Last week we visited Venice on a day trip from Chioggia, a picturesque fishing port south of Venice on the lagoon. Getting to Venice was cumbersome but in the summer there's a tourist boat that would make the trip easier. Chioggia, often called Little Venice, has a great fish market, good seafood restaurants, and a pleasant walking street lined with shops and bars where you can sit outside for a drink without paying a big service charge.

We stayed at the Grande Italia Hotel (book direct) in a perfect location right on the waterfront. Our room and the breakfast room had fabulous views of the lagoon and the boat stop was right in front of the hotel.

Find out more about Chioggia in our Chioggia Travel Guide and take a look at Chioggia with Europe Travel's Chioggia Pictures.