We can see Venice!

 

That long skinny island you can see to the north of Chioggia is called Pellestrina and after our first short car-ferry ride from Chioggia yesterday, we got to ride the length of it. That was like going back in time as we rode along the water-side promenade past simple colourful houses, owned by fishermen whose boats were moored right in front of their homes. We saw only locals, many of them older men, sitting having their morning glass of white wine with their buddies. 

Our riding slowed to a crawl as it was the kind of place you just didn't feel any need to hurry. Around 11 am we stopped for a coffee in a bar along the dock - it was a place where everbody knew everbody. Outside a fish truck was attracting a small gathering of locals.

The next short ferry ride took us across to Lido, a much more modern place with quite a different vibe, but still quite laid-back.

Riding along the edge of the Venice Lagoon in Pellestrina

As we approached the north end of Lido to where our campground was, we wondered what it would be like. But the further we went, the better feeling we got as Lido is a classy joint. Many people use Lido as a base for touring Venice because it's calm and uncrowded. Mind you, we're seeing it at the end of the summer season when some facilities are now starting to close down.

One of our short ferry rides 

Riding along the Adriatic Sea side of Lido

So indeed, our campground is well situated just steps from the edge of the lagoon, but quiet and secluded. We're here for three nights, and our neighbours are either cycle tourists like ourselves, or have small camper vans. It has a little coffee bar that's open at breakfast time, and a covered area with tables and chairs to have meals. Couldn't be better! But it closes for the season on Sep 30th, the day we leave. And we really can see Venice across the water!

Camping San Nicolo, Lido di Venezia

View across to Venice from in front of the campground

We're all set for the evening

Today we took a trip to visit the island of Burano. This is one of the more northerly Venetian islands. Nine years ago when we were here, we mistakingly ended up on Murano when we had intended to visit Burano, so this time we're getting it right! You can't lose - both are veryinteresting.

Burano is know for its fishing tradition as well as its multi-coloured houses. So maybe I went a bit overboard with photos of coloured houses, but they were so photogenic!

We have another day based here in Lido, but haven't quite decided how to spend it. We have lots of options, a short ferry ride over to Venice itself being one of them. Are we up for the crowds? Not sure. We have been there before so we shall see.

Our cycling has almost concluded now. We have one more ride on Monday to get across the Venice causeway after another ferry ride from Lido to Tronchetto (on Venice island). We have a car rental arranged in Mestre (on the mainland) for Tuesday when we'll begin the hunt for bike boxes. Once that's taken care of, we'll have a few more days left to do whatever we want!