You are here
The islands in the Venetian lagoon
THE OTHER VENICE: THE LAGOON ISLANDS
Mazzorbo
ph. Kasa Fue CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
There is so much to discover in the lagoon beyond the Venice's central districts. The Venice's Lagoon is an ideal destination for a slow and responsible travel experience, on foot, by bicycle or rowing.
We suggest you do a journey to discover the treasures of the Venice's Lagoon, an entire world - still little known - that surrounds Venice!
A journey throught traditional crafts, ancient convents, hidden vineyards and gardens, local foods and a unique ecosystem.
San Francesco del Deserto
ph. ildirettore CC BY 3.o via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Burano
ph. @laurascarpavenezia via Instagram
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.
Lazzaretto Nuovo
ph. Francesca Borgato via Instagram
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.
