Many people ask themselves the question: “How do you get to Pellestrina?” Here is the answer.
To reach Pellestrina, there are several ways, you can approach this territory by first going to Lido di Venezia (2 ferry boats) or directly from Chioggia (vaporetto), but as you will see, there is now a third option available.
The ACTV lines involved in the first case are the 17 and then the 11 with their respective costs (by clicking on the numbers you will find links to schedules). In the second case, instead, you will only use the 11 line in the round trip from Chioggia.
Keep in mind that if you plan to arrive by bike, it may not always be easy to be loaded on board, especially in the case of the vaporetto from Chioggia. This is because during weekends or peak days, the island is literally overrun.
What to do then?
Know that there are two local bike rental shops that, if contacted in advance, can save you from unexpected waits. Moreover, in the case of Apetours, there is a new opportunity to be discovered: Apetours – bike rent Pellestrina’s bike rent
But remember, Pellestrina is a unique territory, like many in beautiful Italy, and as such, it should be respected, just as we will respect those who live there. Always.
The connection to one’s Homeland is a difficult dispute to unravel without getting lost in trivialities and endless parables; many Italian authors have taught us this, all certainly above my abilities. Just think of Ugo Foscolo in “To Zacinto” or Giacomo Leopardi in “l’Infinito,” shining examples of poetic narration of places dear to them.
Therefore, it is not my intention to embark on a daring challenge, but once again, I want to pique your curiosity about a territory to which I feel a multifaceted connection, made of family, flavors, and colors.
A Pellestrina’s typical view – Sestiere Scarpa
First of all, let’s dispel some doubts: why visit it?
You will have the opportunity to discover (by boat, bike, or on foot – the choice is yours) a unique territory. We are talking about an island that stretches for 11km, but whose average width is often less than 100 meters, and in some stretches, the sea and the lagoon are separated only by a ‘slender’ wall, the ‘murazzi.’ It is a unique ecosystem in the world!
Above all, the people who live there are unique. Between one glimpse and another, you can find fishermen busy sorting and repairing nets after a long night at sea, residents cooking freshly caught fish on the embers near the shore, women using Tombolo to create fantastic lace, or simply being captivated by breathtaking sunsets. You will be enchanted by the alternating rows of colorful houses that seem to dive towards the sea (colorful and vibrant just like in Burano), all with curious and original names of alleys and squares, just like in the Venetian Nizioleti
Okay, all very beautiful, but where is Pellestrina?
Many people do not know the exact location of the island’s territory. Well, it is located north of Chioggia and south of the famous Lido di Venezia, precisely here.
Now that you know where it is, how do you get there?
So let’s continue, after the necessary thanks to Google for the map link, to understand the most important aspect: how to get there?
There are two itineraries for those who don’t want to visit Pellestrina by boat. One involves passing through Chioggia, and the other through Venice and Lido.
Personally, I recommend the itinerary from Chioggia if you want to explore it on foot or by public transportation (or by renting bicycles on site), and the Venice/Lido route if you want to discover it on your own bikes, but it will be a bit more challenging in terms of time.
Il borgo di Pellestrina, così come si presenta arrivando da Chioggia
GETTING THERE FROM CHIOGGIA:
PARK YOUR CAR at “Parcheggio Giove” – Saloni locality, Chioggia. From there, walk towards the center of the village and, if you’re not familiar with the city, grab a coffee at one of the countless bars under the porticoes and ask how to get to “Piazza Vigo”. Once you get there, you will certainly see the ACTV landing stage with the ticket office to check prices and the management of loading multiple bikes on a single trip (during the high season, spring/summer, the risk of waiting for several trips is not so remote). Alternatively, at very competitive prices, you can rent bikes directly in Pellestrina (rental 1 and rental 2) or consider an even more typical experience on board a typical “Bragosso,” namely the Bragosso Ulisse, which can transport you, your bikes (or those rented from them) directly to Pellestrina, also agreeing on a possible return time. For the most athletic, I recommend arranging, where possible, to board and disembark at the Cà Roman stop in Pellestrina, so that you can walk along the seawalls to the beginning of the village or stop at the LIPU oasis at the beginning of the island.
