13 Islands & Crowd-Free Canals: Visit Italy’s ‘Little Venice’ For Your Next Serene Escape
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Venice has long been one of Italy’s numerous icons, but with overtourism concerns, less-than-welcoming locals, and tacky new entry fees, travelers are opening their eyes to new canal-lined streets.
With a multitude of hidden gems dispersed across Italy, not all can take center stage, which is why one highly underrated town has yet to become mainstream.
Home to 13 islands and scenic canals, this beautiful region of Emilia Romagna beholds one of Italy’s last remaining unsung heroes.
Walking the vibrant, crowd-free streets of Comacchio will leave you shell-shocked at how nobody knows about this place!
Although dubbed as ‘Little Venice‘, you’ll quickly see this serene getaway boasts far more than tranquil waterways as a seaside destination in one of Italy’s top foodie regions.
Italy’s Lesser-Known ‘Venice’ Is A Delight To Visit
Despite offering an abundance of outdoor appeal, where you’ll find yourself again and again in Comacchio is the town center where time and the criss-crossing channels stand still.
Unlike Venice where there’s no other option than to share your experience with fellow tourists, this Italian escape flies well under the radar.
You’ll have idyllic walkways, extra seating room at sidewalk cafes, and no touristy prices. You do know that just a 30-minute gondola ride in Venice can cost upwards of $60, right?
For good measure, you can quite feasibly book a budget airline ticket to nearby Bologna, followed by a train ride to Comacchio for less than a single Venice gondola tour.
They say ‘there’s no dollar sign for peace of mind’, but Comacchio might disagree. Despite being much more wallet-friendly, it’s truly a delight to visit across the board without the hassle and bureaucracy of visiting Venice.
Plus, it’s so aesthetically pleasing, with colorful facades and the town’s landmark monument, the Trepponti bridge, dating back to the 17th century, and one of the best ways to access the canals themselves.
Across from here lies another 17th-century marvel, the Pescheria, which is essentially the main square serving the community with bustling markets, savory eats, and quaint Bed and breakfasts.
Beautiful Nature To Explore
Located less than 2 miles from the stunning Adriatic coastline, Comacchio couldn’t have better real estate.
Set upon a unique archipelago of 13 separate islands, exploring beyond the urban canals is all the more enticing.
Rather than take a cheesy expensive Gondola ride like Venice, how about a boat tour through the gorgeous Po Delta lagoons for quadruple the amount of time and less than a quarter of the cost?
Boat rides through the interconnected islands cost just $17 and are a total of two hours of fun, unlike the quick money grab in Venice.
Here, you’ll be in the midst of stunning scenery and wildlife sightings through the largest wetlands in Italy.
But beaches are always more enticing than wetlands, right? The good news is that you have both to choose from, with 7 beautiful lidos nearby.
Lido delle Nazioni was once a barren beach with no people, no restaurants, and definitely no hype. Today, however, it is one of the best beaches to visit, boasting seaside restaurants and ample water activities such as canoeing, rowing, and jet-skiing.
Just north of here lies Hotel Club Spiaggia Romea Village & Residence, a lovely beach resort tucked away for a sense of exclusivity with a private beach showcasing quirky art installations made of driftwood.
Italy’s Unsung Seafood Heaven
One of the best experiences anyone can have in Comacchio is paying a visit to the traditional fish market held at Pescheria (well, except for vegans and vegetarians).
Being built upon a set of islands so close to the sea, it should come as no surprise this place knows how to take advantage by whipping up some incredibly decadent dishes sourced from the sea.
One of which might come as a surprise, but you’ll eely like it!
Eels have been a staple for centuries and are often the signature dish accompanied by other notable delights like clams, mussels, and shrimp.
Arguably, the most popular eel-laden dish is Capesante alla Comacchiese, which features scallops and eel seasoned with vinegar and a variety of spices only Nonna knows about.
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