Many people dream of going to Venice because of its canals, palaces, and timeless beauty. It is one of the most famous places in the world. But there is a quieter, more real side to the city beyond the canals full of gondolas and the historic alleys: the Venice secret islands that are spread out across the northern lagoon. These islands have kept traditions alive for hundreds of years, untouched landscapes, and a sense of peace that is a beautiful contrast to the energy of central Venice.
Most people go to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, but a few lesser-known islands give you a better look at Venetian culture, nature, and history. These islands are the lagoon’s hidden heart. They have vineyard-covered shores, quiet monasteries, abandoned forts, and lush farmland.
This article looks at the most interesting hidden islands near Venice. It gives you travel tips that will last for years, expert advice, and insights that will always be useful. These islands offer an unforgettable experience, whether you want culture, peace and quiet, nature, or real Italian charm.
Why should you visit Venice’s secret islands?
For curious travelers, going beyond the main city has a number of long-lasting benefits:
1. Learn about real Venetian culture
Many Venetians still live on the less well-known islands, where they keep traditions alive that have been passed down for generations, like making wine on Mazzorbo or farming on San Erasmo.
2. Stay Away from the Crowds
These islands are a great place to get away from it all, especially for people who want to hike in nature, see old ruins, or have a quiet lunch by the lagoon.
3. Look into hundreds of years of history
Monasteries, forts, trade routes, and old settlements have all been in the lagoon. When you explore them, you can see more of Venice than just its famous squares and palaces.
4. Have fun in nature and outside
The wide-open spaces and views of the lagoon make cycling, walking tours, birdwatching, and photography all great things to do here.
5. Visit Venice’s Secret Places
These islands have stories and experiences that you can’t find in the city center. They’re great for people who like to find hidden gems.
The Top Secret Islands Close to Venice
1. Mazzorbo: Venice’s Quiet Island of Vineyards, Art, and Everyday Life
Mazzorbo is one of the most real and quiet islands in the lagoon. It is next to Burano and is connected to it by a long wooden bridge. Most travelers don’t know much about it. The quiet streets, vegetable gardens, and vineyards give you a rare chance to see what life is like in the countryside of Venice.
What is it about Mazzorbo that makes it special?
The Venissa Estate, a walled vineyard that makes one of the rarest wines in Italy, is what Mazzorbo is most famous for. The vineyard grows the old Venetian grape Dorona, which was almost lost to time but was brought back in the early 2000s. People can take a tour of the estate, eat at its Michelin-starred restaurant, or have a tasting in the garden.
Mazzorbo has more than just wine:
- Ruins of old churches and monasteries from the past
- Paths for walking along quiet canals
- Colorful houses like those in Burano, but not as many people
- Parks with views of the lagoon that are great for taking pictures and walking at sunset
Tips for Visiting Mazzorbo That Will Last
- Walk around and see what you can find. It’s small and easy to get around.
- Cross the wooden bridge to get to Burano and make it a part of your trip.
- Make a reservation for lunch at the Venissa Estate for a memorable time.
- The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Mazzorbo is a great place for travelers who like wine, photography, history, and quiet walks.
2. Torcello: The Old Heart of the Venetian Lagoon
Torcello is one of the most important historical places near Venice. It was once a busy settlement with thousands of people living there, and it was very important to the early growth of Venetian civilization. Torcello is quiet and not very populated today, giving visitors a rare look back at the Middle Ages.
Why You Should Visit Torcello
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was built in 639 AD, is the most important building in Torcello. Inside, you’ll see some of the most beautiful Byzantine mosaics in Italy, such as:
- A mosaic of the Last Judgment from the 12th century
- A mosaic of the Madonna and Child that shines
- Detailed gold and glass pictures of heaven and hell
Other important places to see are:
- Devil’s Bridge: A bridge with no railings and a lot of stories about it.
- Attila’s Throne: A stone chair that people think was used by local kings and queens
- The Bell Tower: It has a great view of the lagoon from up there.
- Archaeological Museum: A small but important collection of old things
Travel Tips That Last
- Come early to enjoy the island’s peaceful beauty.
- Put on shoes that are comfortable. Most of the island is grassy or has old stones on it.
- Bring water, especially in the summer.
- You can spend the whole day in the lagoon by going to Torcello and Burano or Mazzorbo.
Torcello is a great place for people who love history, architecture, and culture to find hidden gems in Venice.
3. San Erasmo, the “Garden of Venice,” is a paradise for people who love nature.
San Erasmo, which is sometimes spelled santerasmo, is one of the biggest and most farmed islands in the lagoon. For hundreds of years, it has provided the city with fresh fruits and vegetables. The island is peaceful, big, and perfect for people who want to see the natural side of Venice.
What is special about San Erasmo?
People celebrate San Erasmo for:
- Artichoke fields, especially the well-known Violetto di Sant’Erasmo type
- Some of the best cycling routes in the lagoon
- Calm beaches, like the peaceful Bacan beach
- You can buy fresh honey, vegetables, and wine at local farms.
The island also has:
- Torre Massimiliana is a 19th-century fort with parkland around it.
- Long paths that are great for birdwatching and taking pictures
- Festivals that happen at certain times of the year to celebrate harvests and traditional foods
Helpful Advice for Visiting San Erasmo
- For the best experience on the island, rent bikes near the Vaporetto stop.
