Chioggia, Burano and the Lagoon Islands
The islands and fishing towns where Italian river boats spend much of their week.
Get Free Italy River Cruise QuotesThe Lagoon Is the Main Event
Because the navigable Po is short, the Venetian lagoon is where Italian river cruises spend much of their time. That is good news: its islands and towns are some of the most charming places in the Veneto, and many day visitors never reach them.
Chioggia
A working fishing town at the southern end of the lagoon, often called a little Venice: canals, bridges and one of the region’s best fish markets.
Burano
Rows of houses painted in bright colours, and a long tradition of lace-making.
Mazzorbo
Linked to Burano by a footbridge; known for a walled vineyard and quiet lanes.
Torcello
Once a thriving town, now almost empty; its ancient cathedral is famed for Byzantine mosaics.
Murano
The glass-blowing island, close to Venice.
Pellestrina and the Lido
The long barrier islands between the lagoon and the sea.
A Typical Lagoon Day
Boats often move between islands in the morning and moor for the afternoon, leaving time for a guided walk, a bike ride along the lagoon or a long seafood lunch. In Chioggia, many itineraries include the market and time to wander the canals. Evenings back on board are quiet, with the lights of Venice across the water.
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Chioggia Up Close
Chioggia is the lagoon’s second city and its fishing capital. Its main street, the Corso del Popolo, runs the length of the old town, with narrow canals crossing it at right angles and fishing boats moored along them. The fish market near the Vena canal is the place to see the lagoon’s catch, and the restaurants around it serve it simply. Unlike Venice, Chioggia is a town where people work and shop, which is what many visitors like about it. Sottomarina, its beach suburb on the Adriatic, is next door.
Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello in One Day
These three northern islands sit close together. A typical plan is Torcello early, before day-trippers arrive, for the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its mosaics of the Last Judgement; then Burano for its painted houses, lace shops and a seafood lunch; and a stroll across the footbridge to Mazzorbo’s vineyard and quieter lanes. River boats are well placed to do the islands in this order, because they can moor nearby rather than relying on the public water buses from Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lagoon islands do Italy river cruises visit?
Most itineraries include Burano and often Mazzorbo and Torcello in the northern lagoon, and Chioggia in the south; some add Murano or Pellestrina. Each line and sailing differs.
Is Chioggia worth visiting?
Yes. It is a lively working fishing town with canals, a busy fish market and far fewer visitors than Venice, which gives a different picture of lagoon life.
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