Ah, Venice—romance floats on water, gondoliers sing like caffeinated tenors, and pigeons are unusually bold. The first time I docked there on a Mediterranean cruise, I remember stepping onto land with a gelato in one hand and wildly ineffective tourist map in the other. While everyone else zigzagged their way to St. Mark’s Square in the midday sun like salmon swimming upstream, I did something wildly radical for a first-timer: I hopped a vaporetto (that’s Venice-speak for the public waterbus) and set off to explore the lesser-known islands of the lagoon.
Best. Decision. Ever.
There’s much more to the Venetian Lagoon than Venice itself. Think of Venice as the main actor, and these enchanting islands as the compelling supporting cast you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a salty sea-dog on your umpteenth Mediterranean voyage, exploring these gems turns your port stop from “nice selfie with a bell tower” into “how do I move here permanently?”
Here are 7 islands in the Venetian Lagoon that are absolutely worth visiting—and a few experiences that’ll make your cruise stop unforgettable.
1. Burano – Where Color Therapy Meets Lace Obsession
Let’s start with the Instagram darling—Burano, the island where every house wears a different shade of eye-popping Technicolor. Legend says fishermen painted their homes in vivid hues so they could find their way back in the fog. (As an expert stumble-across-the-fog navigator, I endorse this logic.)
But Burano isn’t all aesthetics. It’s also famed for intricate handmade lace. Some of the women here can craft with thread in a way that will leave you questioning every craft project you’ve ever attempted.
Insider Tip: Most people only go for a quick photo-op. You? Make a reservation at Trattoria al Gatto Nero and dive into seafood risotto that tastes like Poseidon himself made it.
Challenge: It’s a popular day trip, especially around midday. Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and softer light (trust me, your photos will thank you).
2. Murano – The Island That Sparkles (In Glass)
Ah, Murano—just a five-minute vaporetto hop from Venice, but a world of molten creativity. Known globally for its glass-blowing masters, Murano is where sand becomes art. I once watched a craftsman shape a perfect horse figurine in under 90 seconds. I’m still recovering from the awe.
Insider Tip: Many tourists get herded into large glass shops with inflated prices. Instead, head to the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) or visit smaller, family-owned studios where you can chat with the artisans—and maybe even try blowing your own piece. Pro tip: don’t wear long sleeves near flames. I learned that the Italian way.
Bonus Tip: Murano has some lovely hidden canals and quiet cafes perfect for escaping the crowds. Don’t just board the first ferry back. Linger a little.
3. Torcello – Venice’s Mysterious, Ancient Sister
If Murano is glittering glass and Burano is joyful color, Torcello is where the ghosts of Venice’s earliest days whisper through overgrown paths and ancient stones. It was one of the first lagoon islands to be settled (before Venice itself!), and it’s now home to a shrinking population of fewer than 20 residents.
Stop at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses breathtaking Byzantine mosaics that make you feel you’ve wandered into Istanbul by accident. Think glowing golds, solemn saints, and the kind of silence that demands reverence.
Witty Warning: There’s not much in the way of creature comforts here, so bring water, a snack, and an appetite for eerie tranquility.
Pro Tip: Combine Torcello with Burano—there’s a pedestrian path connecting the two.
4. San Giorgio Maggiore – Your Secret to the Best View of Venice
Want THAT shot of Venice—the one with the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal all in one panoramic masterpiece? Don’t climb St. Mark’s Campanile like everyone else. Go to San Giorgio Maggiore and ascend the bell tower there instead.
Why? No lines. Better light. Fewer elbows in your photo.
Designed by Andrea Palladio (fancy Renaissance architect), the church’s interiors are beautifully austere, and the cypress-tree-dotted courtyards exude tranquility that’s hard to come by in Venice proper.
Cruise-Smart Tip: It’s right across from the main city—just a short vaporetto ride. You can easily fit this in even on a short port stop.
5. Lido – The Beachy Oddball You Didn’t Expect
Yes, Venice has a beach island, and it’s fantastic. The Lido is a long, narrow stretch that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and offers that elusive creature known as sand (not stone, not uneven cobbles—actual sand!).
In the early 20th century, Lido was the playground of European elites, dripping in Art Nouveau vibes and Gatsby-level glamour. Today, it’s laid-back, sun-drenched, and dotted with charming cafes, bicycles, and vintage hotels like the iconic Hotel Excelsior.
What to Know: This is where the Venice Film Festival happens each year, so if your cruise coincides with September, you might just find yourself photobombing a red carpet walk.
Challenge: It takes a little longer to reach, so plan a half-day if you want to lounge like royalty.
6. San Michele – The Island of Eternal Rest (And Some Peace and Quiet)
Okay, it might sound morbid, but San Michele, Venice’s cemetery island, is truly one of the most serene spots in the lagoon. Walk the cypress-shaded paths past gravestones bearing names like Ezra Pound and Igor Stravinsky, letting the silence wash over you like a meditative wave.
It’s respectful to remain quiet and not snap excessive photos, but if you’re in need of a reflective pause after Venice’s visual overload, this is where your soul comes to exhale.
Cruise-Worthy Wisdom: It’s best visited in the cooler months—Venetian summer doesn’t mix well with a lack of shade and respect for formalwear when visiting the final resting place of revered artists.
7. Giudecca – The Calm Side of the Grandest City
Just a stone’s throw south of Venice proper, Giudecca has managed to maintain a locals-only vibe despite offering some of the best views of the Doge’s Palace. It’s where Venetians actually live, and the pace is deliciously slow.
Don’t miss the dazzling Il Redentore church, another Palladian marvel, and if you’ve got time (and a cushiony cruise budget), spring for lunch at Hotel Cipriani—you’ll dine like a mamma-fed celebrity.
Survival Scoop: This is one of the best islands to wander without agenda. Grab a spritz, park yourself on a bench, and watch the vaporetti glide by like aquatic ballet dancers.
Creative Bonus: Giudecca’s becoming a hub for artists and designers. Peek into tucked-away studios or pop into Fondazione Tre Oci for contemporary photography.
Thought-Provoking Conclusion
So, yes—Venice itself is a marvel, a floating dream city that no travel cliché can do justice. But look a little beyond the central maze, and you’ll find a whole archipelago of unique experiences. Different rhythms, smells, passions, and histories await just a few nautical moments away.
Sure, your fellow cruisers might return to the ship with selfies in St. Mark’s Square. But you? You’ll return with artisan lace in your bag, sea spray in your hair, and a story about a long lunch in a hidden canal cafe where the calamari was so fresh it practically winked at you.
Isn’t that what great travel is all about?
A Few Delightful Bonus Tips Before You Sail
Get a Day Pass for the Vaporetto (ACTV): For the price of a couple of overpriced cappuccinos, you can island-hop like royalty all day long.
Time Is Your Real Currency: Prioritize two or three islands, and do them deeply. Speed sightseeing usually leads to blurrier memories (and sore feet).
Pack a Bandana or Hat: The sun reflects off the lagoon like a disco ball. Be the stylish and sun-smart traveler.
Bring Euro Coins: Many small island cafes still prefer cash, and you’ll need coins if nature calls in a public restroom.
Bon voyage, fellow cruiser—and may your time in the Venetian Lagoon be as unforgettable as the magical city herself. Just don’t tell everyone all your secrets from here… save a couple for the next port.