With over 30 million people flocking to Venice each year, dwarfing the 50,000 residents who call it home, Venice is aptly considered Europe’s most popular tourist destination.
Like any busy city, tourists can still enjoy the quiet back streets and hidden gems, or fully embrace the business of the attractions that make the city so popular.
But all well-seasoned travellers dream of being able to enjoy the bucket list location all to themselves – and Italian cruise experts, European Waterways, who have been sailing on cruises around the Venetian lagoon for decades, have shared that there’s a way to get the canals of Venice almost to themselves. And, no, you don’t have to set your alarm for 3 am.
Maryanne Sparkes of Italian river cruise organisers, European Waterways explains, “Venice is the capital city of the province of Venezia and the region of Veneto, making it a magnet for visitors domestically and internationally, but as a lagoon consisting of 118 small islands, there are many which offer the picture-perfect Venice, but at a local, slower pace.
Just 40 minutes from San Marco square, Chioggia is a coastal fishing town on its own island in Venice, still on the lagoon, and offers the same canal network crisscrossing throughout the city with pretty bridges allowing visitors to wander around the narrow streets and stunning architecture of Venice, just a little more leisurely. It’s aptly known as ‘Little Venice’ amongst travel experts.
We still recommend Venice to all the region’s visitors, particularly first timers, as it’s a truly special location, which is why it’s so popular with crowds.”
Industry research shows that over 75% of Brits want to enjoy local food from the destination they have chosen to visit. Chioggia offers an authentic slice of life thanks to its famous fish market, which serves both locals and restaurants feeding visitors.”
European Waterway top sites in Chioggia
1. Piazetta Vigo: Overlooking the Venetian lagoon, visitors to this piazza should visit the stone-hewn bridge, Ponte de Vigo, rising above the moored boats along the picture-postcard Canal Vena, famed for its brightly coloured houses.
2. Chioggia Town: For a true taste of Chioggia, stroll the quieter streets from 5–7pm, when locals enjoy a lively passeggiata among shops and cafés.
3. Fish Market -Chioggia is famous for its daily fish market, which is visited by local shoppers and restaurant owners alike. Given its proximity to the sea, the Venetian region has some of Europe’s finest and freshest seafood.
European Waterway Tips for enjoying Venice like a local
Embrace the Venetian tradition of cicchetti – small snacks similar to tapas. Hop from bacaro (wine bar) to bacaro, enjoying these tasty bites with a glass of local wine (ombra), which loosely translates to ‘shade’, after the local sellers who would keep their wine
Learn Some Italian: Even basic greetings like “Ciao” (hello/goodbye) and “Grazie” (thank you) can go a long way in connecting with locals.
Walk on the Right: Like driving, there’s an unspoken rule to walk on the right in Venice’s crowded streets.
Bridge Etiquette: Don’t stop in the middle of a bridge to take photos or check your map. Keep moving to allow others to pass.