Forget Venice; Chioggia offers a cheaper, crowd-free alternative

If you’ve ever dreamed of Venice but hesitated at the thought of wading through seas of tourists and paying eye-watering prices for a simple espresso, it’s time to set your sights on Chioggia. Tucked away at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, this under-the-radar fishing town delivers all the charm, canals, and history of Venice—without the chaos.

A More Relaxed, Authentic Experience

Chioggia is often referred to as “Little Venice,” and for good reason. Its canals are just as picturesque, its bridges just as enchanting, and its atmosphere just as steeped in history. But unlike Venice, this town feels real. You won’t find gondoliers charging exorbitant fares or tourist traps selling mass-produced souvenirs. Instead, you’ll encounter fishermen unloading the day’s catch, locals enjoying their morning coffee in lively piazzas, and markets bursting with fresh seafood.

One of the best things about Chioggia is that it’s a living, breathing Italian town, not just a postcard-perfect backdrop for visitors. It’s where you can witness an unfiltered slice of Venetian life, away from the crush of day-trippers and cruise ship crowds.

What to See and Do in Chioggia

Check out these ideas for a stay in this great little alternative to Venice:

Explore the Historic Core

Start your journey at Corso del Popolo, the town’s main thoroughfare lined with cafes, historic buildings, and local boutiques. This is the lifeblood of Chioggia, and it’s where you’ll get a feel for the town’s slower, more authentic rhythm.

Stroll over to the 14th-century Church of San Domenico, which houses a stunning painting by Carpaccio, or visit the Cathedral of Chioggia, designed by the famous architect Baldassare Longhena, whose work also shaped much of Venice. For something truly unique, check out the Museo Civico della Laguna Sud, which tells the story of the Venetian Lagoon through artifacts and exhibits that will give you a deep appreciation of this region’s maritime history.

Walk Along the Canals (With No Crowds!)

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Chioggia is wandering its canals without the shoulder-to-shoulder experience of Venice. The most scenic canal, Canale Vena, is lined with colorful buildings and crossed by charming bridges, the most famous being the Ponte Vigo. This white marble bridge offers postcard-perfect views without having to fight for space with selfie-stick-wielding tourists.

Visit the Market for the Best Seafood of Your Life

Chioggia has been a fishing town for centuries, and it boasts one of the best seafood markets in Italy. The Mercato Ittico, held every morning except Sundays, is a riot of fresh catches—octopus, branzino, cuttlefish, and shrimp still glistening from the Adriatic. Even if you’re not planning on cooking, it’s worth a visit just to soak in the energy. If you are craving a seafood feast, many of the town’s best restaurants source their ingredients directly from these stalls.

Eat Like a Local

Chioggia is a dream for seafood lovers, and one of the best places to sample the local fare is at Osteria Penzo, a cozy, family-run spot where you can dig into traditional dishes like sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines) and bigoli in salsa, a thick pasta served with anchovy sauce. Another standout is Ristorante El Gato, known for its impeccable risottos and ultra-fresh shellfish. Unlike Venice, where dining often feels like a gamble between authenticity and tourist pricing, Chioggia’s restaurants cater to locals first—which means better food at much better prices.

Spend Time on Sottomarina Beach

Unlike Venice, Chioggia has a sandy beach just a short walk from the town center. Sottomarina is a long stretch of golden sand with beach clubs, casual seafood shacks, and calm waters perfect for swimming. If you need a break from sightseeing and just want to soak up the Italian sun, this is your spot. It’s a totally different experience from the lagoon-side views of Venice and adds an extra layer of relaxation to your visit.

How to Get to Chioggia

If you’re already in Venice, getting to Chioggia is surprisingly easy. You can take a vaporetto (water bus) from Venice’s Lido island, which offers a scenic and leisurely cruise through the lagoon. Alternatively, a direct bus from Piazzale Roma will get you there in just over an hour. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Italy, Chioggia is well-connected by road and can be reached from Padua or Bologna in under two hours.

The Best Time to Visit

Unlike Venice, which is overwhelmed with visitors year-round, Chioggia retains a peaceful atmosphere even during peak summer. However, if you want the absolute best experience, aim for late spring or early autumn when the weather is perfect and the crowds are minimal. This is when the seafood is at its freshest, the beach is still warm, and the town feels like your own little slice of paradise.

Why Chioggia Should Be on Your Radar

Chioggia isn’t just a Venice alternative—it’s an Italian treasure in its own right. With its colorful canals, rich maritime history, mouthwatering seafood, and relaxed vibe, it offers everything you love about Venice but with fewer tourists, better prices, and a more authentic experience. It’s the kind of place that travel insiders whisper about, but that mainstream tourism has yet to overrun.

So if you’re looking for a destination that delivers all the magic of Venice without the stress, crowds, and inflated costs, Chioggia is calling. And once you visit, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t talking about it.