Visiting the Islands of Giudecca and San Giorgio, Venice, Venice, Italy

If you’re looking for a short day trip from Venice, you may choose to visit Murano, Burano or the other islands of the lagoon. But head in the other direction, across the Giudecca Canal, and you’ll come to the islands of Giudecca and San Giorgio. Is it worth visiting these islands, and what is there to see and do?

Giudecca (part of the Dorsoduro district of Venice) and San Giorgio are a series of small islands to the south of the city. The islands of Giudecca are separated by narrow canals, but linked by bridges. San Giorgio is the last island of the chain, and the only one that isn’t connected by a bridge.

Historically Giudecca was a residential area with large houses and gardens. However over time it became industrialised, with factories and shipyards, and narrow streets and workers’ houses replaced the grand estates. Today it is very much a residential area, but there are restaurants and hotels, and a few sights for tourists. It is a place for anyone who wants a peaceful day out, and to see a different side of Venice.

San Giorgio, on the other hand, was originally a monastery island. It is now best known for the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, the church that dominates the view across the Giudecca Canal from San Marco. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).