Venice islands: Mazzorbo

Mazzorbo is joined to its more famous neighbour Burano by a long footbridge. If you are planning a trip to the northern lagoon to visit Burano and Torcello, Mazzorbo makes a nice extra excursion.

Mazzorbo is famed for its market garden artichokes; the only specific tourist attraction on this island is the historic church of Santa Caterina.

The islands of Burano and Mazzorbo are the furthest from Venice and were the first to be settled. A larger ferry (from the Fondamente Nuove stop on Venice's northern shore, every 30 minutes; there are several different ferry stops so make sure you take the right one) takes about 45 minutes to cross the lagoon, where you pass the rather surreal sight of fishermen climbing out of their boats on to sand flats. You can get off the ferry at Mazzorbo, see the island and visit the church, and continue on foot over the bridge to Burano.

Curiosity: Mazzorbo was one of Winston Churchill's favourite spots for painting.

Visit all the islands of Venice...