- Pack a lunch to eat by the water or at the fortress.
- Look for artichoke harvest events if you go in the spring.
- This isn’t a touristy island, so enjoy the slice of local life.
San Erasmo is a great place for people who love nature, walking, biking, food culture, and the charm of the countryside.
4. San Francesco del Deserto: A Quiet Island Monastery
This peaceful island has had an active Franciscan monastery since the 13th century. It is one of the most spiritual places in the Venetian lagoon. Visitors can walk through its gardens, cloisters, and scenic viewpoints with the help of Franciscan friars who still live there.
Why should you go to this hidden island?
San Francesco del Deserto is one of the best-preserved places of worship in Italy. The monks give tours that explain the island’s past, such as:
- Saint Francis came after his trip from the Holy Land.
- Centuries of living in a monastery
- The island’s environment has changed over time.
People know the island for its quiet, peaceful vibe, which is hard to find and nice.
Travel Tips That Will Last
- Check ferry schedules ahead of time because access is limited.
- Wear modest clothes because it is a working monastery.
- Take in the views of the lagoon and the peaceful gardens.
This island is great for people who like history, spirituality, gardens, and quiet places.
5. Sant’Andrea: The Island of Lost Fortresses
Forte di Sant’Andrea, built in the 16th century to protect Venice from naval attacks, is one of the most impressive but least known fortifications in the Venetian lagoon.
Sant’Andrea’s Best Parts
- The huge stone fort that has been used for military purposes for hundreds of years
- Panoramic views of the waterfront, especially at sunrise and sunset
- Walking paths that are quiet and have very few people on them
The island is an important part of Venice’s defense story, but it is still one of the least visited.
Travel Tips That Will Last
- If you’re going to explore the fortress, wear sturdy shoes.
- Perfect for photographers at golden hour.
- Great for people who like military history, photography, and going to places that aren’t very well known.
6. Lazzaretto Nuovo: Venice’s Old Quarantine Island for Plague
Lazzaretto Nuovo is one of the lagoon’s islands with the most interesting history. It was a quarantine island in the 15th and 16th centuries, where ships, sailors, and goods were checked for the plague before they could enter Venice.
What Makes This Island So Interesting
You can look into:
- Walls from the ancient plague
- Drawings and writing left by sailors who were in quarantine
- Sites of archaeology
- Nature trails with animals from the lagoon
During guided tours put on by conservation groups, the island is open.
Advice that lasts
- Plan ahead because the hours of operation change with the seasons.
- For the archaeological paths, wear shoes that are comfortable.
- Perfect for people who are interested in Venetian history, archaeology, and unusual cultural stories.
7. Pellestrina: A Quiet Fishing Island with Miles of Beaches
Pellestrina is one of the lagoon’s quietest places, even though it is more well-known than some other islands. It runs along the sea and is protected by the Murazzi, a series of huge stone flood barriers built in the 1700s.
Why You Should Go to Pellestrina
- Long stretches of calm beach
- A fishing community in the area with colorful houses that are typical of the area
- Great seafood places to eat
- Beautiful bike paths
Travel tips that will always be useful
- Rent a bike and ride along the Murazzi.
- At local trattorias, you can try fresh seafood.
- For a full day on the coast, go to the Lido as well.
Useful travel tips for visiting Venice’s hidden islands
Keep these timeless tips in mind to get the most out of your island explorations:
- Get Vaporetto Passes
If you want to visit more than one island, a multi-day transportation pass will save you money. - Leave early
The morning hours are better for taking pictures because the water is calmer and there are fewer people. - Wear shoes that are comfortable
A lot of islands have paths made of grass, dirt, or uneven stones. - Respect Local Life
Some islands are mostly for living or farming. - Look at the hours of operation
There may be certain times when you can visit monasteries, archaeological sites, and vineyards. - Bring snacks and water
There may not be many stores, especially on quieter islands.
One-Day Itineraries for Venice’s Secret Islands
1. One Day of Culture and History on the Secret Islands
- Torcello (cathedral and mosaics)
- Mazzorbo (vineyard and walking paths)
2. Nature and Rest
- San Erasmo (biking and beaches)
- Pellestrina (lunch with seafood and views of the sea)
3. Venice’s Hidden Side for the Adventurous Traveler
- Sant’Andrea (fortress)
- History of Lazzaretto Nuovo (plague island)
- Gardens at the San Francesco del Deserto monastery
Why These Islands Are Great for Long-Term, Year-Round Travel
The secret islands in Venice don’t depend on seasonal trends or popular travel fads. What makes them appealing is:
- History that never changes
- Nature and landscapes that have been passed down through the years
- Life in the area that doesn’t change with the times
- Timeless buildings and cultural history
- Peaceful places to get away from the busy streets of Venice
They stay important year after year because they show the real Venetian lagoon, not just the touristy side.
In conclusion, find a more real Venice on its secret islands.
The Venice lagoon is a world all its own, full of history, culture, stories, and landscapes that many tourists never see. You can find the real Venice by visiting islands like Mazzorbo, Torcello, Santerasmo, and others.
The lesser-known islands have unforgettable experiences and lasting lessons about life in Venice for history buffs, nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who want to get away from it all.
The Venice secret islands are more than just a day trip; they give you a chance to see the lagoon the way Venetians have for hundreds of years. And by doing so, you discover a part of Venice that is always new, real, and full of surprises.
