A different Venice – cycling on three lagoon islands

Venice is more than just the well-known parts. There’s a Venice that is far from Piazza San Marco and the canals crossed by gondolas. Those who live in its historic centre or on the mainland know it well. It may be true that you mostly travel on foot or by boat in Venice, but there are three exceptions to this ‘rule’: Pellestrina, Lido and Sant'Erasmo, three islands that are perfect for bikes. I would even dare to say that the bicycle is the best way to explore them.

Over the years, I’ve toured the three islands far and wide on two wheels, of course. In this Collection, I share three circular routes, one for each island, so that you can get the most out of these Venetian pearls that vary hugely from each other.

Pedalling along the shores of Pellestrina, you pass through colourful fishing villages, watch the fishing boats come and go, spot huts in the middle of the lagoon where fishing gear is stored. You can marvel at the strength with which this thin portion of land defends itself from the advancing sea.

The Lido of Venice is brimming with nostalgic charm, with Art Nouveau villages and the beautiful Malamocco village, whilst the southern end of the island is luscious nature.

In Sant'Erasmo, far from tourists, you realise how precious silence can be. No one has ever thought of building palaces and monuments here. The beauty of this island is the land, which grows vegetables, fruits and vines for the historic centre of Venice. The salty air and the particular microclimate give the cultivated agricultural products a special flavour.

The three routes are simple and suitable for everyone. Any type of bike will do, as the trails are on paved lanes, very compact dirt roads or cobblestone bike paths. If you are looking for longer Tours, you can combine the ones in this Collection with other itineraries. For example, you can reach Treporti from Sant’Erasmo and take this loop from there:
komoot.com/collection/1416591. Or you can join the two Tours of Pellestrina and Lido, thanks to the navigation line number 13.

You can buy tickets for the transport network in tobacconists, at ACTV sales points or on board. If you don't have the Venezia Unica card and you plan to use the means of transport several times, a one-day ticket could be convenient.