The islands in the Venetian lagoon

Discover the precious cultural heritage in the smaller islands, such as San Lazzaro degli Armeni, San Servolo, Certosa, San Michele in Isola, San Francesco del Deserto, where the most authentic spirit of the lagoon life is still preserved.

The lagoon islands also host several vegetable gardens where typical local products are grown (among them, the delicious Purple artichoke of Sant'Erasmo), alongside vineyards of native wines, such as the Dorona grape.

Not to be missed: the vineyards of Mazzorbo and the orchards of Vignole and Sant’Erasmo.

Today few ancient crafts have survived in the lagoon islands, which recount the history of these places.

You could take a tour of the most traditional shops: the glass workshops and furnaces of Murano or the ateliers of the lace-makers of Burano, that still use the ancient needle lace technique.

Another traditional craftsman is the remèr or forcolaio, who makes and restores the oars and fórcole (rowlocks) used in traditional Venetian boats.

For birdwatchers and lovers of the outdoors, the Venice's Lagoon preserves unique natural landscapes and a rich biodiversity: fishing valleys, coastlines and salt marshes (lands regularly flooded by the tides and include plants that can tolerate salt water).

The lagoon is also one of the most important wintering areas for waterbirds in the entire Mediterranean basin, but even in summer we can observe many species: gulls, terns, waders and many types of herons.

Many flamingos have also been seen for some years.