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North Lagoon
Laguna Nord: the most authentic and peaceful side of Venice
A boat trip through salt marshes, hidden canals and tiny islands frozen in time
The Northern Lagoon is Venice’s most natural, intimate and surprising side. Away from the busiest routes, the landscape unfolds in a continuous interplay of water, sky, canals and narrow strips of land that change appearance with the ebb and flow of the tides.
Sailing through these places means entering a different side of Venice, one made up of silence, reflections and boundless horizons. The city seems to drift slowly away, whilst salt marshes, reed beds, fishing channels and ancient, isolated bell towers come into view ahead of the boat. Here, the lagoon still retains its most authentic character, shaped over the centuries by the interplay between nature and human endeavour.
A landscape that changes with the tide
The real stars of the North Lagoon are the sandbanks, small patches of land covered in vegetation capable of withstanding brackish water. During the highest tides, they are partially submerged, only to re-emerge and reshape the landscape a few hours later.
Flowing through the salt marshes are the ghebi, narrow natural channels that wind their way through the vegetation like small rivers. Observing them from a boat gives you a real sense of just how much the lagoon is a living, ever-changing environment, home to herons, little egrets, cormorants and numerous other species of waterbird.
Each season offers different colours and atmospheres: the bright green of spring, the golden hues of summer, the red and brown shades of autumn, and the winter mists, which lend the landscape an even more mysterious air.
The lesser-known islands of the lagoon
Hidden amongst the canals of the Northern Lagoon are small islands that tell little-known stories. Some are inhabited, whilst others are home to ancient monasteries, fortifications or buildings now overgrown with vegetation. Many can only be admired by boat, as they have no public transport links or are not always accessible.
Sant’Erasmo, known as Venice’s vegetable garden, is home to farmland, vineyards and a rural atmosphere that is hard to imagine just a few minutes from the historic centre. Le Vignole is a small green oasis overlooking the lagoon, whilst San Francesco del Deserto is home to a Franciscan monastery surrounded by cypress trees and tranquillity.
As you continue your journey, you may come across the Lazzaretto Nuovo, once used to quarantine people and goods suspected of being infected, San Giacomo in Paludo and Madonna del Monte. These are secluded and charming spots, often recognisable only by an ancient wall, a cluster of trees or the outline of a building emerging from the water.
Stories, legends and interesting facts
For centuries, the Northern Lagoon has been traversed by fishermen, monks, merchants and boatmen. Its islands have been home to monasteries, hospitals, military installations, market gardens and places set aside for isolation during epidemics.
One of the most fascinating facts concerns the Lazzaretto Nuovo itself: goods arriving from areas considered to be at risk were stored and inspected there before being allowed into Venice. Its ancient walkway still offers views over a wide stretch of the lagoon today.
San Francesco del Deserto, on the other hand, is linked to the tradition of St Francis of Assisi’s visit. Even today, the island retains an intimate and spiritual atmosphere, sheltered from the noise and bustle of the busier shipping lanes.
Explore the Northern Lagoon by boat
A boat is the best way to appreciate the true nature of the Northern Lagoon. It allows you to follow routes away from the traffic, get close to the most secluded islands and see Venice from angles that cannot be reached on foot.
It is not just a tour, but a leisurely journey through a fragile and extraordinary landscape, where every bend in the canal may reveal a new island, a fisherman’s hut, a flock of birds or a sunset reflected on the water.
With Dal Maschio Venice Boat Tours You’ll be able to explore the lagoon at your own pace and in peace, following personalised itineraries and letting yourself be guided on a journey of discovery through Venice’s most hidden corners.
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