Updated: November 2025
Venice is full of surprises. Beyond Murano and Burano, the lagoon hides peaceful islands where life feels slower and more authentic.
Here are the hidden Venice islands you can visit to experience the quieter side of the lagoon.
In addition, most of them are quiet even during peak season.
🍇 Mazzorbo – The Quiet Island Next to Burano
Why visit:
A calm island with vineyards, gardens and lagoon views — just a wooden bridge away from colorful Burano.
What to see:
Santa Caterina Church
The Venissa vineyard
Quiet paths by the water
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove.
Local tip:
Walk to Burano at sunset across the wooden bridge — beautiful and silent. 🌅
🕊️ San Francesco del Deserto – The Island of Silence
Why visit:
A peaceful monastery island run by Franciscan monks, surrounded by gardens and cypresses.
What to see:
The cloister
Lagoon gardens
Guided tours by the monks
How to get there:
Small boat service from Burano (booking needed).
Local tip:
Visit in the morning for the quietest atmosphere. 🌤️
🌿 Sant Erasmo – The Garden of Venice
Why visit:
The largest green island in the lagoon — fields, vineyards, beaches, cycling paths.
What to see:
Torre Massimiliana
Quiet lagoon beaches
Local farms
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 13.
Local tip:
Try the local violet artichokes in spring. 🥬
🌿 Vignole – A Green Escape Close to Venice
Why visit:
A tiny island full of greenery, orchards and lagoon views — perfect for a quiet walk.
What to see:
Lagoon paths
Old military structures
Orchards and gardens
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 13.
Local tip:
Pair Vignole + Sant’Erasmo in one afternoon. 🚤
🧭 Lazzaretto Nuovo – History in the Lagoon
Why visit:
A unique island where Venetian plague history is preserved through ancient graffiti and guided tours.
What to see:
Tezon Grande
Archaeological remains
Defensive walls
How to get there:
Guided tours on selected days.
Local tip:
Perfect if you love Venice’s history. 📜
⛵ Certosa – Nature and Quiet Walks
Why visit:
A peaceful island near Venice with a large park, marina and lagoon paths.
What to see:
Wide green areas
Water views
Quiet walking paths
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 4.1 / 4.2.
Local tip:
Great for a break after exploring San Pietro di Castello. 🍃
📚 San Servolo – An Island of Stories
Why visit:
A former monastery and hospital, now a cultural island with gardens and lagoon views.
What to see:
Island museum
Peaceful gardens
Beautiful viewpoints
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 20.
Local tip:
Lovely for photography in the late afternoon light. 📸
📜 San Lazzaro degli Armeni – A Cultural Gem
Why visit:
An island managed by Armenian monks, home to rare manuscripts, artworks and a fascinating guided tour.
What to see:
Ancient library
Monastery collections
Lagoon gardens
How to get there:
Vaporetto Line 20.
Local tip:
The guided tour is one of the most interesting in the whole lagoon. ⭐
Do you want to explore more islands?
Take a look to the Venetian Islands guide
⭐ FAQ – Hidden Venice Islands
Not always. Many hidden islands have very limited services, so bring water and snacks if you plan to walk around.
Here’s what you can expect:
– Sant’Erasmo ✔ has a seasonal bar/restaurant and a small supermarket near the church.
– Certosa ✔ has a seasonal bar/restaurant near the marina.
– Mazzorbo ✔ has Venissa (restaurant/winery) — expensive and not always open.
– San Servolo ✔ usually has a small café/bar linked to the university/events area.
– San Lazzaro, Vignole, San Francesco del Deserto ❌ have no shops or cafés.
Yes, most of them from Fondamenta Nove or San Zaccaria
Sant’Erasmo → Line 13
Vignole → Line 13
Certosa → Line 4.1 / 4.2
San Servolo → Line 20
San Lazzaro → Line 20
Mazzorbo → Line 12
Only San Francesco del Deserto requires a small private boat from Burano.
Absolutely. Recommended combinations:
Vignole + Sant’Erasmo
San Servolo + San Lazzaro
Mazzorbo + Burano
San Francesco del Deserto, a peaceful monastery island surrounded by gardens and silence.
Sant’Erasmo → fields, vineyards, quiet beaches
Vignole → orchards, green paths, lagoon views
Morning or late afternoon.
Midday can be hot, and many islands have little shade.
Yes, except San Francesco del Deserto, which requires a guided visit by the monks.
Most are not, due to unpaved paths and small bridges.
San Servolo and San Lazzaro are the easiest to access.
Yes — especially Sant’Erasmo, Vignole, and the marsh areas around Mazzorbo.
Expect lagoon birds, quiet water landscapes and beautiful sunset light.
Rarely.
Sant’Erasmo: bar/restaurant and supermarket toilets (when open).
Certosa: bar/restaurant toilets (seasonal).
San Servolo: toilets available during opening hours.
Other small islands: no public toilets.
Sant’Erasmo is the “garden of Venice”, and many families here grow vegetables, fruit and artichokes.
To reach their fields, locals sometimes bring tiny cars onto the island using a transport barge. It’s not for tourists — just a practical way for islanders to move tools and goods around.
A little detail you won’t find in most guides, but it’s part of life on the lagoon.
🌅 Plan Your Lagoon Escape
– Best time: morning or sunset
– Bring: water, snacks, hat, sunscreen
– Shoes: comfortable (many paths are unpaved)
– Tickets: ACTV vaporetto pass recommended
– Pace: enjoy it slowly — these islands are made for peace
For official vaporetto schedules, check the ACTV website: