Venice is a city in northern Italy, the capital of the region Veneto. Together with Padua, the city is included in the Padua-Venice Metropolitan Area. The city historically was an independent nation. Venice has been known as the "La Dominante", "Serenissima", "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Bridges", and "The City of Light". It is often cited as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers. The population estimate of 272,000 inhabitants includes the population of the whole Comune of Venezia; around 62,000 in the historic city of Venice (Centro storico); 176,000 in Terraferma (the Mainland), mostly in the large frazione of Mestre and Marghera; and 31,000 live on other islands in the lagoon.

The Venetian Republic was a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as a very important center of commerce and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century.

The Venice Lagoon

The Venice lagoon has a lot to offer visitors, starting with the magical beauty of the historic island of Venice. The heart of Venice is the area around St. Mark’s square and its famous five domed Basilica. Of note is also the spectacular Doge’s Palace ‘Palazzo Ducale’ which together with the Basilica represents the core of the Serene Republic’s spiritual and political power plays.  A visit to Venice is not complete without a stop to admire the famous ‘Ponte di Rialto’ and ‘Canal Grande’ where visitors may discover the incredible Venetian style Palaces and soak up the unique atmosphere whilst enjoying a strong espresso or a rich cappuccino at one of the many café’s. 

Moving on from Venice, visitors may discover the lagoon by cruising around the three main northern island of Murano, Burano and Torcello which are characterised by their unique architecture and picturesque fishing villages. These islands give visitors an idea of the authentic Venetian way of life. There are more than 80 islands in the lagoon, most of which can be visited, for example S. Francesco, S. Erasmo, S. Lazzaro,  Pellestrina and Giudecca. The latter lies immediately south of the central island of Venice and is one of the contracted mooring places available to Venice on Water members for day visits.

Another important location in the lagoon with mooring arrangements for Venice on Water houseboats is the famous Lido. This is an 11km long sandbar which hosts the renowned Venice Film Festival every September. At least half the Adriatic side of the island is constituted by a sandy beach, much of which belongs to the various hotels that house the summer tourists, however towards the northern and southern ends of the island there are two enormous public beaches. The Adriatic Sea is fairly clean and warm, ideal for children.

For those members who wish to navigate further afield the ‘Naviglio del Brenta’ is not to be missed. This waterway links the Venice lagoon to the historic city of Padova and was a vital thoroughfare for commerce and for travel. Along the canal visitors may admire various important monuments which host works of art by Giotto and Galileo Galilei and magnificent 15th century villas, amongst which Villa Pisani and Villa Foscari. 

Life onboard a Venice on Water houseboat is a truly magical experience and is ideal for everyone. Children revel in the sense of adventure that a boating holiday gives them whilst adults will not fail to appreciate the freedom and flexibility of having all the comforts at arms length wherever they decide to go.

Venice on Water – a new world to discover!