Hey traveler, are you ready to get lost in the charm of the Serenissima? Today we’ll answer one of the most curious and fascinating questions many tourists ask: how many islands in Venice, Italy?
Get ready to sail in a lagoon full of history, mystery, colors and traditions.
Find out in this guide by Venice Insider Guide, for those who want to live Venice like a true explorer.
The Islands of Venice
Venice is one of a kind, but not only, because it’s also an archipelago. Situated on the Venetian lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Venice is composed of a complex system of big and small islands, some inhabited, others completely deserted, but all with a story to tell.
How many islands in Venice, Italy
The short answer? Venice has about 118 islands.
But be careful: the exact number may vary depending on how you count the minor islands, the barene (emergent lands during low tide), and the private areas not accessible.
The historic Venice, the one many know with Piazza San Marco, Canal Grande and the iconic bridges, is composed of a network of over 100 islands connected by more than 400 bridges.
But the entire lagoon is much larger and includes dozens of other amazing islands to explore.
What islands are in Venice, Italy?
Among the many islands that make up the Venetian lagoon, some are world famous, while others are hidden gems. Let’s discover them together.
Murano
Famous for its glassblowing art, Murano is one of the most visited islands in the lagoon. Walking through its streets, you’ll find historic shops, centuries-old furnaces and the beautiful Glass Museum. The atmosphere is peaceful, authentic and much less crowded than the center of Venice.
Sant’Erasmo
Called the garden of Venice, it’s one of the largest islands in the lagoon, but one of the least known. Artichoke violet cultivation, vineyards and silence: Sant’Erasmo is the perfect destination for nature lovers who want to experience slow living.
Vignole
Located near Sant’Erasmo, Vignole is a rural island with vineyards and gardens. Not inhabited and perfect for a bike ride or a picnic at sunset.
Burano
A color explosion! Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses and lace, a traditional art passed down through generations. Don’t miss a walk along the canals, maybe with a bussolà, the local biscuit.
Mazzorbo
Connected to Burano by a small pedestrian bridge, Mazzorbo is peaceful and authentic. It has a beautiful winery, Venissa, where they produce a rare and precious wine: the Dorona of Venice.
Torcello
One of the oldest and most spiritual islands in the lagoon. Torcello hosts the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with its Byzantine mosaics and a mystical atmosphere that will conquer every visitor.
Lido di Venezia
Beach, cinema and Belle Époque. The Lido is the only island with streets and cars, famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival. Elegant seaside resort, perfect for a break between sea and culture.
Pellestrina
A thin strip of land between the lagoon and the sea. Pellestrina is a world of its own: colorful houses, fishermen, authentic traditions. Ideal for a fresh fish lunch or a bike ride.
San Michele
Known as the cemetery of Venice, San Michele is a place of great peace and spirituality. Here rest famous people like Ezra Pound and Igor Stravinsky.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni
A cultural treasure: an Armenian monastery where they still print books in Armenian and cultivate a millenary culture. To be visited with a guide to discover its hidden treasures.
San Servolo
Formerly a mental hospital, today San Servolo is a cultural and university center. The island hosts an interesting museum of the history of psychiatry.
San Francesco del Deserto
A mystical and silent place, inhabited by Franciscan friars. Can be visited only accompanied, but the peace and spirituality that pervades here are priceless.
San Giorgio Maggiore
Located in front of St. Mark’s Square, it’s recognizable for the Palladian church and the bell tower, from which you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Venice. Don’t miss it!
La Giudecca
Just a few minutes from Venice, La Giudecca is a quiet residential neighborhood with panoramic views of the historic center. A mix of art, spirituality and daily Venetian life.
Main island and many island
The “main island”, or the main island of Venice, is the one that tourists often associate with the name “Venice”: a floating city divided into sestieri like San Marco, Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.
But the real magic is to understand that Venice doesn’t exist alone: its identity is strictly linked to its many islands.
Each island has a soul, a historical and cultural function, a different rhythm. Some are open-air museums, others are inhabited by fishermen or farmers. Together they form a incredibly varied microcosm.
How many islands in Venice Italy: conclusion
So, how many islands are in Venice, Italy? Now you know: 118 islands make up this extraordinary archipelago. But don’t stop at the numbers. Venice is made of emotions, stories intertwined on the water, shortcuts that stay in the heart.
Whether you choose to visit only Burano and Murano, or get lost in the silences of Sant’Erasmo and Torcello, every island will be a small journey into the big Venetian dream.
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FAQ on how many islands in Venice Italy
Here Faq on how many islands in Venice Italy:
Which island is best to visit in Venice?
It depends on your tastes! Murano for the craftsmanship, Burano for the colors, Torcello for the spirituality, Sant’Erasmo for nature. The beauty is to choose the perfect mix for you.
Is Venice built on 100 islands?
Yes, the historic Venice is built on over 100 islands connected by bridges. If we include the whole lagoon, we get to around 118.
What are the two islands off of Venice?
Murano and Burano are the two most famous and closest to the historic center. But San Giorgio Maggiore and La Giudecca are just “in front” of Venice.
Are the Venice islands worth visiting?
Yes! Each island has its own charm and authentic experiences, away from the tourist crowds.