Lagoon Excursions | Cavallino Treporti Tourist Park

The lesser-known lagoon: nature, culture and quiet landscapes

The Venice Lagoon hides islands that are less famous yet rich in character, ideal for visitors who want to dedicate a day to discovering authentic places away from the busier routes. Open fields, monasteries, wide horizons and centuries of history shape these landscapes and offer a slow and enjoyable way to explore the lagoon.

To learn more about the islands, their history and the routes connecting them, we recommend visiting the portal veneto.eu, which provides extensive information. You can also download the official Venice Lagoon map produced by the Veneto Region, a practical tool for planning itineraries among waterscapes, salt marshes and small inhabited centres.

Sant’Erasmo: cultivated fields, quiet embankments and a historic defensive tower

Sant’Erasmo is the largest among the minor islands of the Venice Lagoon and is known for its agricultural identity, which gives the island a distinctive atmosphere. Vineyards, vegetable gardens and long canals accompany the route, while the calm of the embankments makes it pleasant to explore at any time of the year.
The symbol of the island is the Massimiliana Tower, an 19th-century fort surrounded by lawns and canals, now used for cultural events and exhibitions. A walk around the tower offers a wide view of the lagoon’s open landscape. Visitors can also stop at the small farm stands scattered across the island to try its most iconic product: the Violet Artichoke, recognised as a Slow Food specialty, alongside other seasonal produce.

How to get there:

From Treporti–Ricevitoria pier, take ACTV line 13 towards Sant’Erasmo.
► Always check updated ACTV timetables, as seasonal changes are common.

San Francesco del Deserto: cypress paths and a monastery with eight centuries of history

San Francesco del Deserto is a small, green and peaceful island, known for its Franciscan monastery founded in the 13th century. A long cypress avenue leads to the cloisters, gardens and spaces dedicated to monastic life. Guided tours conducted by the friars share historical episodes and traditions linked to the presence of the order in the lagoon.
The silence of the island, the reflections on the water and the simple architecture make it an ideal destination for those who want to escape the more crowded areas and explore one of the lagoon’s most characteristic corners.

How to get there:

Important: visits must be arranged directly with the friars. The island is not served by public transport.
It can be reached by private boat from Burano.
From Treporti/Ricevitoria, take ACTV line 12 to Burano, then follow the instructions provided when booking the transfer to San Francesco's island.
► Check updated ACTV timetables before departure.

For information and reservations: www.sanfrancescodeldeserto.it

San Lazzaro degli Armeni: culture, ancient manuscripts and a historic garden

The small island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni hosts the Mekhitarist Fathers, who have lived here since the 18th century. Their monastery preserves thousands of books, rare manuscripts and artistic collections from Armenia and the Middle East. Guided tours include the library, the church, historic halls and the workshop where the well-known rose-petal preserve is produced.
The well-kept gardens with lagoon views make the island pleasant to visit in every season. San Lazzaro is ideal for those interested in culture, literature and the long-standing relationship between Venice and the Armenian world.

How to get there:

From Punta Sabbioni, take ACTV line 14 or 15 to Venice/San Zaccaria, then change to line 20 (stop “San Servolo”).
► Check updated ACTV timetables before departure.

Visits are only possible with guided tours at fixed times. Booking recommended: +39 041 5260104 – visite@mechitar.org

San Giorgio Maggiore: Kunst, Architektur und ein beeindruckender Blick über die Lagune

San Giorgio Maggiore is located directly opposite St Mark’s Square and offers one of the most panoramic viewpoints over Venice. The island revolves around the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by Andrea Palladio. Its bright façade and harmonious interiors house important artworks, including The Last Supper and The Gathering of Manna by Tintoretto, displayed in their original positions.
Next to the basilica lies the complex of the Giorgio Cini Foundation, which opens its cloisters, monumental halls and gardens to visitors. One of the island’s most intriguing attractions is the Borges Labyrinth, a maze of over three thousand boxwood plants created in tribute to writer Jorge Luis Borges. Access is possible only through guided tours organised by the Foundation, with schedules varying by season.

How to get there:

From Punta Sabbioni, take ACTV line 14 or 15 to Venice/San Zaccaria, then change to line 2 (stop “San Giorgio”).
► Check updated ACTV timetables before departure.

Guided tours of the Cini Foundation and the Borges Labyrinth can be booked here: www.visitcini.com

Practical tips for planning your visit

The lagoon islands are ideal for a day trip from Cavallino-Treporti, but they require a bit of preparation — especially when guided tours must be booked in advance.

Before leaving, it is also useful to check the ACTV vaporetto timetables, particularly in winter when services may run less frequently. To make the most of your time, you can plan combined visits, such as Burano + San Francesco del Deserto, which is convenient for short transfers, or Venice + San Giorgio Maggiore, ideal for visitors interested in art, architecture and panoramic views.

In the warmer months, we recommend bringing water, a hat and sunscreen. In winter, a warmer and windproof outfit can be helpful, as many visits take place outdoors and the lagoon breeze can feel cool even on sunny days. When entering monasteries, convents or cultural sites, appropriate clothing is recommended, with shoulders and knees covered.

To navigate and plan your itinerary, we suggest downloading the official Venice Lagoon map produced by the Veneto Region and visiting the portal veneto.eu, which offers insights on history, geography, routes and transport. Starting your trip in the morning allows you to explore the islands at a relaxed pace and return without rush at the end of the day.