For those who tire of the cultural overload of Venice there is plenty to see on nearby trips. On the doorstep is the lagoon itself with scores of islets to explore and, beyond that, the mainland Veneto, a fertile plain rimmed by the magnificent Dolomites.
Venice Lagoon
Many of the tiny islands of Laguna Veneto were once thriving communities; others were home to monasteries, hospitals and even gunpowder factories. Today the smaller islands are deserted , but a trip to the larger ones can make a welcome break. Most are well served by vaporetti and other boats.
Burano
The furthest from Venice, but the most colourful, is Burano, with its brightly painted houses and lace stalls lining the main street. Today, authentic Burano lace is rare and expensive and you are likely to be offered imported alternatives. A tour of the island takes about an hour and Burano is linked to the garden island of Mazzorbo by a footbridge.
Murano
Like Venice, Murano is a clutch of islets connected by bridges. A centre of glassmaking since the 13th century, factory tours are popular and glass is sold everywhere, though not all of it is genuine Murano.
San Michele
Basically Venice's cemetery, San Michele is surrounded by high terracotta walls. The carved tombstones and chapels are fascinating, though many suffer from neglect.
Torcello
Once more popular than Venice, Torcello is now noted for its Byzantine cathedral church of Santa Fosca with its exquisite marble panels and 13th century mosaics.
Guidecca
Now virtually a suburb of Venice, Guidecca has little to offer but dark alleyways and neglected villas, But there are some great views of Venice across the water.
Lido
This 12km long sandbank is Venice's seaside resort and was once the haunt of the poets Shelley and Byron. Frequented by royalty, this was one of Europe's most fashionable resorts. Now beaches are crowded with day trippers and the Lido hosts the Venice International Film Festival in late summer.
The Veneto
Further afield is the mainland Veneto plain with the majestic Dolomites for a magnificent mountain backdrop. The coast has fishing villages and beach resorts while the interior has outstanding cities, breathtaking scenery and historic castles. The whole region is cross-crossed by rivers and canals.
Vicenza
The home of the architect Palladio, Vicenza is full of his impressive buildings and is home to Europe's oldest surviving indoor theatre.
Padua
Famous for its street markets and its art, Padua has Italy's second oldest university and a lively student population. The 12th century Duomo has outstanding medieval frescos and the 1303 Scrovegni Chapel is a showcase for the artist, Giotto.
Brenta Canal
This 16th century canal, which runs from Padua to the Laguna Veneto, is flanked by villas and palaces. There are guided tours along the canal and around the villas, either by boat or bus.
Veneto sights
Other Veneto sights worth seeing are the Euganian Hills, crossed by walking trails and dotted with thermal spas with extensive Roman baths at Montegrotto. Nearby is the picturesque town of Aqua Petraca and north, the Villa Barbarigo with an extensive Baroque garden.
Medieval brick walls and 24 towers girdle the town of Montagnana. The Po Delta is now a national park, with the most scenic landscapes at Scardovari and Porto Tolle.
Burano
Murano
Lido
Vicenza
Giotto Padua
