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Meet the La Serenissima, the heart of romance where gondolas float past ornate Venetian buildings.
Situated in the north-east of Italy, Venice
has the capacity to impress not only first time visitors but also the most
seasoned of travellers. It is truly unique as the city rests on 117 islands
connected by 409 bridges where cars are banned and replaced with boats.
It is a city that has become
synonymous with beauty and romance, a destination on most people’s ‘wish list’
of holiday destinations. Tourists are drawn by the images of elegant Venetian
buildings and palaces peering over the ancient maze of narrow streets and maze
of canals. However it’s unwavering popularity results in cramped streets and
piazzas at the height of the tourist season.
Venice’s historic centre is divided
into six quarters or sestieri: San
Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. Its main thoroughfare
is the Grand Canal which intersects each district as it meanders the length of
Venice from the railway station to San Marco.
Tourists can explore on foot or by
water. The iconic gondolas offer a romantic and memorable way of exploring the
city however a less expensive (and arguably less romantic ) alternative are the
motorboat buses known as vaporetti.
Beyond the six sestieri are the islands of Murano (renowned for glass making),
Burano (famous for its lace-making) and Torcello which is noted for the
magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Trips by boat to the
islands provide a pleasant diversion from the busier historic quarters.
In the
height of summer, Venice experiences very high humidity with temperatures
normally ranging between 30°C - 33°C. In the winter they drop to between 0°C -
3°C. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences
thunderstorms and rain showers which can cause flooding.
April to
October is usually the busiest time in Venice, though it is a popular
destination year round. Christmas, Easter, Carnival (in February) and the
Venice International Film Festival (in August) are also busy periods. Winter is
often the best time to travel to avoid the crowds and find better rates on
accommodation.
The average
monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
6 |
9 |
12 |
17 |
22 |
25 |
28 |
27 |
24 |
19 |
12 |
7 |
|
Night |
-1 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
18 |
18 |
14 |
10 |
5 |
0 |
Be prepared; Venice is known as the
most expensive city in Italy for a reason. Most people don’t come to Venice to
shop, but if the lure of a retail fix is too much to resist, prepare to have an
aching credit card at the end of your trip.
If your budget can stretch to
designer price tags head for the area around St Mark’s Square. Here you’ll find
all the designers such as Prada, Versace and Armani. Mercerie (a street running
from St Mark’s Square to Rialto) is the best area for clothes and shoe stores
plus there is also a fine selection of antique and glassware shops.
If you are a serious antiques buyer
the best place to go is Campo Santo Stefano. The mainstream shopping complexes
are found on the mainland of Mestre, the most modern of which is Centro Le
Barche.
Fashion, antiques, handmade paper,
glass (Murano Island) and lace (Murano Island) are all excellent buys in
Venice. But if you enjoy browsing the city also has numerous markets ranging
from the colourful and aromatic fish market to the most popular flea market,
Mercato de Rialto.
If you come
to Venice looking for large scale entertainment venues, you’ll be disappointed.
Most visitors are happy with the galleries and sights during the day and
pavement cafés in the evening. However that’s not to say that there is nothing
to do.
Opera
lovers should head for La Fenice and Malibran Theatre (also stages symphonic
performances and ballet). For theatre buffs there is the Goldoni Theatre. If
you enjoy a flutter you can spend an evening or two at the Casino de Venezia.
Sports
lovers aren’t left out. There is a football club in Venice (albeit not in the
same league as AC Milan), AC Venezia 1907 who play at the stadium on San Elena
island.
Here are
few Bar/clubs that may interest you:
There are
also several events that take place throughout the year, including:
February –
Venice Carnival
It’s the most popular of masked carnivals in Italy, and has to be seen.
The Venice Carnival is one celebration that bring together the days gone by and
the present, with traditional local charm showcased in many an event. These
include and begin with the 2 day Festa Veneziana, featuring the famous masked
regattas, the Masked Costume Contest where only the finest of masks wins, the
Festa Delle Marie that pays homage to the Doge’s, and many more parades.
Visitors to Carnival can expect a blend of tradition, culture and boundless
entertainment, resulting in one thing, fun for all ages.
Website: http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/
May –
Vogalonga
The origins of the Vogalonga date back nearly 40 years, when in 1975 the
local rowing clubs decided to protest at the numerous motor boats that had
arrived into of the city. Now days the event draws some 400 boats to the city,
varying in types and sizes from nearly 50 clubs in Venice, as well as private
boats from all over the globe.
