Journey from Venice to Chioggia: A Guide to Discovering Venice's Hidden Gem

Nestled at the southern end of the Venice Lagoon lies a picturesque fishing village known as Chioggia. Often referred to as "Little Venice,"

Chioggia offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of its famous neighbour and presents an authentic glimpse into Venetian life and culture. For travellers looking to explore this charming destination, here's your comprehensive guide on how to get from Venice to Chioggia.

Why Visit Chioggia?

Before we dive into the logistics, let's talk about why Chioggia is worth the trip. This quaint town boasts colourful facades, narrow canals, and an atmosphere like you've stepped back in time. It's a haven for seafood lovers, with markets and restaurants serving up the freshest catch from the Adriatic. Photographers and cultural enthusiasts will find plenty of picturesque scenes and local charm to capture, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to see a different side of the Venetian Lagoon.

Getting There: Your Options

By Public Transport

A) Vaporetto and Bus: One of the most scenic routes involves taking a vaporetto (water bus) from Venice to Pellestrina Island, followed by a short bus ride to Chioggia. The journey offers stunning views of the lagoon and a chance to see the lesser-known islands. This option combines a boat ride with a bus trip, providing a unique way to experience the area.

By Ferry and Bus Combination

For a scenic and interesting journey, combining a bus and ferry is a great option.

Step 1: Bus from Venice to Lido

• Departure: Various vaporetto lines (1, 5.1, 5.2, 6) from Venice to Lido S.M.E.

• Ticket: ACTV tickets valid for the ferry and bus.

Step 2: ACTV Line 11

• Route:

  • Bus from Lido S.M.E. to Alberoni Faro Rocchetta: This bus leg takes you across the island of Lido.

  • Ferry from Alberoni Faro Rocchetta to Santa Maria del Mare: The bus boards the ferry here, offering a unique experience.

  • Bus from Santa Maria del Mare to Pellestrina Cimitero: Continue by bus across the picturesque island of Pellestrina.

  • Ferry from Pellestrina Cimitero to Chioggia: Finally, take the vaporetto across the lagoon to Chioggia.

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Highlights: This route provides beautiful views of the Venetian Lagoon and a chance to experience the charming islands of Lido and Pellestrina. You can even take bicycles on board for a more flexible exploration.

B) Direct Bus: Direct buses run from Venice's Piazzale Roma to Chioggia for a more straightforward approach. Depending on traffic, the trip takes about an hour and a half, and drops you in the heart of Chioggia.

ACTV Bus Line 80

• Departure: Piazzale Roma, Venice

• Frequency: Buses run approximately every 30 minutes.

• Duration: The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Ticket: Purchase a ticket at the ACTV ticket office or through the ACTV mobile app.

• Highlights: This route offers scenic views of the Venetian Lagoon and the countryside as you head south.

By Car

Renting a car offers flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The drive from Venice to Chioggia takes approximately an hour, following the SS309 road south along the lagoon. While this option is convenient, parking in Chioggia, like in many Italian towns, can be challenging and is mostly paid.

By Bicycle

For the adventurous and active traveller, biking from Venice to Chioggia presents an unparalleled way to connect with the landscape. The route, part of the longer Ciclovia Adriatica, is about 50 kilometres and takes you through the Lido and Pellestrina islands. It's a journey through serene landscapes, requiring a ferry ride to cross parts of the lagoon.

What to Do in Chioggia

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Chioggia's vibrant daily life. Stroll along the Corso del Popolo, explore the bustling fish market, or visit the Museo della Laguna Sud to learn about the lagoon's ecosystem and history. Don't miss the opportunity to savor a meal at one of the local trattorias, where the seafood is as fresh as it gets.

Making the Most of Your Trip

Plan Ahead: Check the schedules for public transport options in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak tourist seasons or on weekends.

Explore Beyond Chioggia: Consider making Chioggia a starting point for exploring other parts of the Veneto region, including the Po Delta.

Capture the Moment: For photography enthusiasts, Chioggia offers endless opportunities to capture the essence of Venetian life. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the town's colorful beauty.

Chioggia, with its blend of cultural richness, scenic beauty, and gastronomic delights, offers a refreshing perspective on the Venetian experience. Whether you're journeying by public transport, car, or bicycle, the trip from Venice to Chioggia is more than just a transfer—it's an invitation to explore the soul of the Veneto region. So, pack your camera, embrace the adventure, and discover the charm of Chioggia.

Venice During Easter and Spring

Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, and Easter time is a perfect time to visit it. This Italian city is known for its stunning architecture, canals, and gondolas, making it an ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers. Here are a few reasons why visiting Venice during Easter time is an excellent idea.

