There’s a Venice that floats on the Grand Canal, glimmers beneath palazzos, and echoes with gondoliers’ songs. And then, there’s the other Venice—the quiet one. The local one. The raw, real, weather-worn one that wakes up to fishermen’s boats and smells like salt and sea breeze.
Welcome to Pellestrina, the lagoon’s best-kept secret.
Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon, Pellestrina Island is a sliver of land just south of Lido—about 11 kilometers long and never more than a few hundred meters wide. It’s home to small fishing communities, painted houses, ancient sea walls, and some of the most peaceful landscapes in all of Veneto.
If you’re looking for an authentic, local experience in Venice—far from the souvenir shops and tourist queues—Pellestrina is your dream escape.
📍Where Is Pellestrina and Why Have You Never Heard of It?
Most tourists have never even seen Pellestrina on a map. It’s that hidden.
Located just south of Lido di Venezia and north of Chioggia, Pellestrina is accessible only by boat or bike. It’s a long, narrow barrier island—technically a sandbar—shielding the southern lagoon from the Adriatic. With the sea on one side and the lagoon on the other, it’s surrounded by water and steeped in tradition.
There are no museums, no luxury hotels, and no crowds. Instead, you’ll find colorfully painted houses, laundry fluttering in the wind, nets hanging to dry, and nonnas watering their geraniums.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to ditch your phone and breathe.
🕰️ A Village Rooted in History
Pellestrina has been inhabited since Roman times, but its identity was shaped during the Venetian Republic, when the island became a frontline of maritime defense and fishing economy.
In the 18th century, the Venetian government built the Murazzi, giant white Istrian stone sea walls that still protect the island from the fury of the Adriatic. These walls, stretching for kilometers, are engineering marvels—both beautiful and functional—and today offer a peaceful place to walk, fish, or bike with views on both sides of the water.
Historically, Pellestrina was home to fishermen, sailmakers, and oyster harvesters. It remains a bastion of Venetian dialect, family traditions, and generational knowledge. Time may have passed, but here, it flows differently.
🧭 How to Get to Pellestrina
Getting to Pellestrina is an adventure in itself—and part of the charm.
Option 1: Vaporetto + Ferry (Most Scenic)
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Take the vaporetto to Lido S.M.E.
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From Lido, catch bus Line 11, which drives the length of Lido to Alberoni
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A small ferry boat carries the bus across the lagoon to Santa Maria del Mare, the northern tip of Pellestrina
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The bus continues down the island to Ca’ Roman, the southernmost point
Yes, it’s a bus-boat hybrid journey—and it’s gorgeous.
Option 2: Private Boat (Luxury)
We can arrange a private boat transfer from Venice, Murano, Lido, or Chioggia. It’s fast, scenic, and perfect if you want to arrive in style.
🏘️ What to See and Do in Pellestrina
Though tiny, Pellestrina has its own rhythm, its own stories, and plenty to discover.
1. The Painted Houses
Every house in Pellestrina is a different color—terracotta, lemon yellow, deep sea blue, mint green—giving the village a storybook charm. Locals say the tradition comes from sailors needing to spot their homes from the sea. Today, it makes for the most photogenic village walk in the lagoon.
2. The Murazzi Sea Walls
Built in the 1700s by the Venetian Republic to protect the lagoon from erosion, the Murazzi are long, white stone embankments that run along the Adriatic coast. They’re stunning at sunset, perfect for long walks, and beloved by locals for quiet moments and fishing.
3. Churches and Shrines
Pellestrina is deeply Catholic and full of tiny chapels and churches:
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Sant’Antonio di Padova, the main parish church
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San Pietro in Volta, in the northern part of the island
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Madonnina shrines, hand-decorated niches with flowers and candles
They’re modest but moving—reminders of faith in a life shaped by sea and storms.
4. Cimitero delle Barche (Boat Cemetery)
An evocative spot just north of Ca’ Roman, this “cemetery” of old wooden boats tells stories without words. Some are broken, others covered in moss, but all are beautiful. A dream for photographers.
5. The Beach
On the Adriatic side, Pellestrina’s beach is raw and natural. No rows of umbrellas or deck chairs—just sand, sea, and sky. It’s ideal for barefoot walks, shell hunting, and unfiltered tranquility.
🍝 Where to Eat in Pellestrina
Pellestrina’s restaurants are few, local, and seafood heaven. Most ingredients come directly from the lagoon, and recipes haven’t changed in generations.
