Connected to Burano by a wooden pedestrian bridge, Mazzorbo makes a great day trip from Venice or a peaceful overnight destination in itself. Visitors can join a guided tour of the Venetian Islands or explore on their own.
There may not be much to grab your attention on Mazzorbo, but that’s the appeal. The island has a rich history that dates back to the year 640, and visitors will see several ruins on the island, including the ancient bell tower of the Santa Caterina Monastery. A tour of the Venissa vineyard is another rewarding experience.
*A trip to Mazzorbo is perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds in Venice.
*The Mazzorbo vineyards are a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts.
*Tours of the Venetian Islands require getting on and off a boat, so inquire about wheelchair accessibility in advance.
The only way to get to Mazzorbo is by boat from Venice, or by walking across the footbridge from Burano. From the Fondamente Nuove waterbus stop in Venice, catch vaporetto line number 12, which heads out to the northern Venetian islands and makes stops on Murano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Burano, and Treporti. You can also visit by taking an island-hopping tour.
Mazzorbo is one of the least-visited island in the Venetian Lagoon, so it remains quiet even during the busiest tourist seasons in Venice. If visiting in the summer, you may want to time your trip with the annual fair held in the churchyard of Santa Caterina's Monastery. You’ll get a unique view into local culture, complete with regional dishes, local red wine, and live music and games.
The Venetian islands have a strong winemaking tradition, but unfortunately many of the vineyards were destroyed during the devastating flood of 1966. Mazzorbo’s Venissa vineyard was replanted with Dorona di Venezia grapes that survived, despite warnings that rising flood waters and high salt content in the soil would continue to threaten the vines. Today, the Venissa Vineyard produces the Dorona di Venezia wine variety, once thought extinct, which celebrates the salty terroir of ancient Venice.
