Every January, Venice welcomes a delightfully quirky tradition that brightens the cold season: the Befana Regatta! This is a cheerful boat race where rowers, dressed as the iconic old woman of Epiphany, glide along the Grand Canal in full costume. This blend of folklore, humor, and rowing heritage transforms the morning into a lively celebration and offers a glimpse into the Venice winter traditions at their best.
As you watch the colorful boats sweep beneath historic palaces, it’s easy to understand why travelers fall in love with the city. Beyond the lagoon, there is a region just as rich in culture, flavors, and charm. It’s an invitation to explore the Veneto region and discover the landscapes and experiences that inspired our Veneto romantic tour.
What is the Befana Regatta?
Each year on January 6th, the "Regatta della Befana" brings a burst of joy to Venice’s winter. Held during Epiphany, this light-hearted race features local rowers navigating traditional boats, such as "mascarete" and "batèle", while dressed as "La Befana", the whimsical figure of Italian folklore who delivers sweets to children. Crowds gather on bridges and canal edges, cheering as colorful costumes flutter against the backdrop of the Grand Canal.
The legend tells of an old woman who missed the chance to follow the Three Wise Men, forever wandering with her broom in search of the Christ Child. Venice transformed this beloved character into a regatta, celebrating its lagoon identity and honoring Venice cultural experiences rooted in rowing, tradition, and community spirit.
What to do in Venice
Venice offers endless ways to step into its world of artistry. Begin with a classic walking tour that brings you through the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, masterpieces that reveal centuries of prestige and power. Step inside artisan ateliers to meet mask makers, glass artists, and bookbinders who honor and practice Venice’s historic artisanal heritage.
A gondola ride is a must! Even in winter, cozy layers and a warm blanket keep the moment wonderfully magical. For culinary exploration, join a "cicchetti" cooking class to learn how Venetians turn simple ingredients into irresistible small plates, perfect for an authentic taste of the city.
What to see in Venice
Rise early to wander the Rialto Market at dawn, when fishermen and vegetable vendors set out the day’s fresh offerings. Continue to the panoramic terrace at Fondaco dei Tedeschi for sweeping views stretching over the city’s rooftops and graceful bridges.
Art lovers will enjoy Ca’ Rezzonico and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, both guardians of Venice’s creative soul. Pause at a historic café like Florian or Quadri for a refined break amid gilded interiors. For something atmospheric, stroll through the Ghetto or browse the whimsical corners of Libreria Acqua Alta. A day trip to Murano and Burano adds brilliant glasswork, colorful houses, and a lovely lagoon setting to your Venice January events exploration.
Explore Beyond Venice
Traveling beyond the lagoon enriches any Venice itinerary, revealing the depth and diversity of the region.
1. Padua
One of Italy’s great university cities, Padua reveals a lively academic spirit alongside exceptional art and cherished spiritual sites. Begin with the Scrovegni Chapel, where Giotto’s cycle of frescoes reshaped Western art, then wander through the historic center toward Prato della Valle, a monumental square framed by statues and canals. The world’s oldest academic botanical garden offers quiet paths and rare plant collections, and just beyond its gates the surrounding streets buzz with cafés enjoyed by students and locals. The Basilica of St. Anthony, an important pilgrimage site, showcases extraordinary sculptures and serene cloisters.
2. Valpolicella
The Valpolicella region is a tapestry of vineyard-covered hills, rustic villages, and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Famed for Amarone and Ripasso wines, it offers a sensory journey through flavors shaped by careful drying techniques and unique microclimates. Visit a family-run winery to tour stone-walled cellars and learn how generations have refined their craft. Tastings often include pairings with local cheeses and olive oil, deepening the experience. Beyond wine, the landscape invites gentle walks among terraced vineyards or visits to Romanesque churches tucked into quiet valleys.
3. Verona
Start your visit to Verona and explore the ancient Arena, an impressive Roman amphitheater that still hosts concerts and grand opera performances. Continue to Piazza delle Erbe, where frescoed façades, market stalls, and elegant buildings create one of Italy’s most atmospheric squares. Follow the curve of the Adige River to discover graceful bridges and quiet walkways ideal for scenic pauses. Explore Juliet’s courtyard, then venture into lesser-known gems like Castelvecchio and its fortified bridge for a glimpse of medieval strength and artistry. Between visits, enjoy comforting regional dishes in cozy trattorias, and let the city’s lively evenings guide you into a slower, more reflective rhythm.
4. Lago di Garda
Lake Garda reveals a striking contrast between Alpine scenery and Mediterranean warmth. Its shores are dotted with elegant villas, cypress trees, lemon groves, and pleasant harbor towns. A boat tour to Isola del Garda becomes a highlight as you reach a private island adorned with manicured gardens and a neo-Gothic villa rising above turquoise waters. Explore lakeside promenades in Sirmione, known for its castle and thermal springs, or head to Malcesine for sweeping views from Monte Baldo’s cable car. Scenic cafés, artisan shops, and lakeside paths offer countless ways to enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace, making Lake Garda an invigorating escape.
5. Milan
Milan stands as Italy’s stylish crossroads of art, design, and heritage, an energizing finale to any northern journey. Visit the magnificent Duomo, a forest of spires sculpted in pale marble, then stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural jewel lined with boutiques and cafés. The Brera district offers cobbled streets, intimate galleries, and one of Italy’s most important art collections at the Pinacoteca. A guided city walk reveals hidden courtyards, Renaissance cloisters, and elegant palaces that contrast beautifully with modern skyscrapers in Porta Nuova.
6. Cremona
Cremona is a haven for music lovers, steeped in the legacy of legendary violin makers such as Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati. The town’s luthier workshops welcome you to witness artisans crafting instruments with extraordinary precision, using skills passed down through generations. The Violin Museum presents masterpieces of craftsmanship and interactive exhibits that reveal the science behind perfect sound. Beyond music, Cremona charms with its grand Piazza del Comune, Romanesque cathedral, and towering Torrazzo, which rewards you with panoramic views.
A Joyful Farewell to the Befana & Beyond!
The Befana regatta brings humor, history, and heart to Venice each January, offering a joyful start to the year. But its magic is only the beginning! Beyond the Grand Canal stretch the cities, vineyards, and landscapes that make the Veneto region so unforgettable. From art-rich Padua to romantic Verona, from Lake Garda’s shimmering shores to Milan’s cultural energy, the area invites deeper discovery. If this glimpse has sparked your curiosity, our thoughtfully crafted itinerary can help you explore it all at your own pace and in your own style!
