From Venice to the smaller islands: Murano, Torcello and San Lazzaro starting from the Lido

Starting from the Lido of Venice to explore the smaller islands of the lagoon is one of the best ways to experience Venice at a relaxed pace and discover corners that are often missed by more hurried tourists. The Hotel Giardinetto, located in front of the landing stage, immediately puts you in the ideal position to organize a day trip dedicated to history, art, and nature.

The first stop, easily reachable by vaporetto, is Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking tradition. Here you can visit the furnaces and watch demonstrations by master glassmakers, admiring the skill with which glass is shaped into incredible forms. In addition to the artisan workshops, it is worth strolling along the island’s canals and discovering its historic churches, such as the Basilica of Saints Mary and Donato, with its ancient mosaics and Romanesque bell tower.

Continuing northeast, you reach Torcello, the oldest inhabited island in the Venetian lagoon. Here the atmosphere is almost timeless: few inhabitants, silence, and wide open spaces. A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Byzantine mosaics, and to Attila’s Throne are must-see stops. Torcello is perfect for a slow walk between history and nature, breathing in the peaceful air of the lagoon far from the crowds.

A few minutes from Torcello lies San Lazzaro degli Armeni, a monastery island that preserves art, culture, and spirituality. Visiting the island means discovering collections of manuscripts, icons, and artworks that tell centuries of Armenian history. The atmosphere is intimate and evocative, ideal for those who love culture and unusual places.

At the end of the day, returning to the Lido, there is still time for a sunset walk, admiring the colors of the lagoon and enjoying the calm of the island before heading back to the hotel. It is the perfect way to end an excursion that combines art, history, and nature, leaving you with the memory of a fascinating and surprising lagoon.