The most interesting sites near Venice to visit on a cruise.
Even those that have visited Venice repeatedly always find something new, delightful and surprising when walking around this unique city. But there are a couple of destinations just outside the main cluster of islands that the cruise traveler should also consider visiting.
The Lido
The 'island' of Lido is actually a giant sandbar that acts as a barrier between the sea and Venice. This is also the place to where the locals, as well as tourists, flock to during the warmer months. Actually a little over seven miles in length, there are about 20,000 full-time residents on the island. The cruise traveler will find many luxury hotels here and during the summer months a great time to look out for celebrities. Historically, the first inhabitants formed a colony in the center of the island, or Malamocco, which served as a port. During the early 19th century, this island quickly became a luxury destination for movie stars, royalty as well as popular writers. During these years the luxury resorts arrived. Today, as has been the same every September since 1932, one of the oldest and most famous film festivals is held here.
Murano is just around the corner
Photo Credit: Marc Ryckaert CC by SA
Burano
Located on this small island to the north of Venice, Burano is famous for its colorful houses, where the cruise traveler can find all the colors of an artist palate. This has always been a fishing village that you can reach by taking a half hour boat ride from Murano or 15 minutes trip from central Venice. The main income for the villagers is as it has always been, fishing. However, there is a second commodity found here that you may look to shop, that of lace. On the mainland, lace can be found quite expensive, but if it is on your list of wants, Burano is the place for the cruise traveler to buy it.
Torcello
The island of Torcello was, in fact, the first one of the islands within the lagoons, now Venice, to be inhabited. From the 12th to the 15th century there were well over 20,000 people living on this island. Over the next years, the land continually flooded and most of the population deserted it. Because of this, there really is not much in the way of artwork or ruminants from those early years. From the landing dock, you can view the “Devils Bridge”, which is Venice’s oldest monuments as well as the most stunning from the 7th century. A stroll through the island's old churches will reward the cruise traveler with the remaining remnants of art.
