Chioggia, the Little Venice

Chioggia is often nicknamed Little Venice, but the comparison undersells its independent character. Set on a small island at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon, it is a town of canals, bridges and brightly painted houses, with a busy fishing port at its core. Unlike the city to the north, it is a place where people still make a living from the sea, and the rhythm of the day follows the boats. The main street, Corso del Popolo, runs the length of the old town, lined with shops, cafes and churches, and the Vena canal is lined with fishing boats and restaurants that serve the day's catch. The fish market, one of the largest in the Adriatic, is a lively spectacle in the early morning, although its schedule has days off. Visitors can climb the clock tower for views, explore the cathedral and small churches, and wander quiet side canals where laundry hangs between windows. Nearby, the beach district of Sottomarina offers sand and sea in summer, and boat trips run out into the lagoon to see traditional fishing methods and birdlife. Local specialities include seafood risotto, fried fish, sardines and the red onions grown nearby. A guided day trip from Padua handles the transport and gives context on the town's history, from its role in the medieval war between Venice and Genoa to its modern fishing economy.

Chioggia suits travellers who enjoy places with a lived-in feel. Plan to arrive in the morning so that you can see the market and have lunch at a restaurant on the canal, then spend the afternoon on foot or on a boat. Seafood is the main reason to eat here, and a simple plate of grilled or fried fish with a glass of white wine is hard to beat. If you prefer to avoid fish, ask for pasta, vegetables or meat dishes.

The town is small and flat, so comfortable shoes are enough, and a hat helps in summer. The fish market is typically closed on certain days and operates in the early morning, so check the schedule if it matters to you. Boat trips range from short canal rides to longer lagoon excursions, and some include tastings of local seafood. Those interested in photography will enjoy the sunset light on the canal, and birdwatchers can look for herons and other waterbirds on lagoon trips.

In summer the town holds festivals, including a historic pageant with rowing races and a fish festival, so expect crowds on those dates. The beach at Sottomarina is a short bus ride away if you want a swim. A day trip from Padua is easy by road, and tours combine well with a visit to a villa or a hill village on another day. Because Chioggia is also a cruise port and a transport hub, check your schedule if you are connecting to a ship.

For the calmest visit, avoid peak summer weekends, when day-trippers from the coast arrive in large numbers. Bring cash for small purchases at the market and in family-run restaurants, and ask the staff about the catch of the day instead of ordering from the printed menu alone. If you have extra time, walk along the waterfront to the lagoon side, where fishing nets, boats and sunsets make good subjects for photographs.