Le Vignole: Quiet Lagoon Island, Forte Sant’Andrea & Getting There (Line 13)
In brief: Le Vignole is a small, agricultural island in the northern lagoon, south of Sant’Erasmo and north-east of the Lido. Together with Sant’Erasmo it forms “Venice’s vegetable garden” — artichokes, vines and vegetables for the city grow here. Vignole is almost unbuilt, without sights in the classic sense, and is visited almost only by locals and lagoon lovers. To the south lies the militarily used Forte Sant’Andrea (Michele Sanmicheli, 16th century), which guarded the lagoon entrance. Getting there: vaporetto line 13 from Fondamente Nove, hourly. A destination for seekers of quiet — and for a meal at the island’s famous trattoria.
An island without sights — and that is exactly its appeal
If you expect a second Burano backdrop on Vignole, you will be disappointed. The island is flat, green and largely in private and military hands. There are hardly any roads, but fields, vines and orchards instead. That is exactly what makes Vignole interesting for a certain kind of traveller: it is one of the stillest corners of the whole lagoon, a place for walking, cycling and breathing — without souvenir stalls, without day-trippers.
- Lagoon agriculture — Vignole and neighbouring Sant’Erasmo have supplied Venice with vegetables for centuries; the violet artichokes (castraure) in spring are famous.
- Forte Sant’Andrea — the striking fortress at the Bocca di Porto del Lido lagoon entrance, designed by Michele Sanmicheli from 1543. Impressive from the water, not publicly accessible on land.
- The trattoria tradition — the island is known among Venetians for its simple lagoon trattoria, a classic destination for a long lunch by the water.
Getting there: line 13 from Fondamente Nove
You reach Vignole on vaporetto line 13, which runs from Fondamente Nove via Murano (Faro) to Vignole and on to Sant’Erasmo. The line runs only hourly — plan your outward and return journeys by the timetable, or you will wait a full hour on the island. The ride from Fondamente Nove takes around 25–35 minutes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Line | Vaporetto line 13 from Fondamente Nove |
| Route | Fondamente Nove → Murano Faro → Vignole → Sant’Erasmo |
| Frequency | hourly — plan the return by timetable |
| Journey time | approx. 25–35 minutes |
| Ticket | ACTV day ticket recommended (also covers Sant’Erasmo/Murano) |
Practical: since line 13 continues to Sant’Erasmo anyway, the two islands combine well into a quiet lagoon half-day. With an ACTV day ticket you travel as often as you like.
Is Vignole for you?
Vignole is worth it for …
- Seekers of quiet who want the stillest side of the lagoon
- Lovers of a long lunch in a lagoon trattoria
- Walkers and cyclists (flat, car-free, green)
- Combining with Sant’Erasmo into a lagoon half-day
- Travellers interested in the line of fortresses (Forte Sant’Andrea from the water)
Rather not, if …
- You expect sights, shops or photo backdrops
- You are short on time — line 13’s hourly frequency requires planning
- You are in Venice for the first time (the city and main islands take priority)
- You want to travel spontaneously without a timetable
Frequently asked questions about Le Vignole
How do I get to Vignole?
On vaporetto line 13 from Fondamente Nove via Murano (Faro). The line runs only hourly, so coordinate your outward and return journeys with the timetable. The ride takes about 25–35 minutes.
What is there to see on Vignole?
No sights in the classic sense — Vignole is an agricultural, quiet island. The appeal lies in the stillness, the fields and vines, a walk by the water and a meal at the island trattoria. The Forte Sant’Andrea to the south is worth seeing from the water but not publicly accessible on land.
Can I combine Vignole with Sant’Erasmo?
Yes, very well. Line 13 continues directly from Vignole to Sant’Erasmo. Together the two islands make a quiet lagoon half-day away from the tourist routes — at no extra cost with an ACTV day ticket.
Are there restaurants on Vignole?
The island is known among Venetians for its simple lagoon trattoria — a classic excursion spot for a long lunch by the water. The offering is small; on quiet days a call ahead to confirm opening is advisable.