The Venetian Islands

Visitors to Venice, especially those visiting for the first time, tend to associate the city with the main fish-shaped island in the Lagoon – Saint Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the canals filled with singing gondoliers… This is understandable, but Venice is much more than this, and even for returning visitors it is still full of surprises, many of which are hidden amongst the numerous islands within its Lagoon. Most tourists tend to postpone the tour of the islands to the last few hours of their holiday, if time still allows it. Obviously, you cannot miss the main sights but, historically and geographically, it would make more sense to start by visiting the Venetian islands, as it is here that this unique and fascinating city originated.

So, if you are planning your second trip to Venice, I would recommend you dedicate it to visiting some of the islands where the story began…

In the past, the many islands had several functions, from quarantine stations containing people with different illnesses (from mental problems to plague) to places welcoming religious communities, and monasteries. Over the centuries, some of the islands have vanished in the water of the Lagoon (Ammiana, Costanziaca, etc.), some have been abandoned but many, in recent years, have been culturally and touristically recovered (San Clemente, San Servolo, l’Isola delle Rose, La Certosa, etc.). You will be spoilt for choice and, perhaps a bit overwhelmed, if you only have 48 hours.

Over the centuries, some of the islands have vanished in the water of the Lagoon

You could, for example, visit the island of La Giudecca, starting with a visit to the stunning Palladian Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, then indulging in the food of Harry’s Dolci and, finally, relaxing at the stunning Hotel Cipriani. Or you could visit the nearby, which beats even the famous view you get from Saint Mark’s Tower.