The ferry from Venice takes just 40 minutes, but visiting Sant’Erasmo — the tiny island next to Venice — transports you to another place and time, when it was the agricultural supplier to the ruling Doge of Venice. Also known as the Garden of the Doge, the term refers to the abundance of produce, wine, prosecco, honey, and other foods produced on Sant’Erasmo for centuries.
Today, a visit to this relatively unknown island is a slow travel experience where travellers can taste wine and prosecco at Venice’s only winery, and visit local producers of honey and violet artichokes. Renting a bike is a great way to see the island on your own, or you can hire a local guide to take you around.
At the end of the day, stop in local hotel Il Lato Azzurro for a taste of local foods and a glass of prosecco before catching the next ferry back to the city. If you’re looking for a completely unique side to Venice or to take a slow travel Venice food tour tasting local specialities, the island of Sant’Erasmo is one of our favourite hidden gems in Italy!