Firstly, Easter is an important holiday in Venice, and the city comes alive with celebrations, parades, and special events. You can witness the solemn processions that take place throughout the city, including the religious processions on Good Friday, which are particularly impressive. In addition, there are many concerts, exhibitions, and performances that take place during the Easter period, offering a chance to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Venice.

Another reason to visit Venice during Easter is the beautiful spring weather. The city has a mild climate in March and April, and the temperatures are usually pleasant for exploring the city on foot or by boat. The springtime also brings beautiful flowers and blossoms, adding to the charm and beauty of the city.

During Easter, Venice is less crowded compared to the peak summer season, making it a perfect time to enjoy the city's attractions and cultural treasures at a more leisurely pace. You can take a gondola ride through the canals, explore the city's museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, or simply wander through the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Moreover, Easter is a time for indulgence and food in Italy, and Venice is no exception. The traditional Easter feast includes roasted lamb, sweet Easter bread, and Colomba Pasquale, a dove-shaped cake. You can also sample other delicious Venetian specialities such as risotto with seafood, polenta, and the famous Venetian cicchetti (small plates of food served with drinks).

Finally, Venice is a city that celebrates its traditions and history, and Easter is no exception. During this time, you can witness the city's traditions and culture firsthand, such as the ancient custom of Venetian gondoliers wearing traditional clothing and colorful sashes during the Easter period.

In conclusion, visiting Venice during Easter time is a fantastic idea, as it offers an opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culture, beautiful weather, delicious food, and traditional celebrations. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, Venice during Easter is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 9/20 – Tour the Lagoon

If you're spending more than a few days in Venice, take time to visit the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Explore the famous islands of  - Murano, Burano and Torcello - on a half-day or full day excursion. You'll see  glass-blowing display on Murano, shop for lace on Burano, be lost in the wonderful colours of Burano and visit Venice's first church on the tranquil island of Torcello. This tour is a great introduction to the magical islands of the Venetian lagoon

You'll reach the islands on water buses operated by ACTV, the Venice public-transportation company best place will be from Fte Nove. Allow a full day for the entire excursion, or half a day if you skip one of them.

ACTV's lagoon water buses can be crowded during peak season, on weekends, or if local groups of senior citizens or schoolchildren are travelling between the islands. If crowds bother you, or if you're unwilling to stand on a moving boat when seats aren't available, consider one of these alternatives:

• Take an escorted tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. This half-day tour is more expensive than a tour by public transportation, but it's worth considering if your schedule is tighter than your budget. The trip is offered by Viator, our sightseeing-tour partner.
• Hire a water taxi by the half-day or day, which could easily cost several hundred euros. If you want the services of a private guide, try a customized lagoon itinerary from WalksInsideVenice or the Venice Tourist Guides Association and let the guide arrange transportation.

Tips:

• Organized tours don't give you much time on the islands, so we'd recommend traveling independently unless you're in a hurry or have limited mobility.
• Instead of buying individual tickets for the boat trips between the islands, buy a 12-hour to 7-day  tourist card at any Hellovenezia or ACTV ticket booth. (See our Vaporetto Fares article.) Or order the tourist office's Venice Connected pass before you leave home, if you can figure out the byzantine pricing scheme.
•  If you have access to the Internet during your trip, you can check boat schedules at the official ACTV Web site.

NO Cruise Ships....in Venice

The protest against the Cruise Ships was held today on the Grand Canal and just after the Punta della Salute....for pure coincidence...a large...no a very LARGE Cruise Ship...the Cunard Queen Victoria was crossing St Mark's Basin....

Few more pictures of today protest organized by Comitato NO Grandi Navi are here. I just realized I took the pictures in Southampton few years ago when the Queen Victoria was named and pictures are here....

As usual was a very well organized and behaved protest!

Large Cruise Ships in Venice

UPDATE 12/1/2012A new protest has been called for the 14th January at 3:30 pm details are here but will be from Le Zattere near the waterbus stop!

This evening saw a protest in St Mark's Basin against the super Cruises. In the picture a protester holds a flare while on the banner is written "BIG CRUISES YOU KILL ME"

Giorgio Orsoni Mayor of Venice few days ago said cruise ships could be transferred to Porto Marghera, on the mainland, in order to minimise their environmental and aesthetic impact on Venice.

Environmentalists and heritage groups have long pointed out that as cruise ships plough through the shallow Venetian lagoon, their powerful wake and undertow damages the fragile canal banks, wooden piles and mud banks on which the city rests.

There has been a huge increase in the number of cruise ships visiting 'La Serenissima', as Venice is known, from 200 in 2000 to 510 in 2007.

Last year 1.6 million tourists arrived in Venice by cruise ship, a more than fourfold increase since 1997.

Venice's cruise ship terminal was the 10th busiest in Europe but is now the fourth most popular.