25 Comments
User's avatar
Katie Hacha's avatar

From Google maps it looks like the vaporetto line 19 goes right by Poveglia (obviously not stopping though). But I guess that line has been suspended. Is that a recent thing? Or any idea of that line being started again?

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Yes, the vaporetto does go by but doesn't ever stop. You are technically not allowed to go there, but there is a group that organizes clean-ups every few months. I need a pal with a boat!

Expand full comment
Katie Hacha's avatar

Yeah I know it's closed, but just wanted to see it from the boat. Maybe that line will be open again by the time time come in May.

Expand full comment
Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Inspiring. If you haven’t already read Jan Morris’s book on the city it is especially good on the lagoon and its islands

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

It’s on my 2024 reading list!

Expand full comment
Life Lived Italian's avatar

Amazing list-- had never heard of any of these places! Fascinating history as well...

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Jo Thompson's avatar

I have yet to visit some of these - I’m hoping Gillian that I can persuade you to tour them again - with me!

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

That is a great idea! I’ll always go back to an island.

Expand full comment
Rick's avatar

All these other islands (other than the big three), who knew? Exploding these will be a must do one my next trip. The history is fascinating, thanks Gillian!

Expand full comment
Domenica Marchetti's avatar

Thanks for all the detailed information. Especially happy to know about Certosa, which my bird photographer son will surely be interested in. Buon anno!

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

There was an enormous flock of cormorants in town today!!

Expand full comment
Gabrielle's avatar

I’ve been sorting through and filing old photos and just was looking at L and my first trip together in Venice, and then again the year after (early nineties). Made me so nostalgic and only fueled my desire to get back! We have been to Torcello a few times (and loved it) but none of these others...I love the idea of a birdwatching walk.

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Torcello is just the dreamiest ✨

Expand full comment
Dorothy Stair's avatar

I agree. The whole place is stunning. What inspired the people to make it so beautiful when they built their houses, churches and shops and filled them with beautiful things? I love Rome as well, popping in and out of beautiful buildings. But Venice is more compact and you don’t need to dodge motorcycles.

Expand full comment
Dorothy Stair's avatar

This year we stayed 10 days in May. Next year we will be there in September. We are getting older and cannot cover as much territory, but we love the apartment which we rent through Truly Venice.

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

September is such a nice time to be here (It’s very busy during the film festival so make a note of those dates) One of the best things about Venice is you don’t have to go far to see something amazing.

Expand full comment
Marc Oswald's avatar

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Happy New year! 🥂🎇✨

Expand full comment
Marc Oswald's avatar

Great article. Thanks 🙏

Expand full comment
Dorothy Stair's avatar

Gillian, I enjoy each of your letters and photographs. My friend, Ellen and I have been staying in San Polo. The small dock outside the apartment is visible from the Chewing Gum bridge. You might think of doing an article about hidden gems in all the areas of Venice. Many thanks and Happy New Year, Dorothy Stair

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

🥰 How long are you here for?

Expand full comment
Sarah May Grunwald's avatar

During my visit last month the highlight was seeing flamingos in the lagoon. So much so I had to buy a blown glass flamingo.

Expand full comment
Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

I saw them once years and years ago from very far away. I hear they often come near Certosa. I love that you got a Murano glass flamingo! 🦩

Expand full comment
Sarah May Grunwald's avatar

Since I was little people have compared me to a flamingo due to my long legs and the fact that when I am standing for any period I tend to stand on one leg with the other leg in a number 4 position. So I've always felt a weird connection with them. I know they can be found in the Circeo lagoon and up near Civitavecchia. We love exploring the lagoon so much.

Expand full comment