Venice

Trip preparation

Airports Car Rental Venice Airport is called Marco Polo International Airport. It is a few miles from Venice and is the third most important one in northern Italy after Milan's airports. It is connected by water taxi to St. Mark's Square and the railway station Venezia-Mestre. Cars can be rented at the airport but only worth it if you plan to visit other cities as Venice can not move around the center.

Language

Italian is the official language in Venice but also includes the Venetian dialect, which belongs to the group of dialects of northern Italy.

Electricity

In Venice, mobile coverage in general is very good . Confined spaces and interiors of the monuments may decrease the signal slightly but other than that, there will be no problem communicating with the mobile.

Best travel time

The climate is Mediterranean. The hottest months are July and August and the humidity is high. Summer temperatures range between 25ºC and 35ºC. The winter is mild, with temperatures not too low, ranging between 5ºC and 15°C. L'Acqua Alta occurs during high tides when the water rises and floods the city. The most affected areas are low lying areas of the city. That usually happens when there is full moon.

Vaccinations

No vaccination required.

Traditions and Culture

The most important event in Venice is undoubtedly the Carnival. The tradition dates back to the seventeenth century, when the nobles were hiding behind the masks to blend in with the people. The carnival lasts 10 days and dances and parades are held every night. The Old and The Burning is the most popular. The Carnival of Venice is elegant and glamorous. The masks and costumes are identical to those of the seventeenth-century and are the most identifiable feature of this event. The most representative one is the nobile maschera composed of black clothes, three-cornered hat and white mask. This carnival is unlike any other that takes place in the world and has virtually nothing to do with the famous Cologne carnival or the carnival in Rio. It is much more elegant and refined. The Venetian lifestyle is Mediterranean and calm. You can enjoy many activities both day and night in the city and go to the theater, cinema, bars or the beach.

By car

To reach Venice by car there are two possibilities. On one side are the motorways for which you have to pay a toll. But the connections are good and the roads in very good condition, ideal to reach your destination as soon as possible. On the other side are state highways. No payment is required but the speed limit is very strict so that the trip will be longer. Yet they are also ideal for enjoying the views. Another option is to go to Venice by boat or a cruise The port is home to many fishing boats and is located west of the city.

By taxi

The means of transport in Venice are a little different than in most cities. Almost all of them are aquatic, like the vaporetto, the water bus. This is the most practical mean of transport to get around the city and you can enjoy the views from the canal. It is better to buy a travel ticket because it is much cheaper. The river taxis are more expensive but faster and more comfortable. The only drawback is that, when the water rises, these means of transport have to change their route because they can not pass under the channels. Still, there are usually alternative routes. There are also buses that go from Piazzale Roma to Mestre and up the coast. The gondolas can not be regarded as public transport but as a tourist attraction. Thus, the price is quite high but may be worth as they offer fantastic views and a pleasant ride through the canals. It is not allowed to use bicycles or motorcycles in the center of Venice.

Sights

The most important monuments and places of the city are: - Canal Grande, where the famous buildings of the city are - Piazza San Marco, where the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale are - Basilica San Marco, famous for its golden mosaic and Treasury containing the stolen loot Constantinople - Palazzo Ducale, the political center of the city - Ponte dei Sospiri, located behind the Palazzo Ducale - The Rialto Bridge In addition to the city you must also see the surrounding islands: Murano, famous for the production of glass beads, Burano, famous for its fishing and lace, and Torcello.

Events

The most famous event in Venice is its spectacular carnival, but there are other festivals celebrated in Venice and throughout Italy, such as Christmas, Easter, Easter, Halloween and New Year.

Food

Caps or "cicchetti" are one of the dishes consumed among the Venetians. The most typical are the pulpits and sobrasada with polenta, sun-dried tomatoes, meatballs, fried crab claws, fried vegetables, roasted cod with buttered, boiled eggs with anchovies and sardines marinated with onions and vinegar. One of the world's most popular recipes is tiramisu. The risotto, made with rice and accompanied by sepia, lobster, fish or meat is also very typical. Pasta of any kind accompanied by a sauce is also present in Venice. Fish is a specialty, especially the fish St. Peter, the Rape and eels.