When most people think of Venice, they picture gondolas gliding past ornate palazzi or the bustling atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square. But just a short vaporetto ride away lies a peaceful, lesser-known part of the lagoon: Mazzorbo. Quiet, green, and steeped in history, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and see a different side of Venice.
With its open spaces, vineyard views, and the celebrated ristorante Venissa Mazzorbo, Mazzorbo offers a refreshing contrast to the busy heart of the city. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Mazzorbo so special.
Where is Mazzorbo and how to get there?
Mazzorbo is a small island located in the northern section of the Venetian Lagoon. It’s connected by the Ponte Longo wooden footbridge to the more famous island of Burano, but in many ways, it feels a world apart. Where Burano is bright and busy, Mazzorbo is understated and calm, with vineyard-covered land and wide open views across the water.
Getting there is easy. From Venice’s Fondamente Nove vaporetto stop, take Line 12 in the direction of Burano. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and Mazzorbo has its own dedicated stop just before Burano.
Learn more about the islands of Venice.
Things to see and do in Mazzorbo
One of the first things you’ll notice about Mazzorbo island is its peaceful atmosphere. There are no big attractions shouting for your attention—just natural beauty and a deep sense of place.
Start with a wander through the vineyard belonging to Venissa, which stretches across much of the island. This vineyard is home to the rare Dorona di Venezia grape, brought back from near extinction. You can walk the perimeter, enjoy the quiet, and watch lagoon birds circling overhead.
Don’t miss the Church of Santa Caterina, which dates back to the 14th century. Though modest, it’s thought to be one of the oldest churches in the lagoon and offers a sense of continuity with Venice’s spiritual past. You can also see the only surviving bell tower of the church of San Michele Arcangelo, which was demolished in 1828. Beside it is a small playground and park area that makes Mazzorbo a lovely stop if you’re travelling with children.
And perhaps best of all, you can simply sit by the water’s edge and do very little. The calm of Mazzorbo is one of its most underrated attractions.
Mazzorbo vs. Burano: What’s the difference?
Although the two islands are connected by a bridge and often explored together, Mazzorbo and Burano offer completely different vibes. Burano is all about colour and charm—its brightly painted houses are famous worldwide, and its narrow streets are often full of visitors. It’s lively, characterful, and always on the move.
In contrast, Mazzorbo Venice is about space and calm. There’s no rush of souvenir stalls or large tour groups here. Instead, you’ll find vines growing where houses once stood, quiet lanes for walking or cycling, and the chance to appreciate the lagoon’s rhythm without distraction.
Both islands have their appeal, but if you’re looking for a moment of stillness and a slower pace, Mazzorbo is where you’ll find it.
Venissa restaurant and wine tasting experience
Fine dining at ristorante Venissa Mazzorbo
A major highlight of any visit to Mazzorbo is the chance to dine at the renowned Ristorante Venissa Mazzorbo, located in the heart of the island’s vineyard estate. Set in an atmospheric former wine cellar, this Michelin Green Star restaurant offers an extraordinary culinary experience rooted in the landscape, ingredients, and identity of the Venetian Lagoon.
Chefs Chiara Pavan and Francesco Brutto specialise in cucina ambientale, a style of cooking grounded in local ingredients and deeply connected to place. Menus are shaped by the landscape—wild herbs from the barene, seasonal produce from the estate’s gardens, and lesser-known seafood sourced sustainably from the lagoon and Adriatic.
Guests can opt for either:
- A 7-course tasting menu (€150), with optional wine pairing (€90)
- A 10-course tasting menu (€175), with wine pairing (€105)
There’s also a Chef’s Table experience for up to five guests—perfect for those who want to interact directly with the chefs in a more intimate setting.
To make the journey even more special, Venissa offers an immersive package that includes round-trip boat transfers from either Venice (San Marco or Santa Lucia) or Altino (near Marco Polo Airport), along with your tasting menu:
- 7-course + boat transfer: €220 per person
- 10-course + boat transfer: €245 per person
Wine tasting and the story of Native Venice
Venissa is not only about exceptional food—it’s also at the heart of a remarkable winemaking project that honours the heritage and biodiversity of the lagoon. At its centre is the Dorona grape, an ancient native variety that nearly vanished, but has been lovingly revived by the Bisol family right here on Mazzorbo island.
The vineyard produces Bianco Venissa, a singular white wine that reflects the salinity, resilience, and character of its environment. Meanwhile, over on the nearby island of Santa Cristina, the family cultivates red varieties for Rosso Venissa, continuing their work to protect and preserve the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem.
Visitors can choose from four curated tasting experiences, each offering a different level of immersion:
- Dorona (45 mins – €45): A focused introduction to the vineyard and its signature grape
- Viaggio (1 hr – €65): A broader exploration of the viticultural heritage of Native Venice
- Storia (1.5 hrs – €90): A full-circle experience with insights into the vineyard, winemaking, and sustainability
- Verticale Venissa (1.5 hrs – €180): A premium tasting tracing the entire evolution of Venissa wines
Each experience offers a deeper connection to the landscape and history of Mazzorbo Italy, told through the wines that grow directly from its soil.
Visit the official website to book your wine tasting tour.
Why visit Mazzorbo?
Mazzorbo Venice Italy is a quiet treasure in the lagoon—just close enough to the city to be convenient, but distant enough to offer real peace. It’s where you go when you want a break from the grand landmarks and a taste of everyday Venetian life at its most genuine.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to stay overnight, the right accommodation can make all the difference. At Dimora Italia, we offer thoughtfully restored Venetian homes that pair historic charm with modern comforts—ideal for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist path. With options near Fondamente Nove (for easy boat access to the northern lagoon) and throughout Venice, you can make Mazzorbo part of a wider, enriching stay.
Book with Dimora Italia and experience Venice from a new perspective—quiet, natural, and full of flavour.