This option is highly recommended for bike enthusiasts, as it allows you to cycle for several tens of kilometers between Lido di Venezia and Pellestrina, enjoying all the peculiarities of both islands. First, you need to get to the Tronchetto terminal and take the ferry boat to Lido. Once you arrive, you can cycle along the Riviera San Nicolò, then all the way down Via Sandro Gallo and then along Via Malamocco (named after the picturesque village it passes through). Continue along Riva Giovanni Diacono and then along Via Alberoni until you reach Via Cà Rossa. Follow this road all the way to the ferry boat, where you will embark on the Line 11 ferry. Within 10 minutes, you will arrive at “Santa Maria del Mare,” the first village on the island of Pellestrina.
To get to Pellestrina from Venice/Lido by car or bus, first you need to arrive at the Tronchetto terminal and park or take the ferry boat to Lido. Once you arrive, you can drive along the Riviera San Nicolò, then follow Via Sandro Gallo and Via Malamocco (named after the picturesque village it passes through). Then continue on Riva Giovanni Diacono and Via Alberoni, until you reach Via Cà Rossa. Follow it all the way and then follow the signs for the Ferry Boat. You will arrive at the Alberoni-Faro Rocchetta area, where you will board the Line 11 ferry and arrive at “Santa Maria del Mare,” the first village on Pellestrina, within 10 minutes.
WHAT WE CAN DO ONCE ARRIVED?
Let’s pause for a moment, listen to the silence and the sounds of the surrounding nature; the first thing that will strike you is the quietness, the gentle unfolding of the day, already noticeable by taking the first steps along this land. If the season and the weather allow it, definitely consider taking a swim in the sea, the waters are crystal clear and the beaches are completely free (respect remains the main rule to follow).
The poetic freedom feeling of Pellestrina’s beach
Remember to bring towels and an umbrella with you, as the island currently does not have any structured beach establishments.
Besides the sea, there is so much to explore. Let’s walk along the village with its gentle slope of colorful houses, visit the numerous churches (one of them built in memory of a Marian apparition – LINK) of this beautiful retreat from the chaos. Let’s go into the commercial activities and bring home some typical “Bussolai” sweet or savory biscuits (circular or oblong-shaped bread biscuits), or enjoy an aperitif next to the genuine local people.
Townhouses facing the lagoon – near the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Apparizione.
Every corner, every inch of this island will know how to excite you, and absolutely unmissable, enjoy the sunset over the lagoon. You will be overwhelmed by a myriad of reflections while the Sun plunges into the beneficial lagoon waters.
Lagoon Sunset
Where to eat?
Pellestrina offers unique opportunities in this regard as well. Regardless of the sophistication of our palate, we will find opportunities of all kinds. In fact, along the 11km of coastline, there are renowned restaurants such as “Da Nane”, “Da Memo” or “Da Celeste”, two of which have an unforgettable view of the lagoon. We will also find simpler places, but still with an unmistakable taste, such as “Osteria La Rosa” or “Al Pescatore”, as well as pizzerias (mostly for takeout) and agriturismi (and surely I haven’t listed all the possibilities, but only those that came to mind). Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations, as gelaterie (don’t miss the Bar Gelateria Laguna in San Pietro in Volta) and bars might surprise you with unexpectedly delicious snacks.
There are also picnic areas available, but I believe that the true harmony with a visited place is not achieved with a sandwich brought from home, but by fully enjoying the typical experience that the place offers.
The Euganean Hills on a day of “Stravedo” – which means a very clear weather
In conclusion, be curious, be kind, be open to discovery, because this territory will be bare and honest with you. The more you open up, the more you will come out enriched. The peace and silence that you will discover here will acquire a new and higher value. Surrender to the beauty, and you will come out better.
Rhymes in the silence
I say goodbye with the poem that I dedicated to my land, a youthness’ fruit that testifies how the bond with one’s homeland is indissoluble.
