The Venetian Lagoon Islands are teeming with more than 100 enthralling islands. These timeless islands are known for their central ones that are home to the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. For this reason, this fascinating city is a unique place which you must put on your list of places to visit.
Activity/Place Highlights
If you really want to be enthralled by the city, you must take to the water to reach the lagoon’s farther-flung corners. Navigating by boat as Venetians do!
A charming place to visit is the scarcely populated island of Torcello. This island is one of the most magical places in the whole of Venice. In addition, its Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is built with 12th-century mosaics that undulate in ripples of gold and glasses. Also, its Byzantine painted houses have been famous for lacemaking since the 15th century.
Additionally, even more out of the way, farther south, is Sant’Erasmo. You will be delighted by this place that is one of the lagoon’s largest islands. Also, it is noted for its calm residential feel and fertile farms where asparagus is raised.
Furthermore, you need to be captivated by contemplating the rich culture and varied land. Finally, you will be fascinated by the waterscapes on the way back to central Venice in Vaporetto.
How to get there
Domestic and international flights arrive at Venezia Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From there, the Alilaguna waterbus routes take you to the Fondamente Nouve, the Lido, St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto, and the railroad station. There are trains to Venice from most major Italian cities.
It will take you just a 12-kilometer drive from the city. Most of the flights that arrive at this airport are from other European cities.
Furthermore, the airport is well-connected to the main town by both road and canals. In addition, the journey will not take more than an hour and is quite comfortable. However, if you wish to travel by road, then you can board a taxi which can be slightly expensive but is the fastest way to reach the town.
When to go
Venice can be visited year-round, but midsummer can be swelteringly hot and humid (as well as crowded), and in winter a biting wind often blows from the north.
How long
The highlights of Venice’s lagoon islands itself are easily visited in a weekend, including some relaxed wandering and time to visit a museum or two. Furthermore, even the most time-strapped travelers should be able to spend two days in Venice without screwing up their itineraries too much.
However, at least 3 days in Venice would be better. So you can also visit some of the surrounding islands and even a day trip to Verona or Bassano del Grappa while you’re at it.
Opening and Closing Hours
- Vaporettos: Most vaporetto lines run from about 5am until around midnight.
- Museums and churches: Almost all museums, churches and other points of interest open daily.
- Top attractions: Although the museum’s opening hours in Venice’s lagoon islands can vary, most of the monuments and top attractions open at 9 am and close between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Planning
Be sure to be planned ahead during the busiest times, from Easter to late October and during special events like the pre-Lenten Carnival, the Venice Film Festival, and the Biennale. You need to allow at least one full day to explore all that the lagoon has to offer.
Prices
- Guided tours: 20€ to 35€ for 3 to 4 hours
- One-way Vaporetto ticket: 7.50€ (valid for 75 minutes)
Inside Information
- In summer, temperatures in the city are high during the day and at night are cooler. Additionally, during the day, it can get quite hot, but luckily the streets in Venice are very narrow and; therefore, provide shade. Although in winter the average temperature is below 50°F (10°C). Then, it can get extremely cold and it snows quite frequently.
- English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants.
- Venice is a difficult city to visit for people with reduced mobility. Granted that the streets are mostly narrow and cobbled with numerous bridges that connect the several islands, which can be challenging for someone in a wheelchair.
History
The name is derived from the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region by the 10th century BC. In fact, the city was known historically as the capital of the Republic of Venice. Indeed, the 697–1797 Republic of Venice was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It was a staging known area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as an important center of commerce (especially silk, grain, and spice) and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century.
Furthermore, Venice has been known as “La Dominante”, “La Serenissima”, “Queen of the Adriatic”, “The City of Water”, “City of Masks”, “City of Bridges”, “The Floating City”, and “City of Canals”.
Websites
Other nearby attractions
Bassano del Grappa
You will be fascinated by this place that is located a few kilometers from Marostica. It is mainly famously known for one of Italy’s most popular spirit category, the Grappa, a grape-based liqueur. The distance from Venice is 68 km – 42 miles.
Romantic Verona
The Roman Arena is encircled by the stunning medieval historical center, which is the second largest amphitheater after Rome’s Colosseum. Above all, Verona is known as the city of love, as it is the famous setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The distance from Venice is 55 km – 34,17 miles by boat: 1h30.
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