The legendary city in the northeastern part of Italy, the center of the region and province of the same name, located on the Adriatic Sea, Venice has been driving tourists of all ages and social groups crazy for many decades, regardless of their marital status, gastronomic preferences, bank account size and attitude to life. Artists dream of visiting a city built on the islands of the Venetian lagoon, movie stars play weddings here, and crowned persons sometimes openly, sometimes incognito - no, no, and they look into the narrow streets and, like mere mortals, drink coffee in San Marco, laying out tens of euros for cappuccino and cake and not regretting anything.
In the Middle Ages, there was a custom of betrothal to the sea in the Venetian Republic. The doge's ship went out into the lagoon, a prayer was read to the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nicholas, and a jewel was thrown into the waters.
The sea in Venice is felt everywhere even now. Often it violates its own boundaries and splashes out onto the narrow streets and palms of squares in order to once again demonstrate to a person that he is still powerless in the face of the elements.
High water
Floods in Venice, when the sea and the Po river overflow their banks - a common occurrence. Seasonal level rises in former times even played a favorable role, because during floods wastewater was carried away from the canals. Thus, relative cleanliness was maintained in Venice.
The main cause of the floods, scientists say, is the wind surge. The sea level in semi-enclosed water bodies rises seasonally due to changes in atmospheric pressure and shear wind stress. In the old days, the sea in Venice rose up to nine times a year, but now the frequency of floods has increased by an order of magnitude. High water occurs both due to the acceleration of the sinking of the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, and due to human influence on the surrounding natural balance.
The lowest point in relation to sea level in Venice is St. Mark's Square. It is with her that every flood begins. When going on a tour, do not forget to take rubber shoes, because even special platforms that tourists and city residents walk on during high water do not guarantee foot comfort.
Water transport
Located on islands and canals, Venice has a variety of water transport options:
- Vaporettos or motor boats are absolutely analogous to minibuses in any land city. They run on all channels and nearby islands. The cost of an hour vaporetto ticket is 7 euros.
- Traghetto mini-ferries are convenient to cross from one side of the Grand Canal to the opposite. The issue price is 2 euros.
- The fare for water taxis consists of 15 euros for landing and 2 euros for every minute spent on the way. Convenient and beneficial for small groups of tourists. Larger companies will have to pay extra for the number of passengers.
- Gondola riding is more exotic than a mode of transportation. For a half-hour sailing, you will have to pay about a hundred euros for a gondola, but no more than six passengers can fit into it at the same time.
In Venice, you can rent a boat, which, if you have certain skills, will allow the tourists themselves. The cost of pleasure starts from 50 euros per hour of boat rental.
Venice beaches
Like any city located south of the Arctic Circle and with access to the sea, Venice can offer its guests a beach holiday. The island-beach in the city limits is called Lido, and the townspeople gladly spend summer weekends on it.
The beaches of Lido are covered with sand and are quite landscaped. Beach equipment rental points are open on them, and you can sunbathe on your own towel for free if you find a free recreation area.
Getting to the beaches of Venice is very easy. After leaving your hotel, head to the Grand Canal, where you catch any vaporetto heading towards Lido. The island will be the final stop.
If you come to Venice in the summer, staying at a hotel on the Lido is the most profitable option. Hotel prices here are significantly lower than in the central part of the city. You can always go sightseeing by water tram, which will take only 10-15 minutes to reach St. Mark's Square.
