A visit to Venice's islands is an essential part of any Venetian itinerary, especially if you're wondering what to do in Venice!
With their diverse geography, from the sprawling Lido and Pellestrina to the charming Sant'Erasmo and Murano, and the picturesque San Francesco del Deserto, Certosa, Torcello, and Burano, each island offers a unique experience.
Discover the best options for organized and private tours to explore these hidden treasures. Let us guide you through the highlights of each island, so you can truly appreciate the wonders of Venice's lagoon.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of these remarkable destinations!
Venice Island Italy from the city center: Murano, Burano & Torcello
For individual visitors (singles, couples, families), the most economical and convenient option to explore the islands of Venice is through scheduled group tours.
Departing from the city of Venice, these tours allow you to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello, the three most renowned islands in the lagoon. Lasting from 4 to 7 hours, tickets for adults typically range from 25 to 30 euros per person.
Onboard the motorboat, you'll receive commentary from a multilingual guide. These tours include explanations during the navigation and stops for independent exploration of the islands, offering a delightful day in the lagoon. They usually feature a demonstration of Murano glassmaking.
FULL-DAY TOUR
TOUR DEPARTING AT 12.00 PM
MID-DAY
Venice Island Tour with Hop On Hop Off Boat
A very convenient alternative to the classic island tours of Venice is undoubtedly the Hop On Hop Off boat. With this solution you can explore Venice and the islands of the lagoon by organizing your itinerary and your days with more freedom.
You can choose between a 6, 24 or 48-hour ticket that allows you to hop on and off at different stops, thus planning your tour in greater autonomy.
There are two operating lines; Line A which touches different points in the historic center of Venice and goes as far as Murano and Line B which tours the islands with stops in Murano, Burano and Torcello. In Murano you can switch from one line to the other.
With ticket purchase, you can download convenient audio guides to your cell phone with information and anecdotes about more than 120 points of interest and recommended itineraries to follow land in Venice San Marco, Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice Islands: from the coast
In addition to exploring the historic center of Venice, you have the option to embark on excursions to the islands of the Venetian lagoon from other coastal locations.
These island tours are available during the summer season and are particularly convenient for those vacationing on the beaches of Veneto. Tours to Murano, Burano, and Torcello depart from Chioggia (Sottomarina) in the south, and Punta Sabbioni and Treporti (Cavallino) in the north.
Tour from Chioggia
Tour from Punta Sabbioni
Tour from Treporti
Islands near Venice: private and customizable tour
As an alternative to the scheduled group tours with guaranteed departure that we have seen so far, you can choose to visit the Venetian lagoon with private tours.
A private tour to the islands of Venice allows you not only greater autonomy of time and schedule but also to be able to reach other islands not included in the programs of collective tours.
With a private boat excursion you can discover the peculiarities of lesser-known but fascinating islands: San Giorgio Maggiore, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Sant'Ariano and the ghost islands, Poveglia, San Clemente, San Servolo, San Francesco del Deserto and many others.
At your disposal there are really so many different types of boats to choose from. You will be traveling with locals who know and love the lagoon; they already have several programs to recommend but they are very willing to customize the excursion to your preferences.
You don't have to be part of a large group to choose this option, in fact; there are numerous boats perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends. Below you will find a catalog with our proposals for small, private groups and the option to send us a request to receive a free, personalized quote.
If you are planning a group outing for many people contact us instead through the button below. We have many suggestions and proposals with larger boats to better organize your tour!
Small group tours depart from different points throughout the historic center of Venice.
Tours for large groups, in addition to departing from Venice, can also depart from Fusina, Chioggia, Punta Sabbioni and ... Altino.
Small groups can choose from various barquettes, typical bragozzi, sailboats, and yachts; for very large groups there are motorboats of various sizes.
Schedules are fully customizable. Generally a full-day tour varies between 6 and 8 hours. while a half-day tour on 4 hours with morning or afternoon departure.
What are the islands in the Venetian lagoon ?
Discover which islands in the north and south lagoons pique your interest the most (below are two short lists to assist you).
Sketch out your itinerary and embark on a boat journey to explore them.
On board small vessels, you'll have the freedom to navigate anywhere and learn more about the Venetian lagoon and its natural surroundings; all within a convivial and laid-back atmosphere, distinctly Venetian!
Islands of the Northern Lagoon of Venice
- Sant Erasmo: natural, agricultural, peaceful
- San Francesco del Deserto: spiritual, secluded, meditative
- Murano: glass, artistic, historic
- Burano: colorful, lace, picturesque
- Mazzorbo: rustic, vineyard, authentic
- Mazzorbetto: quiet, verdant, intimate
- Torcello: ancient, archaelogical, tranquil
- Lazzaretto Nuovo: historic, quarantine, preserved
Islands of the Central-South Lagoon of Venice
- Lido di Venezia
- Pellestrina
- Certosa
- San Lazzaro degli Armeni
- Giudecca
- San Servolo
- Lazzaretto Vecchio
- San Giorgio
- San Clemente
- Sant'Andrea
- Island of Roses
- Santa Maria delle Grazie
Lagoon Venice: explore the hidden gems
The Venice Lagoon is home to a variety of islands (about 118 islands), each offering its own unique charm and attractions. From the well-known to the hidden gems, these islands collectively create a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Murano and Burano are famous for their respective crafts of glassmaking and lace, while Torcello boasts historical ruins steeped in ancient lore.
But amidst these renowned destinations lie the small islands, often overlooked yet equally enchanting. Take, for instance, San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island with a commanding view of Venice from its iconic campanile. Then there's San Servolo, where a delightful park and a former asylum-turned-museum offer intriguing diversions. And let's not forget San Lazzaro degli Armeni, where a Benedictine monastery houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts, drawing visitors seeking solace and contemplation.
An Overview of the Evolution of Venice
- Foundation: Founded in the 5th century AD by refugees escaping barbarian invasions, settling in the Venetian Lagoon for protection.
- Rise to Power: Evolved into a powerful maritime republic, dominating trade routes between the Byzantine Empire and Western Europe, leading to immense wealth and influence.
- Art and Architecture: Flourished during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, becoming a center of art and architecture with iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
- Maritime Dominance: Peak maritime power during the 13th and 14th centuries, controlling the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea trade routes.
- Decline: Discovery of new trade routes and internal challenges led to economic decline from the 15th century onwards.
- Foreign Rule: Fell under French and later Austrian rule, experiencing social and economic reforms but also suppression of autonomy.
- Unification of Italy: Became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, contributing to the unification of Italy.
- Modern Era: Today, Venice remains a major tourist destination known for its unique heritage
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