Venice, renowned for its iconic canals and historic landmarks, also harbors a collection of hidden gems that offer unique and intimate experiences away from the usual tourist paths. These lesser-known destinations provide a blend of history, culture, and local charm, perfect for travelers seeking authenticity.
Hidden Gems in Venice
1. Burano Island
Located in the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, Burano is a peaceful island known for its brightly painted houses and lace-making tradition. Visitors can stroll along cobbled stone pavements, admire the vibrant architecture, and explore local lace shops run by families for generations. The island also features the leaning Campanile of San Martino, a unique sight due to land subsidence.
Tourist Attractions
The most iconic feature of Burano is its rainbow-colored houses, which are said to have been painted in bright hues by fishermen so they could recognize their homes from the sea. Walking through the narrow canals and quaint alleyways is a visual delight and a photographer’s dream.
One of the main cultural sites on the island is the Church of San Martino, a 16th-century church famous for its leaning bell tower and a painting by Giambattista Tiepolo. Another must-visit is the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto), which showcases the island’s centuries-old lace-making tradition. Burano lace was once so renowned that it was exported across Europe and used in royal courts.
Nearby, you can also visit Mazzorbo, a connected island known for its vineyards and peaceful gardens. The Venissa Wine Resort, located here, includes a walled vineyard and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Accommodation and Hotels
While Burano is often visited as a day trip from Venice, there are several charming accommodations for those who wish to stay overnight and enjoy the island’s tranquil evenings. One of the most popular options is Casa Burano, a luxury boutique hotel that blends modern design with traditional island architecture. The rooms are spread across several colorful houses, providing a local living experience with high-end comfort.
Other options include cozy bed and breakfasts such as Night Galleria, offering simple, clean accommodations with a personal touch. For a more rustic experience, Venissa Wine Resort on nearby Mazzorbo offers unique stays surrounded by vineyards and gourmet dining.
Entertainment and Activities
Burano is not a place of nightclubs or loud entertainment. Instead, it offers a slow-paced, relaxing atmosphere perfect for those looking to unwind. Strolling through the island, browsing artisan lace shops, and sitting at cafes by the canal are some of the island’s simple yet fulfilling pleasures.
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing the picturesque scenes around every corner. Art lovers will find inspiration in the colors, textures, and natural light. You can also take a boat tour around the lagoon or enjoy a romantic gondola ride to see Burano from the water.
There are also workshops where visitors can observe local women practicing traditional lace-making, a skill that has been passed down for generations. It’s an excellent way to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and cultural importance of this delicate art.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Food in Burano reflects the flavors of the sea and the Venetian culinary tradition. The most iconic dish of the island is Risotto di Gó, a creamy risotto made with goby fish found in the lagoon. It’s a local favorite and a must-try for seafood lovers.
Another popular treat is Sarde in Saor, a sweet and sour sardine dish marinated with onions, vinegar, and raisins. It’s a Venetian specialty found in many local eateries.
Visiting to Burano not complete without tasting the island’s famous Bussolà and Esse biscuits, traditional butter cookies often shaped in rings or “S” forms. These sweet treats are usually homemade and sold in local bakeries.
For dining, Trattoria al Gatto Nero is one of the most recommended restaurants on the island, offering freshly caught seafood and traditional Venetian dishes. Trattoria da Romano is another classic spot known not only for its food but also for its artistic legacy many famous painters have dined and left their artwork there.
2. Venetian Lagoon
For an authentic Italian experience, consider booking a private dining event hosted in a local Venetian home. One such experience is offered by Massimo, a charismatic host who serves traditional Venetian dishes in his ornate garden. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal featuring recipes passed down through generations, accompanied by local wines like Soave Classico.
Tourist Attractions
The crown jewel of the lagoon is, of course, Venice, renowned for its canals, Renaissance architecture, and landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal. But beyond Venice, several islands offer unique experiences.
- Murano is famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visitors can watch artisans blow glass in local workshops and visit the Murano Glass Museum to learn about the island’s artistic legacy.
