A VENETIAN SUMMER
From the vast Piazza San Marco, to the tight and colourful canals of Burano. Heres our take on a summer in Venice.
We are all familiar with the “Queen of the Adriatic” that is Venice. An Italian haven of countless canals, beautiful boats, breathtaking scenery, and even better architecture. A destination so popular, that the local authorities have imposed many different tactics to try and manage its influx of tourists on a daily basis. Also playing home to film festivals, art and fashion events and the feature in many great movies (The Tourist being a personal favourite). Here is our take on a stay in one of the words greatest cities.
STAY
Venice has accommodation variety to rival any leading city. At a higher price, you’ll find traditional Venetian design and architecture, grand opulence with masterful craft. But catering to all, you’ll also find the equally impressive and more affordable variety, boasting modernism merged with the traditional design language of the city. A strong recommendation would be a stay at the Palazzo Venart. Set in a lush open garden leading onto the Grand Canal, this traditional hotel is a restored 16th-century property that is a minute's walk from San Stae ferry terminal and 1 km from Saint Mark's Basilica. Surrounded by sensational independent restaurants, serving local specialties, fresh fish with a great atmosphere. Rooms continue the traditional Venetian influence with opulence being a key focus for this establishment.
EAT
When in Venice, there is one “dish” you cannot leave without trying, and that is Cicchetti. A speciality of the city, and impossible to find an equivalent anywhere outside Venice. In it’s simplest form, Cicchetti is a slice of baguette covered in many variations of mouth water toppings. Easy to find, and relatively inexpensive, we’d highly recommend getting your hands on a platter.
DO
Another must for this picturesque city is to take a tour of the neighbouring islands found in the Venetian lagoon; Murano and Burano. Both riddled with history; Murano, one of the worlds oldest glass blowing islands, manufacturing handmade chandeliers, ornaments and glass art. And Burano, a historical island of lacemaking wives, with skills passed down through generations. For the full experience, we’d recommend taking a private water taxi, channelling your inner Bond, and booking a private tour of both islands (most hotels should be able to arrange this at your request).
WEAR
Finally, what to wear. Depending on the time of year (if it’s Acqua Alta season, then wellington boots are a must), we would recommend something comfortable as well as stylish for the summer. With no roads, Venice can boost your monthly step count into marathon territory with the amount of walking required. Which is where the cactus leather bridge-bit loafer shines. With supreme comfort, grippy rubber sole and breathability, they performed incredibly well during our visit. A great style combination for this loafer would be a pair of linen trousers, preferably cuffed the Italian way, and a button through knitted polo for that uber casual, yet sartorial look. Sunglasses, hat and watch optional.
Published August 10th 2022