Chioggia is a small fishing town in the Veneto region, located at the southern tip of the Venetian lagoon.
Often nicknamed “Little Venice”, Chioggia shares the same charm—narrow streets, canals, bridges, and colourful houses—but without the large crowds.
It’s the perfect day trip from Venice if you’re looking to explore somewhere quieter, more affordable, and still rich in local character.
You’ll find relaxed bars along the canal Vena, small seafood bacari (local bars serving cicchetti), and wide pedestrian streets like Corso del Popolo. It’s also just a short walk from the beach resort of Sottomarina.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to spend one day in Chioggia, including what to see, where to eat, how to get there, and why it’s worth visiting.
One day in Chioggia
Are you considering visiting Chioggia? Or maybe you’ve just stumbled across this charming little town in the Venetian lagoon for the first time? Either way, let me tell you—Chioggia is a hidden gem that deserves your attention.
Is Chioggia worth visiting?
Yes—Chioggia is absolutely worth visiting for a day (or more), and here’s why:
- Easy to explore in one day: Chioggia is compact and flat, which makes it incredibly walkable. You can stroll along Corso del Popolo, wander the bridges over Canal Vena, and dip into side streets without needing a plan. Rent a bike to reach Sottomarina beach, which is just over the bridge, and hop on a short boat tour to explore the lagoon. With its manageable size and laid-back pace, it’s ideal for travellers who want to see and do a lot without rushing.
- Some of the freshest seafood in the Veneto: Chioggia has a daily fish market and a long tradition of fishing, which means you’re in for a treat when it comes to food. Whether you go for cicchetti at a bacaro or a full sit-down lunch at a seafood trattoria, expect dishes made with the freshest catch—mussels, anchovies, cuttlefish, and more. It’s Venetian cuisine without the inflated tourist prices.
- A quieter alternative to Venice: One of the best things about Chioggia is how underrated it still is. You won’t find the tourist crush you might encounter in Venice, and yet it has all the charm: narrow alleys, old churches, canals, colourful buildings. Plus, accommodation, food, and tours tend to be much more budget-friendly here. You’ll get a true taste of local life—fishermen chatting at the bar, locals cycling to the market, and a generally unhurried vibe.
Whether you’re interested in food, photography, or simply want to explore a different side of the lagoon, Chioggia makes a great one-day trip from Venice.
How to get to Chioggia
From Venice City Centre
Here’s how you can get from Venice city centre to Chioggia.
- 🚌 By Bus (Line 80): The easiest and fastest way is to take ACTV Line 80 from Piazzale Roma in Venice to Chioggia. The journey takes about 1 hour, and buses run regularly throughout the day.
- 🚤 By Vaporetto + Ferry: For a more scenic (but longer) journey, take a vaporetto to Lido di Venezia (Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta stop) using lines 1, 2, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 10, 14, or N. Then use the integrated service (bus and ferry boat) from Lido to Chioggia, which takes around 70 minutes. It takes longer to get there this way, but if you have time it will give you a chance to enjoy the lagoon views better than in any other way.
- 🚗 By Car: If you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car in Venice, from Piazzale Roma, and reach Chioggia in under an hour. It’s a great option if you plan to explore the area, visit Sottomarina, and why not? Do a short road trip through Veneto. You can book this transfer if you want.
From Venice Marco Polo Airport
Here’s how you can get to Chioggia from Venice Marco Polo airport.
- 🚌 By Bus (Line 85): Take ACTV Line 85 from Marco Polo Airport directly to Chioggia. The journey takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. It’s budget-friendly and fairly straightforward.
- 🚖 By Taxi: A taxi from the airport to Chioggia costs approximately €120–€140 for up to four people. While pricier, it’s the fastest and most comfortable option—especially if you’re travelling with luggage.
- 🚗 By Car: If you’re hiring a car at the airport which is generally more affordable than from Venice city centre, you’ll reach Chioggia in about 1 hour, depending on traffic. The drive is simple and mostly follows main roads.
Where to Stay in Chioggia
Planning to stay longer? These are the best places to stay in Chioggia if you want to extend your visit or relax at Sottomarina beach:
- ⭐ Hotel Grande Italia – This 4-star hotel is one of the most popular in Chioggia, and it’s just a few steps away from the waterfront. Ideal if you’re looking for elegant rooms, lagoon views, and an easy walk into the old town.
