Things To Do
in Sona
Sona is a tranquil comune in the Veneto region, just a short drive from Verona’s urban pulse. It sits among rolling vineyards and olive groves, offering a peaceful taste of rural Veneto with easy access to both city and lake. The area is known for its wine production, especially in the nearby Valpolicella hills, and for its well-preserved countryside charm.
Expect a slow-paced atmosphere, seasonal flavors, and scenic views over the Verona plain throughout the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Italian pastries and espresso. After your meal, take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Sona, admiring the charming architecture and historic landmarks. Don’t forget to stop by the beautiful parish church, where you can soak in the peaceful ambiance of the early morning.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a delightful lunch at a family-run trattoria, where you can taste authentic local cuisine. Spend some time visiting the local markets, where artisans and farmers showcase their goods; be sure to sample some freshly made cheeses and cured meats. As the day continues, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque vineyards that surround Sona, taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling landscape.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to a local enoteca for a wine tasting experience featuring the region's finest wines. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant that offers panoramic views of the town, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Sona as twilight descends. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, savoring the romance of the evening air.
Begin your second day with a visit to the stunning Villa Calicantus, where you can explore the historic gardens and learn about the estate’s winemaking heritage. The peaceful morning atmosphere is perfect for enjoying the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. After your tour, indulge in a light breakfast featuring local fruits and pastries offered by the villa cafe.
Spend your afternoon in nearby Bardolino, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Garda, located just a short drive from Sona. Enjoy a lakeside lunch and take a leisurely boat ride out on the lake, admiring the stunning scenery and relaxing in the serene waters. Explore the charming streets filled with shops and art galleries, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
Return to Sona in the evening and enjoy dinner at a rustic osteria, where the focus is on hearty farm-to-table dishes. Share stories and laughter with fellow travelers as you savor the flavors of traditional recipes. End the night with a visit to a local gelateria, indulging in creamy gelato under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
| 🚆Public transport single ride | $1.5-2 |
| 🏨Hotel room (mid-range, 1 night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic countryside and vineyard scenery
- Close proximity to Verona and Lake Garda
- Delicious regional Veneto cuisine and wines
- Relaxed pace with authentic local culture
- Limited nightlife within Sona itself
- Some services may be more limited in smaller villages
- Seasonal crowds in peak wine-tourism months
- Public transit options can be infrequent in rural pockets
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Consiglia un ristorante tipico?" - Could you recommend a local restaurant?
Places to Visit in Sona
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour shots across rolling vineyard rows with the Veneto hills on the horizon.
Sweeping views over staggered vines and terraced slopes, especially stunning at sunset.
Charming street photography opportunities with a traditional Italian town center feel.
Dramatic landscapes where river meanders meet the plain, ideal for wide-angle landscapes.
Food in Sona
Sona Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy risotto finished with Amarone wine, a signature Veronese dish that showcases the region’s rich grape heritage. Look for it in trattorie around Sona and Verona.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked horse meat stew in red wine, herbs, and vegetables. A traditional Veronese specialty often featured in local menus.
Thick pasta tossed with a savory anchovy and onion sauce—a beloved Venetian-Veneto classic found in many local eateries.
Soft polenta served with braised beef in wine, a comforting combination that highlights regional grazing and vineyard life.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly town market where locals shop for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and seasonal specialties. Great for a quick, authentic lunch corner or to pick up ingredients.
Large city markets with local produce, bread, cheeses, and prepared foods; ideal for sampling Veneto street offerings and picking up picnic ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera; a simple 'per favore' and 'grazie' go a long way. In some vineyards and family-run places, handshakes are common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; quiet demeanor is appreciated in sacred spaces.
Mealtime is social; wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat and keep voices at a moderate level in restaurants.
Safety
Tipping in Sona
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is not always included. A small tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated in restaurants; many people round up the bill. More casual places may not expect tipping.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities and towns; cash is useful for markets and smaller establishments. Always carry some euros for tips or small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming vineyards; ideal for outdoor café seating and short hikes. Expect fresh produce markets and fewer crowds.
Warm to hot days, with cooling breezes from nearby hills and Lake Garda. Can be busy in vineyard areas; stay hydrated and plan water-based or shaded activities.
Harvest time in Valpolicella and Verona; great for wine tastings and harvest festivals. The countryside turns golden, perfect for photography and scenic drives.
Cool and quiet, with festive markets in nearby Verona. Some outdoor venues may close; cozy trattorie and wine bars are ideal for evenings.
Sona at Night
Hiking in Sona
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hiking through grassy plateaus and limestone landscapes with panoramic views.
Gentle paths between vineyards and historic estates, ideal for a scenic half-day hike.
Riverside and hilltop segments offering varied scenery and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Sona by plane.
The closest major airport, with convenient connections to international destinations and domestic flights; ~20-30 minutes by car to Sona depending on traffic.
A smaller regional airport offering limited international and domestic flights; good for occasional trips and nearby connections.
A larger international gateway northeast of Sona; about 1.5-2 hours by car or train, useful for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Italian families and retirees, with a growing presence of residents from other parts of Europe seeking a tranquil Veneto lifestyle.
Visitors seeking rural Veneto charm, winery experiences, and easy access to Verona and Lake Garda.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Flat to rolling countryside routes through vineyards and olive groves are popular with both locals and visitors.
A common pastime and community activity; you may catch or join a local game in nearby towns.
Winery tours and grape harvest experiences are widely pursued across the Valpolicella and Soave regions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sona.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Veneto dishes are meat-forward, but vegetarian options are common in trattorie. Look for risotti with vegetables, polenta with mushrooms, and vegetable antipasti; inform staff of dairy or egg preferences, and ask for vegetable-based broths.