Venice
In Venice, canals are the only available communication route, bearing in mind that part of the city extends over a handful of beautiful islands that are scattered across the Lagoon. For this reason, the lagoon city can only be crossed on foot or by boat.
Cars, motorbikes, bicycles and even roller skates are strictly forbidden. The acqua alta phenomenon – the result of heavy rainfall and high tides – can cause the water level to rise by as much as a meter, forcing everyone to walk on raised plank walkways, or don rain boots in order to cross the city’s flooded calli, campielli and salizade. Calli, campielli and salizade are Venetian words used to identify streets, squares and alleys while sestieri is the local word indicating the six districts the city is divided into: San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo and Castello. This division dates back to the 12th century and also includes areas such as La Giudecca, the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore (sestiere San Marco) and the Island of San Michele, home to the city’s cemetery (sestiere Castello).
Venice also has its own network of public... and private transportation: its vaporetti, real waterbuses, are the most popular craft used by locals, which is why they are often very crowded during peak hours. These enginepowered water taxis are able to whiz across the lagoon in a heartbeat, but for those who prefer a unique, incredibly romantic experience, the famous, distinctive gondola is an absolute must. This elegant, black, one-oared rowing boat drifts gently across the water, while its gondolier sings an entire repertoire of traditional Venetian folk songs.
It goes without saying that the waters of the canals are not suitable for swimming, and their banks are often slippery. Be careful not to be so focused on your selfie stick that you walk into a canal because you might be in for some rather unpleasant surprises!
Points of interest
The Bridge of Sighs, beyond the legend
indirizzo Ponte dei Sospiri, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Ponte dei Sospiri, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: art, culture and holiness
indirizzo Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venezia, VE, Italia
Palazzo Ducale, power and beauty
indirizzo Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
Venice’s Jewish Ghetto, old-world atmospheres
indirizzo Ghetto Ebraico, Calle Ghetto Vecchio, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Ghetto Ebraico, Calle Ghetto Vecchio, Venezia, VE, Italia
Gallerie dell’Accademia: the best of Venetian art
indirizzo Gallerie dell'Accademia, Campo della Carita, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Gallerie dell'Accademia, Campo della Carita, Venezia, VE, Italia
St. Mark’s Basilica, the soul of Venice
indirizzo Basilica di San Marco, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Basilica di San Marco, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, VE, Italia
La Fenice, the stage of Venice
indirizzo Teatro La Fenice, Campo San Fantin, Venezia, VE, Italia
indirizzo Teatro La Fenice, Campo San Fantin, Venezia, VE, Italia
Go on dreaming
Top picture worthy spots in Venice
Are you looking for a stunning photo as a memento of your holiday in Venice but don’t know where to start? Here are 10...
Top 5 Murano glass venues in Venice
Murano is an island very close to Venice and known worldwide for its particular glassmaking tradition. The history of glassmaking in Murano is actually...
The Gondola, the symbol of Venice
What’s more traditional than a gondola? The typical Venetian slim and long boat used to cross the canals is one of the symbols of...
The most beautiful seaside resorts for vacations by the sea in Veneto
In addition to being a unique opportunity to admire Venice and its beauties, including places of art, canals and islands that have made it...
Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice’s hidden treasure
Iconic, beautiful and... imperfect. Without a doubt, this is the characteristic that makes Scala Contarini del Bovolo a rare gem of Venetian architecture.
Hidden in...
Venice Carnival: a tradition rooted into history
The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest celebrations of its kind. Once upon a time (sometime in the 12th century, in fact) it started as a way to keep the population peaceful and happy by giving them a period of leisure and fun. Today, revelers from around the globe come to celebrate in opulent costumes and masks to attend concerts, balls, street fairs, and more. In our guide, we provide travel tips, traditions to know, and more.