When most people picture Venice, they think of gondolas gliding past San Marco or crowds gathering at the Rialto. Yet just across the water lies Giudecca, an island that offers a calmer, more refined perspective on the city. Historically a working-class area, it has evolved into a destination appreciated by those who prefer a quieter base with uninterrupted lagoon views. If you want to experience Venice without being swept along in its busiest corners, Giudecca Venice is the place to look.
Where Giudecca is and how to get there
Giudecca Island Italy sits directly south of the main Venetian districts of San Marco and Dorsoduro. The island runs parallel to the Grand Canal’s southern edge, separated by the Giudecca Canal, one of the city’s busiest waterways. Despite feeling apart from the bustle, it is only a short journey away from the main attractions.
The Vaporetto is the most straightforward option. Lines 2, 4.1/4.2, and 8 link Giudecca Venice Italy with San Marco, Piazzale Roma, and the train station. The ride is quick and reliable, with services running from early morning until late evening. For those arriving directly from Marco Polo Airport, the Alilaguna Blue Line (B) also stops at Giudecca (Hilton Hotel). However, the journey takes almost 2 hours as it makes numerous stops around Venice beforehand. Private water taxis are available too, though they are considerably more expensive.
What makes Giudecca different
Unlike the narrow alleyways of central Venice, Giudecca is open and linear. Its broad waterfront promenade faces the skyline of San Marco, offering panoramic views that many visitors miss. The atmosphere here is less about spectacle and more about daily life. You’ll notice locals doing their shopping, students crossing to classes, and residents pausing to chat along the canals.
The island has a reputation for craftsmanship and creativity. Once home to factories and shipyards, many of its industrial spaces have been converted into studios, galleries, and stylish lofts. This mix of history and modern use is one of the things that makes Giudecca stand apart from the postcard image of Venice.
Best things to see and do
One of the island’s most striking landmarks is the Church of the Redentore, designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Its imposing white façade and harmonious proportions make it a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Annually, on the third Sunday of July, it becomes the focus of the Festa del Redentore, one of Venice’s most important festivals.
Another site worth visiting is the Molino Stucky, a vast 19th-century flour mill now transformed into a hotel and cultural space. Even if you are not staying there, the rooftop bar offers a remarkable view across the lagoon.
For those who enjoy quieter exploration, Giudecca’s gardens and courtyards provide rare green spaces within Venice. Some are private, but several are visible from the main paths. Walking along the waterfront at sunset is also a highlight: the light falls directly across the basin, illuminating the domes and towers of the city opposite.
Art enthusiasts should not miss Casa dei Tre Oci, a neo-Gothic palace that now hosts major photography exhibitions. It is a reminder of the island’s growing role in Venice’s contemporary cultural scene.
Restaurants and places to eat
Eating well on Giudecca is straightforward, with options ranging from family-run trattorias to fine dining. For a relaxed meal overlooking the waterway, try Trattoria Ai Cacciatori, known for its fresh seafood and local clientele. Another popular spot is Majer Giudecca, a casual bakery and café ideal for breakfast or light lunches.
For mid-range dining, La Palanca provides traditional Venetian dishes in a cosy setting. Here you can sample classics such as ‘sarde in saor’ (a traditional Venetian dish of fried sardines marinated in a sweet and sour sauce made with onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins), paired with regional wines.
Those looking for something more exclusive can visit Ristorante Oro, the Michelin-starred restaurant within the Belmond Hotel Cipriani. With lagoon views and refined cuisine, it represents the upper end of Giudecca Venice restaurants. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Find out more about Michelin starred restaurants in Venice.
Accommodation on the island
Accommodation on Giudecca reflects its mix of local life and exclusivity. Larger hotels such as the Hilton Molino Stucky and Belmond Cipriani cater to international visitors seeking full-service luxury. Smaller guesthouses and B&Bs provide a more personal experience, often with views across to San Marco.
For those who want both authenticity and comfort, Dimora Italia offers carefully chosen residences on the island. These properties combine historic architecture with elegant interiors, allowing guests to live in Venice with space and privacy while remaining connected to the heart of the city.
Accommodation on the island
Accommodation on Giudecca reflects its mix of local life and exclusivity. Larger hotels such as the Hilton Molino Stucky and Belmond Cipriani cater to international visitors seeking full-service luxury. Smaller guesthouses and B&Bs provide a more personal experience, often with views across to San Marco.
For those who want both authenticity and comfort, Dimora Italia offers carefully chosen residences on the island. These properties combine historic architecture with elegant interiors, allowing guests to live in Venice with space and privacy while remaining connected to the heart of the city.
Giudecca is worth exploring
Choosing Giudecca means experiencing Venice from a more considered angle. The island provides space, tranquillity, and views unmatched elsewhere, while still offering culture, shopping, art, and excellent food. It stands as a reminder that Venice is not only about its most photographed squares but also about lived-in districts where history and modern life meet naturally.
For visitors planning their stay, accommodation is central to the experience. Dimora Italia offers residences on Giudecca and across Venice, each property combining sophistication with comfort. Booking with Dimora Italia allows you to explore Giudecca Venice Italy at your own pace, returning to a home that reflects the same quality and refinement that make this island worth discovering.
