Tour of Sant’Erasmo
Boat tour to Sant’Erasmo
Sant’Erasmo by boat
After crossing the Lido Port, our tour reaches a special island, much loved by Venetians, which serves as the gateway to the Northern Lagoon.
Sant’Erasmo is one of the largest islands in the lagoon by size and offers a countryside haven between the lagoon and the sea. Yes, the sea, because before the creation of the Punta Sabbioni coastline, Sant’Erasmo faced directly onto the Adriatic Sea.
Also known as the vegetable garden of Venice, this island is dominated by gardens and farmland. It’s common to see farmers driving small Ape cars loaded with fresh produce. The island is particularly famous for its Violet Artichoke of Sant’Erasmo, a delicacy that can even be enjoyed raw when freshly harvested, at which point it is called “castraura.”
The island’s most notable monument is the Torre Massimiliana, built between 1843 and 1844 to protect the Lido Port. Today, it hosts art and photography exhibitions.
In summer, you’ll notice countless small recreational boats, known as barchini, anchored in the shallows in front of Sant’Erasmo, an area referred to as Bacan, which serves as a beach for Venetians.