Why I keep coming back to Venice
I’ve visited Venice many times throughout my life. At first, you go on school trips, then you return with family to see the Carnival or the fireworks of the Festa del Redentore. Sometimes it's just a day out, or a bacaro tour with friends. Every occasion is a good excuse to come back, and each visit brings something new.
One of my favorite memories is arriving by boat: watching the city slowly emerge, with the lagoon and its islands all around, is something unforgettable. I truly love Venice. It's a city like no other — with its colors, masks, narrow alleys, and winding streets where you can easily get lost… and just as easily find yourself again.
I adore the food, best enjoyed with a good glass of wine, perhaps sitting by the Grand Canal watching life go by on the water. For me, it’s always a joy to return, to explore, and to discover new corners — and nothing compares to a Venetian sunset painting the rooftops and canals gold.
With this article, I want to help you discover it too. I want to share what makes Venice so special: its deep history, timeless atmosphere, and unique character. Venice isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience. And it’s absolutely worth it.
Discover Venice: The City of Water, Art, and Magic
Venice is located in the northeast of Italy and is easily accessible thanks to the Marco Polo International Airport, served by numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can reach the city quickly by bus, train, taxi, or water taxi.
Once you arrive, you enter a different world: Venice has no cars or bicycles. Movement is exclusively on foot or by boat, a unique feature that makes the city truly captivating. Venice is built on over a hundred islands connected by bridges and crossed by canals.
The Grand Canal is the city’s main artery, a wide waterway that elegantly divides Venice into two parts with an S-shaped curve. Seen from above, Venice resembles the shape of a fish — a poetic detail many travelers enjoy sharing.
A Brief History of Venice
Venice was founded around the 5th century AD as a refuge for populations fleeing barbarian invasions on the mainland. Built on a lagoon of islands and marshes, the city developed thanks to maritime trade, becoming a powerful maritime republic during the Middle Ages. Known as “La Serenissima,” Venice influenced European politics, art, and culture for centuries, maintaining its uniqueness through a delicate balance between man and nature.
Today, Venice is famous worldwide for its unique architecture built on canals instead of streets, its picturesque bridges like the Rialto Bridge, and iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. It is also renowned for its elaborate Carnival masks and costumes, as well as ancient artisanal traditions including Murano glassmaking and Burano lace.
Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an eternal symbol of beauty, history, and innovation.
The Islands of the Lagoon: A Treasure to Explore
The Venetian Lagoon is a unique ecosystem dotted with islands, each with its own identity. Visiting these islands means discovering different aspects of Venice’s culture, craftsmanship, and history.
Murano is world-famous for glassmaking. Here you can visit historic furnaces, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique artisanal pieces.
Burano, with its colorful houses and authentic atmosphere, is known for its lace-making tradition. It’s a perfect destination for photography lovers and those interested in traditional crafts.
Torcello is a quiet and evocative island, the cradle of Venetian origins. It hosts the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.
The Lido of Venice is a narrow island between the lagoon and the sea, with long sandy beaches. Every September it hosts the Venice International Film Festival, attracting artists and filmmakers from around the world.
Sant’Erasmo is known as “the vegetable garden of Venice.” It’s little visited by tourists and ideal for those seeking peace and locally grown products like the famous violet artichoke.
Giudecca offers a unique perspective on the historic center and an authentic atmosphere. Once an industrial and monastic area, it now houses ateliers, urban gardens, and Venetian residences.
Pellestrina is a long strip of land between lagoon and sea, still tied to slow rhythms and fishing traditions. Perfect for a day away from mass tourism.
Poveglia is an abandoned island full of mystery. Once used as a quarantine station and hospital, it is now the subject of legends tied to the darker side of Venetian history.
Getting Around Venice and the Islands
The best way to get around Venice is by vaporetto, the public ferry service connecting the city and the lagoon islands. Main lines (such as lines 1 and 2) run frequently along the Grand Canal. Dedicated lines serve more distant islands like Pellestrina and Sant’Erasmo.
Other useful means include:
Water taxis: private, faster, and more comfortable services ideal for quick transfers or scenic arrivals.
Pedestrian ferries: connect some islands, allowing short crossings without taking the vaporetto.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
Venice can get very crowded, especially in summer and on weekends. To enjoy the city more peacefully, we recommend:
Visiting off-season, particularly between April and May or September and October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
Planning visits to popular sites early in the morning or late in the evening.
Avoiding Italian national holidays and extended holiday periods (such as Carnival or Easter week), when the city fills with tourists and traveling Italian families.
Must-See Events
Venice Carnival (February): one of the world’s most famous events, with masks, balls, and parades.
Festa del Redentore (July): a centuries-old tradition with fireworks and celebrations in the lagoon.
Venice International Film Festival (September) at the Lido: one of the most prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Food and Culinary Traditions
Venice offers a cuisine rich in authentic flavors and typical dishes linked to the sea and lagoon. Must-tries include:
Cicchetti: small bites similar to Spanish tapas, served in traditional bacari (Venetian wine bars). Perfect for an informal and authentic gastronomic tour, sampling different flavors with friends or during a break.
Sarde in saor: sardines marinated with onions, vinegar, and pine nuts, a Venetian classic.
Baccalà mantecato: whipped salted cod spread on crostini or polenta.
Risotto al nero di seppia: a dish with a bold flavor and intense color, typical of lagoon cuisine.
Fegato alla veneziana: calf’s liver with onions, a rich and flavorful dish.
Venice Awaits
A city where time slows down and history comes alive — Venice is more than a destination, it’s a feeling. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, every canal, bridge, and island tells a new story.
This extraordinary city offers countless experiences worth discovering — from quiet moments along the canals to vibrant traditions, artisan culture, and local flavors.
Curious about what to do in Venice or want personalized tips for your trip? Write to us at dolceitaliescape@gmail.com and let us help you plan an unforgettable Venetian adventure.
