Venice Lagoon
Latest update: 23 January 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Venice Lagoon is the body of water that surrounds not only Venice, but the 120 or so islands and islets that populate its total area of 550 square kilometres in the northern region of Veneto.
Otherwise known as the Venetian Lagoon, it empties out into the Adriatic Sea to its east, separated from it by the long, narrow strips of land of the islands of Pellestrina and Venice Lido. |
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From Chioggia to Lido di Jesolo
At the southern end of the Lagoon is the town of Chioggia which was the scene of a major battle between 1379 and 1380. The Battle of Chioggia was disputed by the Republic of Venice and the Republic of Genoa, the two major maritime powers of the era. The victory for the Venetians was a pivotal moment in the history of both nations.
The most popular route into the Venetian Lagoon is from close to the town of Marghera on the mainland where a bridge leads across it and into Venice city centre. It's also possible to access the Lagoon from a promontory to its the north where a series of beach resorts such as Lido di Jesolo finish at Punta Sabbioni. Many holidaymakers in Venice choose the beach resorts a little way out of the city centre as accommodation prices are much lower and you can also combine your exploration of Venice with time at the beach. It's also possible to approach the Lagoon from the south at Chioggia which is just a stone's throw from the colourful island of Pellestrina.
The most popular route into the Venetian Lagoon is from close to the town of Marghera on the mainland where a bridge leads across it and into Venice city centre. It's also possible to access the Lagoon from a promontory to its the north where a series of beach resorts such as Lido di Jesolo finish at Punta Sabbioni. Many holidaymakers in Venice choose the beach resorts a little way out of the city centre as accommodation prices are much lower and you can also combine your exploration of Venice with time at the beach. It's also possible to approach the Lagoon from the south at Chioggia which is just a stone's throw from the colourful island of Pellestrina.
Lido di Venezia, Murano, Burano and Torcello
Perhaps the most popular of all the beach resorts in the Lagoon is Lido di Venezia which is just a short hop across from the main island of Venice. Also popular are the island of Murano, a mini-Venice with its own canals and famed for its glass production, and just one letter different, the island of Burano which was an important centre of the lace industry, but most memorable these days for its incredible collection of multi-coloured houses and a leaning tower. Another island not to be missed is Torcello with its historic Cathedral and bell tower which you can climb for some of the best views of the Lagoon.
Venice water buses (vaporetti)
All of the resorts, towns and islands listed above can be reached by the system of Venice Water Buses, also called vaporetti (plural) or vaporetto (singular). They offer not only a means of travelling around the vast array of sights that Venice and its Lagoon has to offer, but also a wonderful way to pass the time on the water as the historic monuments and pretty islands come into view.
Laguna di Venezia
City: Venice
Province: Metropolitan City of Venice Region: Veneto Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport Recommended accommodation: Rosa Salva Hotel |