Venice is undoubtedly unlike any other city, town, area on earth. It’s layout is enough to make traveling through Boston seem like a dream. For those of you who don’t know, Boston is not an easy city to manoeuvre through with its one way streets, lack of grid system, and of course, its drivers! Venice, to a new comer, provides some of this “charm” while trying to walk through the cobblestone streets which can simply become a dead end without notice; its endless footbridges; and hard to find signage. On the first visit (second or third for me), it can be trying to understand how to get from point A to B on foot. So don’t. Get on the water, Venice’s lifeline.
Why Get Out On The Water?
Enjoying Venice by water has great advantages to it. In many ways, it is much easier than on foot. The canals are basically the city’s road ways that allow you to typically travel more distance, in less time.
My first experience with this was when I flew into the Venice Marco Polo airport. We booked a private water taxi to take us, with our luggage, from the airport. It quite literally dropped us at our hotel front door. What. A. Luxury. And well worth the money. The ease and tranquility that poured over us was beyond its weight in euro. Venice’s water became our lifeline quite quickly!
Next, you can find space on the water. During the high season, which is rapidly extending, the amount of people walking throughout Venice is astounding. The small streets are crowded and there is little space to be found. However, on the water, there is space. Yes, there are many boats heading here and there on the canals, but each of these boats is a floating island of space!
How To Get Around
There are many ways to enjoy the water in Venice. Gondolas are the classic romantic ride, but they’ll cost you the most. For everyday travel, vaporetti (water buses) run on regular routes, kind of like regular city buses, and they connect all the main spots and islands.
If you want a faster, direct trip, you can grab a water taxi, though they’re pricier. You’ll also find traghetti, which are like big gondolas that ferry people across the Grand Canal at certain points – they’re quick and cheap. I go more in depth with these options in a previous blog. Check it out.
Why You Should Spend Time On The Water in Venice
However, why do you really need to get on the water in Venice? So you can truly see Venice. From its canals, Venice offers a unique and essential perspective of this incredible city. Gliding along the Grand Canal reveals the grandeur of palaces with great historical significance and storied charm.
Furthermore the smaller canals showcase daily Venetian life. Experiencing the city by water highlights its intricate island network and the fundamental relationship between land and sea. From iconic landmarks viewed from the lagoon, to the charm of back canals, exploring Venice by water provides stunning visuals and a deeper connection to its history and culture. It is crucial for truly understanding the city’s magic, its lifeline.
Heading to Venice soon? Let us assist in creating a curated experience that incorporates both land and water! Experience water, Venice’s lifeline first hand with Casa Mia by learning how to row a Venetian boat or hopping between the Venetian islands.