- 🏛️ Duomo Boutique Hotel – Right next to Chioggia Duomo, this modern boutique hotel combines comfort and style with a central location. It’s quite popular among couples or solo travellers.
- 🏡 B&B La Caneva 951 – A charming, affordable B&B with a more local feel. Great for travellers who prefer to stay somewhere a bit more low-key and authentic.
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Things to do in Chioggia
If you’re wondering what you can realistically see and do in one day in Chioggia, here’s a few ideas of places and things to do in one day, based on my visit.
1. Walk Along Corso del Popolo
Start your day with a walk down Corso del Popolo, the main street in Chioggia’s historic centre. It’s pedestrian-only, lined with churches, cafés, and shops.
There are also many seafood restaurants like El Gato which are loved by locals are won’t disappoint for its portions and great taste! Strolling down this wide street is a must if you’re visiting Chioggia and want to feel just a like a local.
2. Have Lunch at Altrove Bacaro
One of the best places for seafood in town is Altrove Bacaro which serves fantastic cicchetti as well as classic bar dishes like piadine, burgers and toasts if you’re more in for a light lunch.
They also serve fried fish and seafood platters that you can share with your travel companion but also many meat based or vegetarian options. It’s casual, the staff is very friendly, and prices affordable. Perfect for a midday break or for aperitivos along Canal Vena.
3. Take Photos from the Bridges Over Canal Vena
Canal Vena cuts through the heart of Chioggia and is crossed by 8 small bridges. Stop at Ponte Vigo—one of the most iconic spots—for great views and classic photos of boats, pastel houses, and the canal reflections.
From the bridge Ponte Caneva you can also take a closer look at one of the oldest working clock tower in the world: St. Andrew Tower Clock!
4. Visit the Church of Saint James Apostle
There are many churches you can visit in Chioggia, starting from the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) by the brilliant architect Baldassare Longhena who’s behind some of Venice’s masterpieces such as Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Ca’ Rezzonico. Tucked away near Corso del Popolo, San Giacomo Apostolo may look modest on the outside, but inside it features a stunning frescoed ceiling.
5. See the Refugium Peccatorum Statue
Also known as Madonna della Navicella, this small but moving statue near the Duomo, located in the “sagrato” of the church. Over time, it became tradition for those condemned to death to pause here and say a final prayer before their execution outside the city. In more recent years, the statue has become a place of prayer for the wives and families of fishermen facing danger at sea.
6. Join a Boat Tour with Bosetti Tours
To see Chioggia from the water, I joined a Bosetti boat tour with Damiano. He took us on a boat tour around Chioggia (he’s the only one that can navigate along Canal Vena).
I loved the motto behind his tours which is “move like a local” and that’s exactly how you get to experience Chioggia during one of these tours!
It’s a great way to learn about the town’s fishing traditions and learn a bit of history, while enjoying a different perspective of the city and the lagoon.
Tours are short and easy to fit into your day. If I were you, I’d also consider joining the tour to Pellestrina or the Golden Hour Tour to get the full 3D experience of this town.
7. Walk to the Beach in Sottomarina
End your visit with a walk or bike ride to Sottomarina, Chioggia’s nearby beach resort. The walk takes around 15–20 minutes and rewards you with a long sandy beach and sea breeze. There are plenty of beach bars for a drink or early dinner.
A few years ago, I went to Cayo Blanco and loved the vibe! Sottomarina is also a great place to spend a few relaxing days by the seaside. There are several places to go shopping, eat out and also camping sites if you’re into this type of holiday.
Chioggia Day Trip
Did I convince you? Chioggia should be one of your next destinations in Veneto if you’re after an authentic, low-key experience in the Venetian lagoon.
It’s perfect for travellers looking to escape Venice for a day and explore somewhere with a slower pace and a more genuine local feel.
During a trip here, you’ll enjoy:
- Canals and history without the crowds
- Exceptional seafood
- Easy walking and biking routes
- Access to the beach and lagoon
Whether you’re a couple looking for a new adventure near Venice or simply a curious traveller who enjoys good food and capturing incredible photos of the lagoon, Chioggia makes for an unforgettable escape in Veneto.
See more ideas on day trips from Venice that you can easily do.
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