Off the Beaten Path in Venice

Is there such a thing in Venice as "off the beaten path"? There sure is! And sometimes it's really nice to take a break and sketch in a spot away from other tourists.

In the deep shade of the enormous Giardini della Biennale park squirrels dart and couples stroll just a short walk from the madding crowds of tourists in San Marco's Piazza. 

Of course we must visit the basilica and the Doge's Palace and all the other marvels of architecture and history. But for a few hours we must be sure to focus on our sketchbooks in the cool of the morning in a shady park.

Another way to get off the beaten path in Venice is to visit the small campos (or piazzas or courtyards) located farthest from the high-traffic tourist areas. Campos near San Marco's Piazza and along the water's edge between Valleresso and Zaccaria are tyically shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists fresh off the cruise ships. But here's a tip--these cruise ship passengers only have a few hours to explore their ports of call and so they don't venture too far from the dock. Also cruise ship passengers get free food on board ship and so are less likely to eat in the restaurants. So explore the campos farthest from San Marco's Piazza such as Campo San Polo and the Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

Also consider visiting the smaller surrounding islands. Guidecca is a mecca of tranquility with it's quiet neighbourhoods and swaying clotheslines. It's just a short vaporetto ride from the Doge's Palace and it has the best view of Venice.

Or farther afield, check out colourful Murano and Burano or Lido, the long strip of an island that features roads and sidewalks, trees and a beach.

There's a lot to discover outside of the tourist hotspots, so grab your sketchbook and begin your trek.

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