How to take in the canals of Venice, minus all the crowds
As one of the most-visited holiday spots in the world, Venice is no stranger to crowds. Over 30 million people visit the Italian city each year.
If you've always wanted to visit Venice, but the thought of pushing through throngs of sweaty tourists doesn't appeal to you, you don't have to give up on your travel dream.
You just need to get a little creative.
READ MORE: A closer look at the 17 iconic landscapes that make up the stunning Aussie passport
Chioggia offers a much more relaxed experience. Getty
Instead of sticking to the main areas of Venice, venture a little further out.
Just 40 minutes from San Marco square, Chioggia is a coastal fishing town on its own island in Venice, Maryanne Sparkes of Italian river cruise organisers, European Waterways explains.
"It's still on the lagoon, and offers the same canal network crisscrossing throughout the city, with pretty bridges allowing visitors to wander around the narrow streets and stunning architecture of Venice, just a little more leisurely."
"It's aptly known as 'Little Venice' amongst travel experts," Maryanne says.
READ MORE: 12 of the best things to do in Townsville
The town is on the coastline. Getty Images/iStockphoto
READ MORE: The world's most accessible airports revealed in new ranking
If you dream of getting the city all to yourself, all you need to do is hop on a boat.
There are over 118 islands on Venice's lagoon, which offer the same picture-perfect canals, but at a local, slower pace. Of course, these smaller islands don't have the same world-famous attractions as the main touristy areas, but they offer a great respite from the crowds.
The team at European Waterways has shared its top three must-dos when visiting Chioggia.
1. Pizzaetta Vigo
This small square in the heart of Chioggia's historical centre is home to a stone-hewn bridge, Ponte de Vigo. Built in the 1600s, it offers great views of the Venetian lagoon.
Some bridges in the city are centuries old. Getty Images/iStockphoto
2. Chioggia Town
Wandering around the town is a great way to pass time and soak up the vibes. For a true taste of Chioggia, stroll the quieter streets from 5–7pm, when locals enjoy a lively passeggiata among shops and cafés.
Embrace the Venetian tradition of cicchetti – small snacks similar to tapas. Hop from bacaro (wine bar) to bacaro, enjoying these tasty bites with a glass of local wine.
3. Fish Market
Chioggia is famous for its daily fish market, frequented by local shoppers and restaurant owners. Visit first thing in the morning to get the full experience.
