Chioggia, Italy: A Day Trip from Venice to the Lagoon’s Fishing Town (2026)

Chioggia, Italy is a fishing town at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon. It sits on islands crossed by canals. People often call it “little Venice”. However, it has a character of its own. Expect working boats instead of gondolas, a main street full of locals and very fresh seafood. It makes a rewarding day trip from Venice, partly by boat across the lagoon.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Chioggia, Italy at a glance

Why visit Chioggia

Chioggia is a real town where people fish, trade and live. By contrast with central Venice, you will see more fishing boats than tourists. Bars and restaurants also serve mostly locals. The old town sits on a group of islands joined by bridges, with one broad main street and parallel canals.

In addition, history runs deep here. In the 14th century, the town stood at the center of the War of Chioggia between Venice and Genoa. That struggle decided who controlled the Adriatic. Today, that past lives on in churches, towers and an annual festival.

Walk the Corso del Popolo and the canals

The Corso del Popolo runs the length of the old town. In the evening, it fills with families on their passeggiata, the traditional evening stroll. On one side, fishing boats and small shops line the Canal Vena. Meanwhile, narrow lanes, called calli as in Venice, link the two like the teeth of a comb.

Next, cross the Vigo bridge, the town’s best-known bridge, at the end of the Canal Vena. Nearby, a column carries a small winged lion of Saint Mark. Locals jokingly call it “the cat” because it looks so modest. Then walk back along the canal for the classic view of boats and colored houses.

The cathedral and the old churches

At the far end of the Corso stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. After a fire in the 17th century, Baldassare Longhena rebuilt it. He was also the architect of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice. Beside it rises a tall Romanesque bell tower.

Along the Corso, smaller churches and the Granaio, the old public granary, recall centuries of Venetian rule. In short, a slow walk from one end of the town to the other covers most of the sights.

Seafood, the fish market and radicchio

Chioggia is a major fishing port, so seafood is the reason many Italians come here. Order a frittura, mixed fried fish, or pasta with clams. Also, look out for lagoon specialties such as moeche, soft-shell crabs eaten fried, when they are in season.

The town’s retail fish market sells the morning catch. However, opening days vary, so ask at your hotel or check locally before you plan around it. Meanwhile, the fields around the lagoon grow Radicchio di Chioggia, the round red chicory. According to the Radicchio di Chioggia PGI consortium (checked September 2026), it gained EU protected status in November 2008. For a guided taste of lagoon cooking, compare options on our Venice cicchetti food and wine tour page.

Sottomarina beach and the Palio della Marciliana

Across a short bridge, Sottomarina has a long sandy beach on the open Adriatic. It also has beach clubs and a seafront promenade. As a result, Chioggia works well for families who want a day of sightseeing and a day at the sea.

Every June, the town returns to the 14th century for the Palio della Marciliana. According to the City of Chioggia (checked September 2026), the 36th edition ran from June 19 to 21, 2026. It featured reenactments, markets and contests between the town’s districts. It also recalls the War of Chioggia against Genoa.

Getting to Chioggia, Italy from Venice

There are two main public transport options, and many visitors use one each way:

• Via the Lido and Pellestrina. According to ACTV, Venice’s transport company (checked September 2026), line 11 links the Lido, Pellestrina and Chioggia in about 70 minutes. First, take a water bus from central Venice to the Lido. Then the trip crosses the lagoon and runs along the thin islands, so it is also a sightseeing tour.
• By bus from Piazzale Roma. The line 80 bus runs between Piazzale Roma in Venice and Chioggia, ending in Sottomarina. It is faster to plan but less scenic.

Chioggia is a separate town from Venice, so the Venice access fee for day-trippers does not apply there. For the fee rules in central Venice, read our guide to the Venice access fee.

Plan your trip around the lagoon

Chioggia fits well into a longer stay in Venice. Our list of the best day trips from Venice compares it with other escapes. Meanwhile, the Veneto travel guide covers the region. For the other lagoon islands, see our guide to Murano and compare the Murano and Burano tour. Back in the city, our guide to cicchetti in Venice covers the bar snacks. Also, the hidden Venice walking tour shows you quieter corners.

Staying overnight in Chioggia? Compare places to stay below, and see our 2 days in Venice itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Next, sort out the bed: see where to stay in Venice for the best areas and their trade-offs.

Chioggia, Italy: frequently asked questions

Is Chioggia worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a working lagoon town with canals and excellent seafood. It also has far fewer crowds than central Venice.

How do you get from Venice to Chioggia?

Take ACTV line 11 via the Lido and Pellestrina, about 70 minutes from the Lido. Alternatively, take the line 80 bus from Piazzale Roma.

Does the Venice access fee apply in Chioggia?

No. Chioggia is a separate town, so the Venice day-tripper fee does not apply there.

What is Chioggia famous for?

Its fishing port and seafood, its canals, Radicchio di Chioggia and the Palio della Marciliana in June.

Does Chioggia have a beach?

Yes. Sottomarina, just across a bridge from the old town, has a long sandy beach on the Adriatic.