Maddalena P. Chionne

Published on October 28 2025

There is nowhere in the world quite like Venice. A city built on water, it feels like a dream — a place where time slows down and beauty waits around every corner. The sound of church bells, the shimmer of the canals, and the soft light at sunset make every moment feel like a painting.

Beyond the heart of Venice lies the Venetian Lagoon, dotted with islands that each tell their own story. From Murano, where glassblowers have worked for centuries, to the colorful homes of Burano, the quiet charm of Torcello, and the long beaches of Lido di Venezia and Pellestrina, every island has its own rhythm.

Exploring Venice and its islands is like stepping through layers of history and art. You’ll discover grand palaces, peaceful gardens, and local taverns where life unfolds as it has for generations. Whether you arrive by train, ferry, or private boat, you’ll soon understand why Venice has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries.

Venice: The Heart of The Lagoon

Venice is a city filled with wonders. Every corner tells a story, and every view looks like a painting.

Top attractions:

• Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square): The heart of Venice and one of the most famous squares in the world. Here you’ll find elegant cafés, live music, and incredible views of the lagoon.
• St. Mark’s Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine art with golden mosaics and breathtaking domes. Climb to the terrace for a stunning view over the square.
• Doge’s Palace: Once the home of Venice’s rulers, this Gothic palace is filled with history, art, and secret passageways.
• Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs): A small but iconic bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons. It’s said that prisoners sighed as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through its stone windows.
• Campanile di San Marco: The tall bell tower in St. Mark’s Square offers one of the best panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon.
• Teatro La Fenice: One of Italy’s most famous opera houses, beautifully rebuilt after fires, still hosts unforgettable performances.
• Grand Canal: The main waterway of Venice. Take a vaporetto ride to see centuries-old palaces lining the water’s edge.
• Rialto Bridge: The oldest and most famous bridge in Venice, filled with small shops and views of gondolas passing below.

Top High-End Hotels:

• Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel – steps from St. Mark’s Square, rich in history.
• Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel Venice - the symbol of Venetian luxury.
• The Gritti Palace – overlooking the Grand Canal with elegant decor.
• Aman Venice – refined and quiet, in a 16th-century palazzo.

Best Fine Dining & Bars with a View:

• Terrazza Danieli at Hotel Danieli - world-class dining with a lagoon view.
• Oro Restaurant at Belmond Cipriani – elegant dishes in a golden setting.
• Skyline Rooftop Bar at Hilton Molino Stucky – panoramic city and lagoon views.

Don't Miss:

• Harry's Bar - where the famous Bellini cocktail was born.
• Caffe' Florian - since 1720, one of the most magical experiences in Venice.

Recommended Day Experiences:

Pellestrina: Quiet Beauty and Local Flavor

Pellestrina feels like a secret. The long, narrow island south of Lido is lined with colorful fishermen’s houses and simple beaches.

Top Experiences:

• Bike along the seawall and watch fishing boats glide by.
• Visit local churches and walk along the calm lagoon side.

Best Dining:

• Da Celeste – a traditional fish restaurant with lagoon views and fresh seafood.
• Trattoria ai Pescatori – cozy spot for local fish pasta.

Boats from Lido and Chioggia reach the island. Pellestrina is the perfect stop for a slow, authentic meal by the sea.

Torcello: Ancient and Peaceful

Torcello is the oldest island in the lagoon. Once a thriving town, it’s now quiet and green, with centuries of history.

Top Sights:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – famous for golden Byzantine mosaics.
• Devil’s Bridge – a small stone bridge with local legends.

Best Fine Dining:

• Locanda Cipriani – the summer retreat of the famous Venetian restaurant, offering elegant meals in a peaceful garden setting.

You can reach Torcello by vaporetto or private boat from Burano or Venice. It’s a calm place to walk, reflect, and enjoy fine food in the countryside air.

Burano: Colors and Lace

Burano glows with bright colors. Each house is painted in a unique hue, making the island one of the most photographed places in Italy.

Top Attractions:

• Burano Lace Museum – see the art of handmade lace.
• San Martino Church – known for its leaning bell tower.

High-End Hotels:

• Venissa Wine Resort on Mazzorbo Island – stay in quiet luxury among vines and gardens.

Best Fine Dining:

• Venissa Restaurant on Mazzorbo Island – refined dishes made with local ingredients, paired with wine from the estate’s rare vineyard.

Burano is reached by vaporetto from Venice or Murano. Enjoy a slow walk, taste local seafood, and take photos at every turn.

Murano: The Island of Glass

Murano has been the heart of Venetian glassmaking since the 13th century.

Things to Do:

• Visit Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum).
• Watch master glassmakers at work in local studios.
• Shop for hand-blown art pieces and lamps.

High-End Hotels:

• Hyatt Centric Murano Venice – modern comfort near the canal, with easy vaporetto access.

How to move around Venice and the Islands

Park at the city edge. Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto  offer parking and shuttle options into Venice. Trains arrive at Santa Lucia station, which sits at the canal’s edge. From there, you step into the city or catch a vaporetto. Vaporetto lines move like buses on water and link the islands. Taxi boats offer private rides. Ferry boats sail to Lido and some outer islands. You can also hire a private boat to reach small spots. For short island hops, vaporetto and water taxis are the easiest.

Final Tips

Take your time in Venice. Move by boat to feel the lagoon’s pace. Book high-end restaurants early. Carry cash for small cicchetti stops. Wear good shoes for cobbled lanes. Bring a light jacket for evenings on the water. Enjoy the mix of grand palaces and small island life. The Venetian lagoon keeps surprising you with color, craft, and taste.

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