This Is Italy
The heart of the Venetian lagoon is undeniably the unique Venice – both geographically and touristically – but even more than this city, the area is characterized by life on the other islands and the coastal strips that belong to the lagoon. So let's agree with the ferry cross the lagoon and see what it has to offer us!
The starting point for our journey from south to north through the Venetian lagoon is Chioggia. This town is Venice in miniature and considerably less touristy. Stroll across the stately Ponte Vigo with images of a small lion on the bridge railings – the city symbol of Chioggia.
Also see the clock on the bell tower of Sant'Andrea, which could be the oldest working clock in the world.
In addition, as Italy's largest supplier of fish, Chioggia's fish market is a sight to behold, and a table reservation is essential to sample the most delicious fish in high season.
pelle strane
From Chioggia heading north we reach the 11 kilometer long coastline of Pellestrina which is only a few meters wide at some points. The name probably comes from 'pelle strane', because of the weathered skin of the fishermen who live there.
One of the four fishing villages of the coastline is the village of the same name, Pellestrina, which is 450 meters long and 50 meters wide. Long ago it was assigned to 4 Italian families; there was simply no room for more families! Pellestrina has no hotels or bed & breakfasts, but no matter how small, the only dining option – Ristorante da Celeste – is among the very best in the entire lagoon!
And certainly not only that is worthwhile in this picturesque village. Pellestrina tells the story of the lace. The art of gossamer lace has been taught for generations at the Scuola di Merletto di Tombolo. The longest piece of lace ever made is 450 meters long and shows the entire coastline of the village of Pellestrina. And to think that with a meter of lace bobbins you can easily be busy for 20 hours!
Lido
Continuing our way north, we come to the beaches of the Lido with fine, bright white sand. The rich of the earth spend their holidays at the Excelsior or Hotel des Bains, but also the venetian like to come here and then rent a beach house. Separated by a waterway, there are even more sandy beaches above the Lido.
Horse stables
This is the coast of Cavallino, which owes its name to the fact that the Romans used this headland to stable their horses. Nowadays, however, many campsites and bungalow parks are located here where you can enjoy a wonderful holiday. The beaches of Sant'Erasmo are also beautiful (and can only be reached by boat).
Burano and San Francesco del Deserto
We end our journey through the lagoon at the islets of Burano and San Francesco del Deserto. In colorful Burano you will be amazed: the women making lace in front of their houses, the men busy with fishing nets and houses in all the colors of the rainbow!
The whole looks attractive and friendly, but the true function of the colored houses is that the fishermen can find their way home. Dense fog can arise in the autumn and without the striking colours, fishermen would not be able to see anything.
The Museo del Consorzio Merletti di Burano also houses a collection of lace. The small San Francesco del Deserto can be reached quickly from Burano. Please contact the brothers of the monastery for this, they will send a boat to Burano to pick you up.
Once there, the serene tranquility is immediately apparent. The island is infested with cypress trees and the only sound comes from the chirping birds. The Franciscan friars are happy to give you a tour of the grounds and their monastery.
You notice, the lagoon is full of special surprises! Have fun on your own exploration of the water during your next visit to the region!
Spend the night in the Venice lagoon
Do you also want to go to the Venetian lagoon? Then see where you can spend the night cheaply in the area, while enjoying all the color and spectacle around you.
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