Chioggia in March Trip report

Chioggia in March Trip Report

We were in search of a destination less than three hours from our base on Lake Iseo. It had been a difficult winter and I was still convalescing, so a short break not far from home seemed ideal. Especially since the weather forecast was good, with no risk of the ‘Bora’ - the cold, dry wind from the northeast which can hit the Adriatic coast ruining any outdoor activity with its fierce, gusty blasts. We wanted a stress-free break, although travel can involve unforeseen events. 

We set off on Sunday morning, not just any Sunday morning, a splendid spring morning with little traffic, even on the motorway between Milan and Venice. We got to Chioggia in about an hour and a half and managed an early checkin. Our apartment was ideal – the friendly welcome, secure parking, shuttle service to the apartment, help up the stairs with the luggage were a prelude to a bright sunny smart clean apartment with a view on one of the Canals. So we could make the most of our first day in Chioggia. It was Sunday so everywhere was busy but we got a taste of Chioggia in the morning and then explored the beach in sottomarina in the afternoon. More info here

Our second day was dedicated just to exploring Chioggia, slowly and in detail in the morning, and a long walk along the lungolaguna in Sottomarina as far as the end of the Diga in the afternoon. More details here.

We did a lot of walking and I was feeling quite tired, so on Day 3 we drove to Villa Pisani on the Naviglio del Brenta, which made for an interesting morning. In the afternoon we walked along the beach in Sottomarina and then went to see the sunset and, after supper, for a glimpse of sleepy Chioggia by night. Our day here

That evening, the weather changed, and the following morning the waves were lapping up the canals and I was grateful for the shuttle service back to the car.

It was an excellent short break in Chioggia. The weather (apart from the last morning) was mild and sunny, only some wind the first day. Chioggia is delightful, still as it is….not spruced up to please the tourists. Although you could take hundreds of photos because old ‘palazzi’ on canals invite. Prices in restaurants and bars, considering the amount of fresh fish available, are more reasonable than other seaside towns in Italy. Chioggia is also a living town, so there are normal shops, not just boutiques or knick-knacks to cater to tourists. Apparently it is very busy in season but on weekdays in March there were just a handful of other contented tourists enjoying the slow pace and quiet streets. You could also use Chioggia as a base for visiting Venice - by bus all year round or by boat during the summer, as well as other islands of the Venetian lagoon, the Comacchio area, the Naviglio del Brenta and Padova.

Highly recommended! We will definitely be back. (oh yes, and it was totally stress-free!) Thank you Chioggia