Venice has long been a dream destination—its winding canals, striking architecture and beautiful bridges drawing millions each year. However, for many travellers, the dream is starting to sour.
Overcrowding, soaring prices and the daily invasion of day-trippers have turned the city into a victim of its own success. In an attempt to combat the overtourism crisis, the floating city has implemented an entry fee for day-trippers, restrictions on tour group sizes, a ban on loudspeakers, and regulations on short-term rentals. Large cruise ships are also banned from entering the historic centre. It’s no wonder, then, that a growing number of tourists are looking elsewhere, skipping Venice altogether in favour of quieter, less crowded towns that offer a similar mix of history, waterways and Italian charm. Now, a travel expert has revealed where tourists should be setting their sights on, while giving Venice a miss.
According to Kathy McCabe, host and executive producer of the PBS travel series Dream of Italy and founder of the award-winning magazine Dream of Italy, Chioggia, a fishing port town at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon, is the perfect alternative.
“Chioggia is known as ‘la piccola Venezia’, or ‘the little Venice”, Ms McCabe told The Express. “Honestly, in parts of Chioggia you will think you are in Venice”.
The coastal town belongs to the Metropolitan City of Venice and is located on a small island about 16 miles south of the iconic city, or 31 miles by road.
“Not only do the canals look so much like Venice, the colourful buildings, the bridges and the ‘calli’, the narrow walkway-type streets that you also see in Venice, are very reminiscent of ‘La Serenissima’, the nickname for Venice,” Ms McCabe added.
The main canal that runs through the town is Canale Vena, and on its streets, you will only hear the sound of local Italians buying their food at the local markets, not the sound of shouting tourists fighting over the best picture spots.
Chioggia has everything Venice and its nearby islands have to offer, and more.
“Chioggia, like Venice, also has a lace-making tradition, which you can find on the island of Burano. The difference here is that they use bobbins, which are spools or spindles.” The yarn or thread is wound around the bobbin, creating a more intricate, raised effect.
As an added bonus for a holiday in Chioggia, the town also boasts a couple of Blue Flag beaches – those recognised for their high standards of environmental management, safety, and environmental education.
Sottomarina beach, is known for its long stretch of fine sand from the San Felice Dam in the North to the Brenta Dam in the South. It offers a range of activities for all levels, from water sports to opportunities for long walks. There are also numerous refreshment areas, water parks and amusement parks available.
Isola Verde, meanwhile, is well equipped with loungers and straw beach umbrellas and is far from the chaos of Venice, ideal for a day of complete relaxation.
“So not only can you have this Venice experience, you can also go to the beach.”
Back in the city, key landmarks to visit include the Museum of Adriatic Zoology, which, according to Ms McCabe, “is great for kids and parents alike, devoted to the animals and the sea life that are found in this area”. Also, be sure to stop at Saint Andrew’s Church and the Clock Tower, or Orologio della Torre di Sant’Andrea, which boasts one of the oldest working clocks in the world.
To reach Chioggia from the UK, you can fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) from Stansted Airport with Ryanair for just £30 one way, according to Skyscanner. From here, take a bus from Venice to Chioggia.
There are several options, including Itabus and FlixBus. For a more comfortable, direct journey, consider a taxi or private transfer from Venice. A double room at Hotel Grande Italia, a four-star hotel in Chioggia just 1,450 yards from the beach and 0.3 miles from the town centre, is available in June for just £104 a night.