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Chioggia and Pellestrina
Chioggia and Pellestrina: where the lagoon meets the sea
A boat trip to discover the most authentic side of the Southern Lagoon, taking in fishing villages, canals, beaches and maritime traditions
Sailing towards Chioggia and Pellestrina means discovering a part of the lagoon that is deeply connected to the sea. Here, the landscape changes gradually: Venice recedes into the distance, the spaces become more open, and along the route you’ll come across salt marshes, fishermen’s huts, small harbours and narrow strips of land suspended between the fresh water of the lagoon and the horizon of the Adriatic.
This is an ideal itinerary for those who wish to discover less-visited spots, observe the daily life of fishermen and enjoy a day out on a boat, combining sailing, walks and relaxation, and – weather permitting – a stop for a swim.
Chioggia, a town built on the water
Chioggia retains the spirit of a true seaside town. Its historic centre is criss-crossed by canals, bridges, narrow streets and small squares, with a distinctive herringbone street layout that guides visitors towards the heart of the town. Arriving by boat allows you to immediately appreciate its connection with the water, as you take in the façades overlooking the canals, the moored boats and the constant bustle of the harbour.
The main point of reference is Corso del Popolo, a wide pedestrianised street lined with palaces, churches, cafés and shops. From here, you can venture into the side streets, cross the bridges and reach Canal Vena, one of the city’s most picturesque spots.
Chioggia is best known for its fishing. In the historic fish market, the market comes to life from the early hours of the morning with fish caught directly from the sea and the lagoon. In the harbour, you can still see the ‘bragozzi’, the traditional Chioggia boats, recognisable by their sturdy build and bright colours.
An interesting fact about Chioggia
The city is often referred to as “Little Venice”, yet it has a completely distinct identity of its own: more down-to-earth, maritime and closely linked to the day-to-day work of the port. Its narrow streets, canals and characteristic chimneys also inspired the theatrical imagination of Carlo Goldoni, who set his famous plays here Chiozzan squabbles.
Pellestrina, a narrow island between two bodies of water
Pellestrina is a long, narrow strip of land stretching for around eleven kilometres between the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. On one side, there are small harbours, vegetable gardens, colourful houses and fishing boats; on the other, there are beaches, dunes and the sea.
Its beauty lies in its simplicity. The villages of San Pietro in Volta, Portosecco and Pellestrina are home to low-rise houses, courtyards, small churches and waterfronts where life still follows the rhythms of fishing and the changing seasons. As you stroll around the island, you’ll come across nets drying in the sun, boats moored in front of the houses and people stopping to chat along the shore.
Along the side facing the Adriatic are the Murazzi, the imposing defences built to protect the island from the force of the sea. Today, they are one of Pellestrina’s most recognisable features and provide the backdrop to peaceful strolls with a view stretching out to the horizon.
Pellestrina also preserves a historic tradition of bobbin lace-making. In Portosecco, particularly during the warmer months, you can still see lace-makers at work in front of their houses or along the lagoon, weaving the threads on the traditional bobbin frame.
An interesting fact about Pellestrina
The island’s four historic districts — Scarpa, Zennari, Vianelli and Busetti — are named after the families who were sent to repopulate Pellestrina following the devastation caused by the war between Venice and Genoa at the end of the 14th century.
An itinerary to be savoured at a leisurely pace
Chioggia and Pellestrina represent two distinct yet complementary aspects of the Southern Lagoon. Chioggia is lively, steeped in history and deeply connected to its harbour; Pellestrina is intimate, quiet and nestled between the lagoon and the sea.
A boat trip allows you to combine them into a single experience, following a route away from the more well-known paths. As you sail, you’ll see ever-changing landscapes, small villages overlooking the water and natural environments that are difficult to reach by land.
With Dal Maschio Venice Boat Tours, the route can be enjoyed at your own pace and in your own time, choosing when to stop for a walk, treat yourself to a seafood lunch, relax on board, or take the opportunity to stop for a swim in the sea or the lagoon.
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