- Burano is instantly recognizable by its brightly painted houses and is known for handmade lace. The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) provides a deep dive into this intricate craft.
- Torcello, one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon, offers a peaceful retreat with historical sites like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
- San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island facing St. Mark’s Square, is home to a majestic church designed by Palladio. From the church’s bell tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Venice and the lagoon.
For nature lovers, the Lio Piccolo and Valle Averto areas offer serene landscapes, birdwatching opportunities, and bike paths through wetlands and lagoons.
Accommodation and Hotels
Staying in the Venetian Lagoon offers a variety of options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses:
- In Venice, world-class hotels like Hotel Danieli, Aman Venice, and Gritti Palace offer unmatched elegance and lagoon views.
- For a quieter stay, Casa Burano on Burano Island combines boutique charm with local color, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds.
- On Mazzorbo Island, Venissa Wine Resort offers a unique experience within a vineyard and includes a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Eco-conscious travelers may enjoy La Locanda Cipriani on Torcello, a small and charming inn favored by artists and writers.
Entertainment and Activities
While the lagoon is more about culture and relaxation than nightlife, there is no shortage of entertainment for curious travelers.
- Boat tours and gondola rides provide a romantic and scenic way to explore the waterways and hidden corners of the lagoon.
- Art lovers can attend Venice Biennale, a world-famous contemporary art exhibition held every two years.
- In the evenings, visitors can enjoy classical music performances in historic churches or attend opera at the renowned Teatro La Fenice.
- Islands like Murano and Burano host seasonal festivals and events celebrating local arts, crafts, and traditions.
For a more immersive experience, join a glassmaking or lace-making workshop, or explore the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard for a close-up view of its natural beauty.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Food in the Venetian Lagoon is a reflection of its rich maritime and cultural heritage. Seafood is at the heart of many traditional dishes.
- Risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto) is a striking and flavorful specialty.
- Fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) made with freshly caught fish, shrimp, and calamari is a popular dish.
- Bigoli in salsa, a thick spaghetti-like pasta with anchovy and onion sauce, is a staple of the region.
- Try sarde in saor, sweet-and-sour sardines marinated with onions and raisins, for a taste of Venice’s history.
Don’t forget to sample local wines from the lagoon’s vineyards, especially those from Mazzorbo. For dessert, enjoy bussolà cookies from Burano or a creamy tiramisu in a Venetian café.
The Venetian Lagoon is much more than Venice alone. Its islands, flavors, and traditions form a living mosaic that invites exploration and rewards travelers with unforgettable experiences.
3. Sant’Andrea Island
Home to the 16th-century Forte di Sant’Andrea, this small, mostly uninhabited island offers a glimpse into Venice’s defensive past. Visitors can explore the partially restored fortress and enjoy a peaceful picnic with views over the lagoon, away from the bustling tourist spots.
Tourist Attractions
The primary attraction of Sant’Andrea Island is the imposing Forte di Sant’Andrea (Fort of Sant’Andrea), a 16th-century Venetian fortress built to defend the lagoon from naval attacks. Designed by the renowned military architect Michele Sanmicheli, the fort is a stunning example of Renaissance military architecture. It stands guard at the entrance of the lagoon and once worked in conjunction with the Murano and Lido fortifications to protect Venice.
Visitors can explore the abandoned but still majestic structure, which features stone ramparts, large gun openings, and panoramic views of the lagoon. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, and the site offers fantastic opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.
The island is also surrounded by natural wetlands and calm waters, ideal for kayaking, boating, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape into nature. Birdwatchers will find the island and its surroundings rich in lagoon birdlife, especially during migration seasons.
Accommodation and Hotels
Sant’Andrea Island itself is uninhabited and does not have any hotels or guesthouses. However, travelers can easily stay on the nearby islands of Burano, Mazzorbo, or Venice, and take a short boat ride to explore Sant’Andrea during the day.
Venissa Wine Resort on Mazzorbo is a luxurious option that combines boutique lodging with a Michelin-starred restaurant and tranquil vineyard surroundings. In Burano, Casa Burano offers stylish accommodations in beautifully restored colorful houses with modern interiors and local charm.