Website: http://www.vogalonga.com/en/
June-September
– Biennale Contemporary Art Exhibition
This is one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in the world. As the
name states it’s held biennially, every other odd numbered year. A different
curator directs the exhibition each time, adding something new, making the
event very exciting.
Website: http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/
July – Festa
del Redentore
Festa del Redentore is one of the
oldest celebrations in Venice, dating back to 1576 and is a combination of
tradition and lots of fun. It was originally a celebration and thanks from the
people of Venice, that they were free from the terrible plague that had gripped
Europe. Today it’s the perfect occasion to gather on the water or waterfront,
overlooking St. Marks Basin and the Giudecca Canal and enjoy the magnificent
fireworks display that lights up the Venetian skies.
Website: http://events.veneziaunica.it/content/redentore-feast-2017
August-September
– International Film Festival
The Venice international film festival is the oldest cinematography
event in the world, the first one having been staged in 1932. It takes place
once a year at the Vencie Lido, in the famous Palazzo del Cinema and the nearby
buildings. Here the international stars gather and the various screenings are
open to admission for the public through online ticketing or ground box office.
There are many other events that are worth checking out, you can take in a
presentation or attend one of the ceremonies.
Website: http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/
September –
Regata Storica
These special rowing races set on the Grand Canal, celebrate the welcome
given to Caterina Cornaro, who was the wife of the King of Cyprus and in 1489
after renouncing her throne in support for Venice. This is the most famous of all
the Regattas that take place between April and September. The event starts off
with a parade of boats finished in a 16th century style, with a crew
dressed in period costume with the Doge in tow at the head.
Website: http://www.regatastoricavenezia.it/?lang=en&pg=1&page=1
November –
Festa della Madonna della Salute
On the 21st November, each year the Madonna of the Salute’s
Festival, or the Feast Day of the Madonna della Salute, is celebrated in
Venice. This inspirational festival commemorates the end of the plague from
years ago. Serving up some traditional Venetian specialties, any visitor is
sure have their palate tickled.
Website: http://events.veneziaunica.it/content/feast-day-madonna-della-salute
February
May
June
July
August
September
November
As
captivating as Venice is, it is also perfectly situated to explore other areas
of northern Italy. Your hotel will be able to provide you with details of
possible excursions but here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Verona
This is one of Italy’s most stunning towns, renowned for its opera
season in the summer. Throughout the majority of its history, Verona has been a
flourishing and successful town. Today there are many high end shops and cafes
that line the medieval lanes of this historic place. There are many things to
see here, with the likes of the ancient Roman amphitheater and the so called
‘Juliet’s balcony’.
Tour
guide website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Venice/Romeo-and-Juliets-Verona-Day-Trip-from-Venice/d522-15693P19
Padua
Padua is a city in the region of Veneto, Northern Italy. Renowned for
frescos by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel in 1303-05 and the grand 13th
century Basilica of St. Anthony. The Basilica includes architecture featuring
Byzantine influenced domes and distinguished pieces of art. It’s also where the
namesake of the Basilica is laid to rest. With its arcade streets and
fashionable cafes, there are also plenty of places for respite.
Tour guide website: http://www.venicedaytrips.com/padua_orientation.asp
Lido di Venetia
This Lido
in Venice is a popular Adriatic beach resort during the summer months, but also
a great place to visit all year round. It’s a fantastic place to get away from
the hustle and bustle of Venice as a whole. There are lots of things to do
along the beachfront, as well as many places to eat.
Aqualandia
This is the top water park in Italy and only 46km from Venice. Voted as
one of the 25 best waterparks in the world, it’s a great day out for family’s
and kids of all ages. The park covers some 80,000 meters squared and there are
attractions for everyone, from thrill seekers to those who just want to relax.
Tour guide website: http://www.aqualandia.it/en/
The tap
water is safe to drink in Venice but the canals are very unhygienic therefore
you should not swim in them. There is a reciprocal health agreement with
certain EU states which means dental and medical costs can be received at a
reduced rate upon presentation of a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance
Card). However medical insurance is still vital as costs can be very expensive.
Being a
popular tourist destination, pick pocketing and theft can occur. You are
therefore advised to take the usual precautions with your valuables especially
in crowded areas.