With more than 30 million visitors descending on Venice each year, the floating city’s global appeal far outweighs its resident population of just 50,000 locals.
While its popularity is undeniable, seasoned travellers often dream of discovering a quieter, more authentic side of Venice, without having to set an alarm for the early hours of the morning.
According to Italian river cruise specialists, European Waterways, who have been navigating the Venetian lagoon for decades, that dream is entirely achievable.
Just 40 minutes from San Marco Square, the charming coastal town of Chioggia offers a compelling alternative for travellers seeking the quintessential Venetian experience without the crowds.
Often referred to by travel experts as ‘Little Venice’, Chioggia sits on its own island within the Venetian lagoon and features a familiar network of canals, arched bridges, narrow streets, and historic architecture. What sets it apart is its relaxed atmosphere and strong local character, shaped by its fishing heritage and close-knit community.
From the infamous Chioggia fish market to Piazzetta Vigo, Chioggia offers some amazing sights that showcase the town’s deep connection to the lagoon and its authentic Venetian character.
Experts from European Waterways have put together a list of top tips for travelling around Venice:
- Embrace cicchetti: These small Venetian snacks—similar to tapas—are best enjoyed by hopping from bacaro to bacaro (traditional wine bars), paired with a glass of local wine known as an ombra.
- Learn a little Italian: Simple phrases like “Ciao” and “Grazie” go a long way in building rapport with locals and can better your overall experience.
- Keep right: Much like driving rules, there’s an unspoken convention to walk on the right in Venice’s busy streets. When everyone sticks to the same side, especially in busy areas, it reduces bottlenecks and helps to navigate crowded areas.
- Mind your bridge etiquette: Try and avoid stopping in the middle of bridges to take photos or check maps. Keep moving to allow others to pass smoothly and avoid creating unnecessary crowds.
- Eat earlier or later than usual: Locals tend to eat lunch after 1.30pm and dinner from 7.30pm onwards. Arriving just before or after these times often means shorter waits and better service.
Maryanne Sparkes, spokesperson for European Waterways, explains: “While Venice’s status as the capital of the Veneto region makes it one of the most visited cities in the world, the wider Venetian lagoon offers far quieter alternatives. Just a short distance from the centre, Chioggia delivers the same canals, bridges and historic architecture people come to Venice for, but at a much slower, more local pace. As part of the Venetian lagoon, yet largely untouched by mass tourism, Chioggia allows visitors to experience an authentic slice of Venetian life, without the crowds that dominate central Venice.”