Venice has over 100 minor islandsall worthy of a visit. Of these, only a few are worth visiting.
Make sure Burano, Murano and Lido are on your list, as well as the small islands of Torcello, San Michele and Pellestrina.
In this article, we'll find out everything you need to know about how to visit these Venetian islands.
Venice Islands: article summary
How many islands are there in Venice?
Did you know that Venice isn't just one group of islands? There are 118 islands in Venice! If you're planning a visit to the city, make sure you Burano, Murano and Lido. In fact, these are very important places that you can't ignore. On site, you'll discover ancestral knowledge and magnificent landscapes.
Each island is brimming with art and other wonders that I recommend you discover.
How to get to the islands of Venice
The Vaporetto in Venice is like the metro in Paris. If you want to reach Venice's islands by public transport, taking a ferry is the most efficient way.
All lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. every day (except vacations). Tickets can be quite expensive, so if you're visiting more islands, it's best to choose a 24-hour ticket for €24 or a 12-hour ticket for €18.
If you're going to Murano or Burano, you can hop on the Vaporetto at Venice's San Zaccaria stop, which is near St. Mark's. The journey takes 40-50 minutes.
Discover Murano glass
Known the world over for its talented glassmakersMurano is the ideal island for buying unique souvenirs. Here you'll find precious blown-glass artifacts and Venetian murals with colorful patterns made from a glass rod.
While in Murano, visit the Glass Museum to discover the origins of this local tradition. Before you leave, don't forget to visit the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato to marvel at its mosaic floor.
Burano lace
This colorful island is probably the most photographed in Venice. You'll instantly recognize it from afar thanks to its brightly-colored houses. Indeed, many legends have it that they served as lighthouses so that sailors and fishermen could find their homes in thick fog.
Burano is also famous for its beautiful handmade embroidery and lace, so be sure to buy some. as souvenirs for craft enthusiasts.
Venice Lido
If you're passionate about the film industry, you'll be familiar with Lido di Venezia. This island hosts the International Film Festival every year in early September. At this time of year, expect to see celebrities and large crowds.
San Giorgio: a small island steeped in history
The best place to admire the little San Giorgio island is from the top of the Saint-Marc bell tower. However, you can also go there. Rich in history, it was founded in the VIIIᵉ century by a noble family called Memmia.
Over the following centuries, a Benedictine monk built the monastery of San Giorgio MaggioreNow a must-see when visiting the islands of Venice!
Pelestrina: the most authentic island
If you want to discover the authentic Venetian lifestyle, visit Pellestrina. A fortified island just off the Lido di Venezia, it is populated mainly by of fishermen and farmers who live in small, colorful houses.
From Pellestrina, you'll witness some of the lagoon's most stunning sunsets, so consider making a visit if you're in Venice in summer!
Sant'Elena: one of Venice's oldest islands
This is one of the oldest islands in the Venetian lagoon. It boasts a monastery built around 1176 to welcome pilgrims to the Holy Land.
However, during the Serenissima Republic, it was used for military purposes. Later, it was used to store crops in times of war. Today, it is home to one of Venice's main soccer pitches, the Pier Luigi Penzo stadiumand the Naval College.
La Giudecca: the Jewish ghetto
The original name of this elongated island is Spina Longa (long spine). It is the longest of the Venetian islands and the closest to the mainland. The current name comes from giudeo (Jew) and refers to the Jews who originally populated the island.
Today, La Giudecca is a beautiful residential area made up of eight minor islands and covered with orchards, gardens and new residential complexes.
Sant'Erasmo: Venice's orchard
You can spot this large island from the airport, as it's the closest. The locals call Sant'Erasmo "the orchard", because all fresh produce sold on the island is grown locally.
As you stroll around this Venetian island, enjoy the view of endless fields of crops, vineyards, orchards and, of course, canals!
If you want to discover Venice in its entirety, I recommend visiting the most important islands. You can then head off to less populated areas offering magnificent scenery.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
Leave a Reply