Let’s bike across Sant’Erasmo, Venice’s “vegetable garden,” riding through artichoke fields and small farms while enjoying a rare view of the Venice skyline. Discover the natural beauty of this peaceful island and learn about the traditional lifestyle of its few inhabitants.

Although it’s the largest island in the Venetian lagoon, Sant’Erasmo is home to just 700 residents—many of whom are farmers who grow exceptional fruits and vegetables. One of the most famous products is the purple artichoke, a Slow Food® protected variety known as Carciofo Violetto di Sant’Erasmo.

Another traditional activity on the island is beekeeping. The bees here feed on the wide variety of flowers that thrive in the island’s salty soil, producing a unique honey you’ll have the chance to taste.

As we cycle along canals and dirt paths, you’ll see lush farmland, wild landscapes, and panoramic views of Venice’s bell towers in the distance. This tour offers a refreshing and authentic experience away from the crowds—perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers.

Bike in Venice’s Vegetable Garden
We’ll reach Sant’Erasmo, the largest and greenest island of the lagoon, with a 30-minute water bus ride from Venice. Once a countryside retreat for nobles and the breadbasket of the Republic, today it’s a peaceful, tourist-free refuge full of nature and farming traditions.

Time to Ride!
After landing, we’ll take a short walk along quiet canals and country paths to reach our bike rental point, where you’ll get a comfortable countryside bike for the tour.Once landed, we will walk through a small road passing canals and ditches, towards the bike rental place, where we can get our countryside bikes.

The Lagoon Fortress
We’ll begin our ride at the Torre Massimiliana, a 19th-century circular fort surrounded by a moat. Originally started under Napoleon and completed by the Austrians, today it sometimes hosts art exhibitions and offers views of the surrounding wetlands.

Through Fields and Along the Lagoon
We’ll cycle past vegetable gardens, saltmarshes, and traditional farmhouses while enjoying rare views of the lagoon, from the entrance of San Nicolò at Lido to Punta Sabbioni. The route offers a mix of cultivated land and wild nature.

Visit to a Local Apiary
Sant’Erasmo isn’t just famous for its artichokes—its flowers thrive in salty soil, making it a paradise for bees. We’ll stop at a small family-run honey farm to learn about saltmarsh honey and taste their delicious products.

Toward the North of the Island
We’ll continue riding northward, facing the open lagoon with views toward Burano’s colorful houses and the quiet island of San Francesco del Deserto, home to a Franciscan monastery.

The Island Church by the Lagoon
Before ending our loop, we’ll visit the island’s small church, peacefully overlooking the still waters of the lagoon—a serene spot that captures the soul of Sant’Erasmo.

Return or Stay for a Meal
We’ll return to Venice by vaporetto from Capannone. Alternatively, you can stay on the island for lunch or dinner in a waterfront restaurant and soak in the peaceful atmosphere a bit longer.

Top-rated local guide
Use of countryside bicycle on Sant’Erasmo
Tasting of a local product (honey or a seasonal alternative)
Meeting point in Venice at Fondamente Nove

What’s not included
Water bus ticket to Sant’Erasmo island. Tickets can be purchased onboard.
Gratuities at your discretion

The tour can be in a shared small-group tour and limited to 10 participants max.
Private tour are available and fully customizable and reserved exclusively for your group.
Child bikes available, please inform us in advance. Infant seats are not available.

Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the starting time of the tour. This is the key to ensure the high-quality of your experience.

We also recommend you wear sport and confortable clothes, a cap, sun screen and a bottle of water.

The experience is meant to be inclusive and accessible: if you are a traveller with motor, sensorial or cognitive disabilities, please let us know in advance and we will make our best to meet your needs.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

1. In which languages is the tour available?
This tour is available as a shared small-group experience (up to 10 participants) or as a private tour in English, German, Italian, or Spanish.

2. How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including cycling, stops, and the visit to the apiary.

3. Where is the meeting point?
The general meeting point is at Fondamente Nove in Venice, where we will take the water bus to Sant’Erasmo together.
If you are already on Sant’Erasmo or in Murano, we can arrange a meeting point directly on the island or you can take the same Vaporetto from Murano Faro.
If you are staying in Cavallino, Treporti, or Punta Sabbioni, you can reach Sant’Erasmo by Vaporetto from Treporti.

4. Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes! This experience is great for couples, small groups of friends, and families looking for a unique and relaxing adventure in nature.
Children can join the tour if they are comfortable riding a bike.

5. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, as this is a cycling tour, it is not wheelchair accessible.

6. How much cycling is involved?
The total distance covered is less than 10 km (6 miles), on mostly flat and easy terrain.

7. What happens if it rains?
If there is light rain, the tour will still take place.
In case of severe weather conditions, the tour will be canceled or replaced with an alternative Murano tour, which is mostly indoors.

8. Is it possible to customize the tour?
Yes! Since this is a private tour, we can adjust the itinerary to match your interests while keeping the overall route the same.

9. Can I bring my own bicycle?
In general, no. The only exception is if you are staying in Cavallino, Treporti, or Punta Sabbioni, as you can take your bicycle on the Vaporetto from Treporti to Sant’Erasmo.

10. Are the bike rental and apiary visit included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour price includes:
– Bike rental for the entire duration of the tour.
– Guided visit to a local apiary, where you’ll meet an expert beekeeper.
– A small jar of local honey or another artisanal product as a gift.

11. Are water bus tickets included in the tour price?
No, ACTV water bus tickets are not included. Tickets can be purchased on-site; we recommend purchasing ACTV daily passes for convenience.

12. Will we taste honey during the tour?
This tour focuses on learning about beekeeping and visiting the apiary, rather than a formal honey tasting. However, at the end of the visit, you will receive a small jar of honey or another artisanal product to take home.

13. Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
No, the tour is designed for all levels, as the route is flat and easy to ride. However, you must know how to ride a bike.

14. What should I wear and bring?
– Comfortable shoes and sport-appropriate clothing for cycling.
– A cap, sunscreen, and a bottle of water, especially in warm weather.
– A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes of Sant’Erasmo.

15. What happens if I arrive late?
Since the water bus to Sant’Erasmo runs only once per hour, arriving late means missing the boat.
For shared group tours, you will miss the tour entirely.
For private tours, we will have less time available, as the itinerary will need to be adjusted.

16. Can I stay on Sant’Erasmo after the tour?
Absolutely! You are welcome to stay longer on the island and enjoy lunch, aperitivo, or dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lagoon.

17. Can I book other tours or experiences?
Yes! Many guests combine this tour with other unique Venice experiences, such as cooking classes, food tours, or boat trips to other lagoon islands. Contact me directly to learn about special offers and personalized options.

18. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or no-shows will be fully charged.

19. How can I contact you for more information?
Email: valerio@detourist.it
WhatsApp: +39 340 671 1267