Lagoon Enchanting place indescribable in words where the sun dives and reflects its colors as it sets and winks at us from the water’s surface; some days you seem golden others, emerald green others yet, horizonless and you are blue like the sky while flocks of white seagulls are your clouds. One thing about you never changes and that is your beauty…
CONTEMPLATE A SUNSET: It’s one of the most beautiful experiences you can live in Pellestrina; it’s wonderful to wait for this special moment of the day, sitting on the wall in front of lagoon, staring sun while reflects and seems plunge into water framed by euganean hills . All it’s quiet, silent while magic grows.
A sunset in Pellestrina
WALKING ALONG “MURAZZI”: it’s true, you should walk for 11km, but you will feel plenty of healthy air and beautiful landscapes. It’s marvellous watching to sea trying to reach lagoon. It’s one of the points in which these two elements are so closer than in the rest of the town. (NOW IT’S FORBIDDEN WALKING ON THE TOP OF MURAZZI)
Murazzi, nearby Cà Roman
CHATTING WITH FISHERMANS: you will hear great stories about sea, fishing and island story, directly from the voice of the locals, but it’s better to find someone that should translate faithfully the peolple’s genuine words.
LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF SILENCE: one of the several distinctive tracts of this place it’s the sound of silence; here you can barely hear Motors or annoying background noises like in the city. It’s a brilliant example of a place in which experience deep contemplation and the true integration balanced with nature and environment of daily routine.
GETTING SCARED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE NUMBER 666 AND THEN LAUGH ON IT: one of the houses in this picture is the 666 one, if you believe in numerology or kabbala you must see this place.
TASTING LOCAL FOOD AND GET SOME “BUSSOLAI” HOME: there are many restaurants, bars and even ice cream parlour, but the biggest temptation are “Bussolai” that are just like oval breadsticks, you’ll love them! But don’t miss local food, should be a big mistake.
VISIT THE VIRGINS MARY’S APPARITION TEMPLE: Faith is true and strong here, there are many churches but the most important is dedicated to the “Virgin Mary Apparition” that was built in memory of the Apparition to a fifteen boy called “Natalino Scarpa dei Muti” in 1716.
DISCOVER A WONDERFUL SEASIDE: we dream about tropical beach and seas, but here sea it’s so clean and wonderful. Seeing is believing.
La spiaggia
DISCOVER LOCAL BOBBIN LACE ARTISTS: One of the most important traditions of this Town, handed down by the ancestors from mother to children. Will be easy to find a woman working on a bobbin lace along the narrow streets of the island, you will live a dream made by a historical knowledge.
NOTICE HOW TIME WILL PLEASANTLY SLOW DOWN HERE:
This video will explain what you can see, just a step from Venice.
Tantissime persone si pongono una domanda: “Come si arriva a Pellestrina?” Eccovi la risposta.
Per raggiungere Pellestrina esistono svariati modi, si può approcciare questo territorio passando prima dal Lido di Venezia (2 ferry-boat) oppure direttamente da Chioggia (vaporetto), ma come vedrete, esiste da poco una terza modalità.
Le Linee ACTV coinvolte nel primo caso sono la 17 e poi la 11 con i relativi costi (cliccando sui numeri trovate link orari). Nel secondo caso invece sfrutterete la sola linea 11 nel giro da Chioggia.
Tenete conto però che se è vostra intenzione arrivare in bicicletta non sempre sarà “facile” essere caricati a bordo, specialmente nel caso del vaporetto da Chioggia, questo perché nei weekend o comunque nei giorni di “picco” l’isola viene letteralmente presa d’assalto.
Ma ricordate, Pellestrina è un territorio unico, come tanti della bellissima Italia, come tale va rispettato, come del resto rispetteremo chi ci vive. Sempre. Ed a tal proposito: Come essere dei turisti responsabili?
Grazie per l’attenzione cari lettori e care lettrici.