1. Da Celeste
Legendary, family-run, and known for the best spaghetti alle vongole in the lagoon. It’s so close to the water you can hear the waves while you eat.
Menu favorites:
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Risotto di go (made from lagoon goby fish)
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Moeche fritte (soft-shell crabs)
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Caparossoli (Venetian clams)
Reservations essential.
2. Ai Pescatori
Set near the fishing harbor, this trattoria is pure authenticity. Great house wine, friendly locals, and unforgettable fried seafood platters.
3. Bar la Laguna
A laid-back bar for a spritz with lagoon views. Simple snacks, friendly service, and the kind of place where you’ll be invited to join the card game.
🚲 Explore by Bike or Foot
The best way to experience Pellestrina is slowly. Rent a bike on Lido and take it across, or walk the length of the island. You can go from north to south in under two hours, but we recommend stretching it into a day.
Must-stops along the way:
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San Pietro in Volta: Start here, a fishing village at the top of the island
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Porto Secco: Tiny, quiet neighborhood with a peaceful little church
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Pellestrina town: Heart of the island, with houses, boats, and cafés
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Ca’ Roman: A wild oasis of dunes, pinewoods, and birds at the island’s end
🌳 Ca’ Roman Nature Reserve: Venice’s Untamed Backyard
At the southernmost point of Pellestrina lies Ca’ Roman, a natural reserve and wildlife sanctuary. This is one of the few untouched dune ecosystems in the northern Adriatic, home to over 190 bird species and migratory habitats.
You’ll find:
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Sand dunes shaped by the wind
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A 19th-century Austrian fortress (now abandoned)
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Boardwalks through pine forests
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A hidden, pristine beach with barely a soul
Come early. Bring water. And don’t forget your camera.
🧑🤝🧑 Who Is Pellestrina For?
| Traveler Type | Why They’ll Love Pellestrina |
|---|---|
| Nature Lovers | Birds, dunes, unspoiled landscapes |
| Photographers | Colorful homes, boats, churches, sea walls |
| Foodies | Lagoon seafood and zero-tourist trattorias |
| Couples | Quiet walks, sunsets, secret beaches |
| Families | Safe biking, friendly locals, open beaches |
| Repeat Visitors | A fresh perspective on the lagoon |
💡 Insider Tips from Tour Leader Venice
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Go in the morning: The light is beautiful, and you’ll avoid the midday heat.
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Bring cash: Some small eateries don’t accept cards.
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Respect the locals: This is a real community—not a tourist attraction.
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Ask about sailmaking: If you’re lucky, you might meet a master working on traditional sails, called vela al terzo.
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Hire a local guide: We offer private experiences in Pellestrina, including food tastings, nature walks, and storytelling sessions.
🧭 Sample Itinerary: Full Day in Pellestrina
Here’s how to make the most of one unforgettable day:
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8:30 AM – Vaporetto to Lido + Bus to Pellestrina
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10:00 AM – Walk or bike through San Pietro in Volta and Porto Secco
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12:00 PM – Lunch at Da Celeste or Ai Pescatori
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2:00 PM – Explore Pellestrina’s painted houses and sea walls
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4:00 PM – Head to Ca’ Roman for beach time and nature
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6:00 PM – Aperitivo at Bar la Laguna
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7:30 PM – Return to Venice as the sun sets
Optional: We can arrange a private boat pickup at Ca’ Roman, turning your return into a luxury cruise across the golden lagoon.
💬 Final Thoughts: Pellestrina Is Venice Without the Crowds
Pellestrina isn’t for everyone. It’s quiet. It’s simple. There’s no shopping, no nightlife, no Instagrammable landmarks.
But that’s exactly the point.
Pellestrina is for those who want to feel the heartbeat of the lagoon—to walk its sea walls, eat its fish, listen to the language of waves and wind. It’s a village that lets you be still. And in today’s busy world, that’s a gift.
Let us show it to you the right way—with respect, care, and a deep love for this remarkable island.
🌅 Book a Private Day Trip to Pellestrina
At Tour Leader Venice, we create custom experiences for travelers who want to go deeper. Our Pellestrina tours can include:
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Private transfers from Venice or Lido
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Bike rentals and guided exploration
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Seafood tastings at family-run restaurants
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Nature walks in Ca’ Roman
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Optional boat return at sunset
📩 Contact us and let’s plan your perfect escape to Pellestrina.
