Sant’Erasmo has been known as “Venice’s kitchen garden” or, in the days of the Venetian Republic, as the “kitchen garden of the Doges”. It was an island made up of fields and vineyards that supplied greens and fresh garden products (like the famous purple artichoke) to the entire city of Venice. It has maintained its agricultural calling up to today, with its few inhabitants carrying on the old traditions.
The following route was done on foot but it is better to go by bike, given that some interior stretches are long, isolated, and in full sun.
For a lunch stop, go to the beach and have a picnic under the shady trees. Since the beach is completely free, bring a small tent or an umbrella for shelter. The kiosk adjacent to the beach and the “Da Tedeschi” bar-restaurant-pizzeria are also perfect for lunch, with both located a short walk from the Torre Massimiliana (a military structure built by the Austrians in 1843). The typical Venetian cicchetti (snacks) offered by “Da Tedeschi” are excellent! (Tel. +39 041 5203346)
Information
To reach Sant’Erasmo from Cavallino via the ACTV, take Line 13 that leaves from the Ricevitoria di Treporti. The ferry leaves approximately every hour, to see times in dell’ACTV web site (click here) One caveat: if you are cycling, there may not be room on board for everyone as the vaporetto is small. You have to ask ticket for bicycle.
If you intend to follow the indicated route, get off at the first stop “Punta Vela” and then go along Via de le Motte and Via dei Spironi to Via dei Forti from which you can take the path that leads to the beach. The course provides a total of nearly 8 km. If you prefer to get off on Sant’Erasmo at the point closest to the beach and the Torre Massimiliana, get off at “Capannone”, the third stop. To return, take the vaporetto from the “Chiesa” stop.
An excellent opportunity for a trip to Sant’Erasmo is the festival dedicated to Saint Erasmus, the island’s patron saint. It is held on the first Sunday of June.
Photo by #Brunellainvenice: Sant’Erasmo Beach