For a wider selection, staying in Venice proper gives access to everything from luxury hotels like Hotel Danieli to charming B&Bs in Cannaregio or Castello districts, with easy access by vaporetto (water bus) or private water taxi to Sant’Andrea.
Entertainment and Activities
Sant’Andrea is not a destination for conventional entertainment or nightlife. Instead, it offers a unique setting for slow tourism, where the journey, the landscape, and history become the entertainment.
Activities include historical exploration, guided tours of the fort, picnics with lagoon views, and boat trips around the less-explored parts of the lagoon. Guided kayaking tours or private boat rentals allow visitors to discover the hidden channels, flora, and fauna around the island.
Art and photography lovers are particularly drawn to the island for its serene atmosphere, dramatic ruins, and interplay of light on water and stone. The lack of crowds makes it a peaceful and meditative experience.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
While Sant’Andrea itself does not have any restaurants, the nearby islands and Venice offer a rich variety of Venetian cuisine. In Burano, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Trattoria al Gatto Nero or Riva Rosa, with dishes such as risotto di gò (goby fish risotto), moleche (soft-shell crabs), and fritto misto di mare (fried mixed seafood).
On Mazzorbo, the Venissa Restaurant is a highlight. It blends traditional Venetian ingredients with modern culinary techniques, offering gourmet lagoon-inspired dishes paired with wine produced in its own vineyard.
Venetian cuisine is deeply tied to the lagoon, with ingredients like cuttlefish, sardines, and clams playing key roles. Dishes such as sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) and bigoli in salsa (thick spaghetti in anchovy sauce) are commonly found in local menus.
For dessert, traditional biscuits like bussolai and zaeti are served in local bakeries, usually paired with a glass of local wine.
Read Also: 7 Top Destinations in Italy
4. Squero di San Trovaso
Located in Venice’s Dorsoduro district, Squero di San Trovaso is a gondola-making and repair workshop that has been in operation since the 17th century. As one of the last of its kind, this workshop plays a vital role in maintaining the city’s iconic gondolas. Visitors can observe the craftsmen at work from across the canal or book guided tours in advance. (The Travel Folk)
5. Scala Contarini del Bovolo
This 15th-century palace is renowned for its external spiral staircase, known as the “bovolo” or snail. Climbing its 80 steps leads to a terrace offering panoramic views of Venice, framed by the arches of the covered terrace. (The Travel Folk)
6. San Giorgio Maggiore
A small island located just across the water from St. Mark’s Square, San Giorgio Maggiore is home to the San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica. Visitors can take an elevator up to the basilica’s bell tower for 360° views of the entire lagoon, including St. Mark’s Campanile and the Doge’s Palace. The island also features cultural centers and contemporary architectural exhibits. (The Travel Folk)
7. The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria
Near San Marco Square, the Church of San Zaccaria houses a unique flooded crypt. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and eerie atmosphere, with water reflecting the ancient architecture. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Venice’s lesser-known historical sites. (The World in My Pocket)
8. Sant’Erasmo Island
Known as Venice’s “vegetable garden,” Sant’Erasmo is an island famed for its market gardening. Visitors can explore the island’s artichoke plantations, relax on the Spiaggia del Bacan beach, and visit the Fort of Maximilian. The island offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. (Wikipedia)
9. Le Zitelle
Situated on the eastern part of Giudecca island, Le Zitelle, officially Santa Maria della Presentazione, is a church that once provided shelter to young maidens without dowries. Designed by Andrea Palladio, the church now forms part of a luxury hotel, offering visitors a blend of history and modern comfort. (Wikipedia)
10. San Michele in Isola
This small islet between Venice and Murano houses the city’s main cemetery and the Church of San Michele in Isola. The church, rebuilt starting in 1469, is dedicated to Saint Michael and features notable architecture. The island offers a serene environment for reflection and exploration. (Wikipedia)
Exploring these hidden gems in Venice allows travelers to experience the city’s authentic charm and hospitality. Each offers a unique perspective, blending history, culture, and local traditions, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of Venice.