ASPETTARE IL TRAMONTO: è certamente uno degli spettacoli naturali più suggestivi da vivere all’interno dell’isola; E’ meraviglioso infatti soffermarsi ad ammirare questo momento della giornata, seduti in riva alla laguna, mentre il sole si specchia e riempie di luminosi riverberi colorati il circostante fino a quando non scompare all’orizzonte, tuffandosi proprio lì, al cospetto dei Colli Euganei. Tutto si fa silenzioso in quegli istanti e la magia aumenta di secondo in secondo.
Una foto di un tramonto a Pellestrina
PERCORRERE I MURAZZI A PIEDI DA CA’ ROMAN FINO A SANTA MARIA DEL MARE: è vero, sono almeno 11 km, ma la scorpacciata di aria sana e paesaggio saranno garantite. Nessuno vi obbliga a percorrerlo tutto da un capo all’altro, ma fidatevi, fare a piedi sopra il murazzo almeno il tratto da Cà Roman fino al Cimitero di Pellestrina vi farà emozionare tantissimo e giuro, non lo dimenticherete mai. Non dimenticate inoltre che in qualche tratto del percorso dai murazzi riuscirete a vedere il mare arrivare quasi a lambire la laguna.
Il murazzi nei pressi di Cà Roman
FERMARSI A CHIACCHIERARE CON I PESCATORI: l’ecosistema locale è famoso per i prodotti ittici e derivati, non dovrete sforzarvi molto per trovare in isola persone disposte a raccontarsi un pò, ma se siete timidi potrete fare un giro nei bar o presso le imbarcazioni, comunque capiterà sicuramente anche senza andare a cercare di trarre degli aneddoti difficili da dimenticare.
ASCOLTARE IL SUONO DEL SILENZIO: uno dei tratti distintivi di questo luogo è proprio il suono inconfondibile del silenzio; qui infatti non c’è frastuono di motori, rumore di fondo o smog come in città. Qui siamo al cospetto di uno dei più fulgidi esempi di contemplazione ed integrazione della vita quotidiana con la natura circostante ed il suo ecosistema.
PROVARE UN BRIVIDO DAVANTI AL CIVICO 666 E RIDERCI SU: un posto così bello può ospitare un numero così inquietante? Ebbene sì! Per gli appassionati della Cabala o della numerologia allora una tappa da non dimenticare è certamente a Pellestrina, una delle case nella foto sottostante infatti è proprio quella col civico 666.
ASSAGGIARE IL CIBO TIPICO E PORTARSI A CASA DEI BUSSOLAI: è vero, ci sono molti ristoranti, è vero ci sono bar e gelaterie, ma non me ne vogliano, i bussolai sono la più grande tentazione tra i prodotti tipici isolani. Impossibile non assaggiarli, impossibile resistervi! La stessa cosa vale comunque anche per la cucina locale, semplice e squisita!
VISITARE IL TEMPIO VOTIVO DEDICATO ALL’APPARIZIONE DELLA MADONNA: in quest’isola il legame del popolo per la fede è sentitissimo, svariate infatti sono le chiese isolane e, soprattutto da citare il tempio eretto in memoria dell’apparizione Mariana a Natalino Scarpa dei Muti nel 1716. (articolo sul tema)
SCOPRIRE LA BELLEZZA DI UN MARE CRISTALLINO: siamo abituati a scenari da pubblicità, tropici o luoghi distantissimi, eppure il mare qui è pulito e bellissimo. Provare per credere!
La spiaggia
VEDERE UNA DONNA LAVORARE AL TOMBOLO: Passeggiando sarà facile trovare una donna od una ragazza lavorare al Tombolo, una tradizione secolare tramandata di generazione in generazione che conserva un fascino senza tempo visitate questo link per saperne di più
ACCORGERSI DI COME IL TEMPO CAMBI PROSPETTIVA SE TRASCORSO AL RITMO DI QUESTO LUOGO:
Il video credo rappresenti bene l’idea di ciò che si può scoprire in questo angolo di pianeta.
Tra Realtà e Sogno 