent of the animals at the park. There are also eateries for snacks and refreshments, picnic areas, spots for relaxation, and shops to buy wildlife-related items, gifts, and souvenirs.

Cimitero Monumentale di Verona

If you’re feeling a bit sentimental and seeking a quiet place to wander and reflect, this memorial park is worth a visit. Cimitero Monumentale di Verona is a work of art and a piece of history designed in 1829 by Giuseppe Barbieri. It was constructed to consolidate several burial areas into a single location and was chosen by Napoleon’s troops so that all burial places were located outside the city for hygienic purposes. Some prominent people buried here are Emilio Salgari, Carlo Montanari, Berto Barbarani, Michele Sammicheli, and Franz von Scholl.

It may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for the top parks in Verona, but if you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by. It isn’t the cheeriest park, but it’s more than just a burial ground with graves and tombs. Instead, it’s more like an open-air museum that reflects a Neo-Doric influence.

Cimitero Monumentale is impressive, both in scale and its architectural offerings. It has magnificent statues, sculptures, and ornaments that will serve as an inspiration, especially for lovers of art and history. It’s rarely crowded, making it a perfect spot to escape flocks of tourists. Admission and guided tours are free, so take advantage of the opportunity to discover its story and interesting past.

Parco delle Cascate di Molina

Located about thirty kilometers north of Verona city, not far from the renowned Valpolicella wine region, is the Waterfall Park in the village of Molina. It covers an area of about twenty acres, with meandering streams and falls that serve as a home to plants and animals. The marvelous falls are accessible along three itineraries suitable for families and more adventurous travelers. The Waterfall Park of Molina is also easily reachable from Lake Garda.

Dedicate at least a day exploring the village and the waterfall park. Molina features watermills, after which it was named, as well as medieval stone houses and tons of greenery. Take your time strolling the narrow streets and visit the mountain hut.

Besides the watercourses and waterfalls, visitors can also enjoy the woods, caves, nude rocks, and beautiful landscapes at Molina Waterfall Park. No matter which of the three itineraries you pick, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable nature trip. They vary in length and degree of difficulty, so choose one that suits your skill level.

Remember that you can only access the Waterfall Park on foot, and the paths aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Wear comfy shoes as you tackle the trail.

Top gardens and parks in Verona

Every garden or park in Verona provides excellent opportunities to make the most of the great outdoors, regardless of the season. But more than flora and fauna found in these expansive green spaces are the architectural treasures, monuments, art pieces, and sculptures that give everyone a glimpse of the city’s rich, historied past. They allow visitors to escape the chaos of life, unwind, get inspired, and discover the city and its people’s heritage.

Do you have more time for extra adventure before heading to Verona Airport and further travels? Check out our guides on the best hikes in Verona and beaches near Verona to get ideas on what you can do for your next Italian trip.