Venice is far from being another sun-kissed Italian city. It’s a place that demands one’s preparation for visiting, because stepping in feels like entering an entirely different dimension. The sweeping canals lined with grand buildings, the maze of tiny streets, and the elegant bridges all serve to create a setting that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
But off the well-known, iconic landmarks of Venice lies a secret: a chain of off-the-beaten-path islands, each with a story to tell and waiting to be found. To visit them is to get a more intimate and up-close look at Venice, the one that goes beyond gondolas and picture-postcard moments.
Torcello
Before Venice became the city we know today, Torcello was the heart of civilization within the lagoon. The island, which had thousands of residents at one point, now houses only a few. Nevertheless, its historical appeal is undeniable. The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, established in the 7th century, features inspiring Byzantine mosaics that rival those in St. Mark’s Basilica.
An intriguing stone throne in the central square, called Attila’s Throne, is reported to have belonged to the notorious Hun leader, although the majority of historians state it was used by the local leaders. Visiting Torcello is like going back in time, getting to know Venice’s earliest times.
Mazzorbo
Connected to Burano by a wooden bridge, Mazzorbo is an island where nature and tradition blend in harmony. Unlike its colorful “cousin”, Mazzorbo is renowned for its vineyards and orchards, the heritage of a time when agriculture played a significant role in the Venetian Republic. The island’s main and crowning beauty is Venissa, a walled vineyard where a truly ancient, native Venetian grapevine is cultivated to produce an elite wine. A walk around Mazzorbo offers its visitors an authentic side of the lagoon.
San Francesco del Deserto
Located between Burano and Sant’Erasmo, this remote island is home to a small group of Franciscan monks who have lived on the island for centuries. St. Francis of Assisi is said to have visited in 1220, escaping loneliness after his trip to the Middle East.
The monastery remains a quiet oasis and one should book his visit in advance, but travelers are rewarded with a continuous moment of silence in an otherwise raucous lagoon. The monks still work the land and hold regular prayer sessions, adding to the spiritual ambiance that pervades the island.
Lazzaretto Vecchio
Lazzaretto Vecchio was opened in 1423 and was the first quarantine station in the world, where ill travelers were quarantined in the hope of preventing disease from spreading. Thousands passed through its gates, and many never left. Today, the old buildings are slowly being renovated. While still closed to the general public, there are proposals for opening it up to guided tours, which will allow tourists to uncover one of Venice’s most intriguing places.
For people who want to see all these hidden gems while enjoying a luxurious stay, booking a 5 star hotel in Venice can be a perfect solution. A luxurious stay offers the ideal blend of comfort and peace where you can unwind after a day of exploring its history and art, and appreciate Venice in its most authentic way.
Santa Cristina
Among all the many islands in the lagoon, Santa Cristina is perhaps the most particular. Once a monastery, it is now a private hideaway, where visitors can have unadulterated nature all to themselves. The freshwater lakes on the island and the atmosphere of complete quietness create an illusion of one’s own world.
Unlike all the other Venetian islands, Santa Cristina has no public transportation and is hence one of the most elusive spots in the lagoon. Its isolation makes it an unusual refuge for those who crave peace and nature away from the city’s dynamic center.
Most of these secret islands are still off the beaten path for tourists, and so they are the ideal retreat for those who wish to experience a fully different side of Venice. These places unveil a quieter, more enigmatic world just beyond the city’s most traveled streets, offering a truly unique experience that highlights Venice’s diversity.
