Explore Venice's Fascinating Islands

Most people are attracted to Venice to explore the famous cultural sights like Galleria dell'Accademia and St Mark's Basilica, and to take a gondola ride along its winding canals. But when you stay here you might also like to go a bit further and explore some of the interesting islands in the lagoon.

Venice Island

Here are a few of the best islands to visit during your stay if you are feeling more adventurous and want to see more than just the city.

Torcello

Torcello Island is one of the most popular of all the islands in Venice Lagoon, so once you have sorted out your Venice airport boat transfer to your hotel, this could be a good one to start with. The main attraction on this island is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell'Assunta which dates back to 639 AD. Inside the cathedral you will find some stunning mosaics from the Byzantine period, dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries, and these in themselves are worth the trip. The cathedral is only a 10-minute walk after you arrive on the island by boat, and after you have seen it you may want to walk around some of the paths or see some of the other attractions including the Church of Santa Fosca and Torcello Museum.

Torcello

Murano

Once you have caught your Venice airport boat transfer and you are ready for some sightseeing, you might want to head over to Murano. Murano is another of the most popular islands due to the main tourist activity here - watching glass blowing in action.

Murano Italy

Glass making has been carried out on the island for centuries, and is an age-old tradition here. In fact all glass makers in the city had to live on the island at one point in order to protect the secrets of their trade. You can watch a demonstration in action, and there are a number of glass factories which you are able to tour. As well as watching glass being made you can also visit a number of pleasant restaurants and enjoy some walks around this peaceful island.

Lido Island Italy

Lido

Lido is one of the most famous of the islands, being the setting for the Venice Film Festival which is held here every year in August or September. You will travel past it on the Venice airport boat taxi to your hotel.

The festival is one of the most in the world, and each year movie stars from around the globe and top directors visit for the screenings and the chance to win the main prize - the Leone d'Oro.

Known as 'The Golden Island' due to its long stretches of sandy beaches, Lido is also the place where the Grand Hotel des Bains is located - the setting for the novel 'Death in Venice' by Thomas Mann.

You should not just limit yourself to the city when it comes to sightseeing. After you have arranged your Venice airport boat taxi and found your accommodation, try to take another water trip out to at least one of the above islands to see more of this beautiful area.