As of: March 1, 2024, 2:04 p.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Press
Split
Venice is hot in the summer months and completely overcrowded with tourists.
Fortunately, there are lovely alternatives that are even less well known.
With its romantic lagoons, picturesque streets and impressive buildings, Venice is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
In high season, there are often more than 100,000 visitors a day in the city - and that with barely more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Unesco has therefore toyed several times with the idea of classifying the tourist magnet as an endangered cultural heritage site.
And now the city is taking ever more vehement action against the masses of visitors.
The passage of large cruise ships was banned in 2021, this summer day tourists will have to expect an entry fee and larger travel groups are no longer allowed.
Anyone who would rather forego a visit to Venice in view of these measures need not worry: there are many small towns that exude a similar charm to the lagoon city.
Chioggia, Italy – Venice in mini format
The Vena Canal makes Chioggia the “little sister” of Venice.
© Petr Svarc/Imago
The “little sister” Chioggia is only about an hour’s drive from Venice.
The picturesque fishing village with its colorful houses and narrow streets is authentically Italian - which can also be seen in the numerous restaurants that serve fresh fish, pasta and regional specialties.
The similarity to Venice can be seen most in the nine bridges that lead over the Canal Vena.
The most beautiful sights include the Porta Garibaldi, the Basilica of San Giacomo and the Torre dell'orologio - the world's oldest clock tower.
Annecy, France – Venice in the Alpine region
The small town of Annecy in France exudes Venetian flair.
© Jan Wlodarczyk/Imago
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But fairytale waterways are not only found in Italy.
For example, do you already know Annecy in the southeast of France?
The city center is criss-crossed by numerous picturesque canals and bridges, which have earned it the nickname “Venice of the Alps”.
The historic center impresses with cobblestone streets and listed buildings, including the Palais de l'Isle and the Château d'Annecy.
Thanks to its location at the head of Lac d'Annecy and in the middle of an alpine mountain backdrop, it is also perfect for active holidaymakers who can exhaust themselves with sports activities on the water as well as hiking.
Little Venice, Bamberg – Italian flair in Germany
Little Venice in Bamberg is a part of every trip to the Franconian university town.
© Panthermedia/Imago
Venice fans will also find an impressive alternative nearby: this is a former fishing settlement in the Franconian city of Bamberg, which is also affectionately known as “Little Venice”.
There are cute, medieval half-timbered buildings right on the bank, which can be viewed from the opposite side of the Regnitz.
In their front gardens there are moorings for small boats that bob in the water.
If you would like to see the tranquil row of houses, you can also use one of the excursion boats that leave from the city center between mid-March and the end of October.
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Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria – Venice atmosphere in Spain
The fishing village of Puerto de Mogán on Gran Canaria is somewhat reminiscent of Venice.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
Anyone traveling on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria should not miss the charming village of Puerto de Mogán.
It is one of the most beautiful places on the island not only among holidaymakers but also among locals - is that due to a slight similarity to Venice?
At least the numerous water canals that lead from the harbor into the town, as well as the pretty bridges that lead over them, are reminiscent of the famous tourist metropolis in Italy.
In addition to cute, old fishermen's houses that day trippers can discover on a walk, there is also the opportunity to soak up some sun in the golden sand of Playa de Mogán.
Giethoorn, Netherlands – cooler alternative to Venice
The village of Giethoorn in the Netherlands positions itself as the “Venice of the North”.
© Fokke Baarssen/Imago
To get a taste of Venice, vacationers don't even have to travel south.
In the Netherlands, Giethoorn is the “Venice of the North”.
From the German border, travelers drive almost two hours by car to the idyllic place.
In the center itself you can only get around by boat - the canal winds around eight kilometers through the village and more than 176 bridges connect the small islands with the mainland.
The thatched houses that visitors sail past were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and, together with the gardens, are privately owned by the residents.
And if you prefer to indulge in the pages of Venice, you can also immerse yourself in Donna Leon's crime novels.