The area offers a wide range of day-trips and activities:
Cultural/Cities
From Damarco it’s a 25-min drive down to the highway slip-road in Schio and Thiene, small and charming towns well worth a visit. From there the regional capital of Vicenza is just 30km away. Sixty kilometres further on you can see the beautiful cities or Verona and legendary Venice. There are hourly trains from Vicenza to the busy heart of the lagoon city.
If you prefer a bit less touristic places, there are plenty of hidden treasures to discover such as Bassano del Grappa, Marostica, Castelfranco or the picturesque village of Asolo. These places are all towards the famous prosecco area Valdobbiadene near Treviso where you can try the best sparkling wines of Italy.
Mountain lovers
With the impressive mountain “Novegno”, on which Damarco is located, there is a big attraction right at hand. Two winding tarmac roads lead you up to Carbaro, the hamlet of Damarco. While Schio is located in 350masl, Cerbaro’s altitude is 915masl and thus about half way up to Novegno mountain plateau (1550masl). In the summer season when the cows graze the wild herb meadows, a small dairy produces organic cheese. The attached tavern offers local traditional dishes. The peak is accessible by car via a gravel road or over several treks by foot or mountain bike. Due to its strategic position at the highest point of the easily accessible roads, Cerbaro attracts many road bikers and ebikers.
Other very nice destinations for day trips are the near mountains Priafora and Summano.
The neighbouring plateau of Asiago is a top destination for cross-country skiing, but also for summer hikes and mountain bike excursions.
Historical sites
During World War I (1914-1918) the highlands of Novegno and Asiago were front line between the Austro-Hungarian invaders and Italy. The Italian army tried to form a chain of forts and cannonry structures with protected supplies for their brave soldiers defending their home country. Many of the sites are still visible and can be visited such as the huge abandoned hilltop Fort Enna in just 8km distance from Damarco, the trenches and cave systems at Priafora or Fort Rivon on top of the highest peak of the Novegno pleateau in over 1600masl.
However, the most scenic and recommendable hike is the “strada delle 52 gallerie”, a road on the protected south-western ridge of Mount Pasubio. Soldiers forced 52 tunnels into hard rock to supply ammunition and provisions to the fort on top of the strategic peak. These days the trek can be hiked up or down. It offers amazing views into the valley. A restaurant with lookout platform is located on top of the mountain. The starting point of the “strada” is just 14km away from Damarco.
Sea, lakes and rivers
The Adriatic beach of Jesolo is just 1.5 hours away from Damarco. It takes about the same time to drive to Garda lake or to the smaller, charming lakes of Levico Terme.
For a jump into refreshing waters we can also recommend the river bassins of Contrà Pria, in just 40 min driving distance from Damarco.
Thermal springs
If you fancy a relaxing day in hot pools the famous thermal springs of Abano Terme near Padova are just an hour drive from Damarco. Several luxurious hotels and baths offer wellness treatments, sauna, massages and medical cures.
From Damarco you can also cross the adjacent valley of Pasubio to visit the historic SPA centre Recoaro Terme, located in a breath-taking mountain area. Several springs supply the healthy mineral fountains. At present the SPA is focussed on health care and operates only seasonally.
Just ask us for recommendations: there are lots of places to enjoy and many experiences not to miss!