Torcello

Resting quietly at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon, Torcello is a tranquil, sparsely populated island a few minutes by ferry from Venice.

Discover useful information about holidays in Torcello, Italy, on Ferryhopper, including all the things to do and see on the island. Start planning your perfect getaway and book your ferry tickets to Torcello with ease!

Colorful houses lining the canal in Torcello

Holidays in Torcello

Settled between the 5th and 6th centuries, Torcello is older than Venice and once stood as the most important and populated island in the Venetian Lagoon. Today, it is home to only about 10 residents, offering visitors a unique journey back in time. The island’s rural charm remains untouched by modernity, presenting a picturesque landscape of green fields intersected by canals and sidewalks.

What makes Torcello truly unique is its serene and unspoiled atmosphere, a stark contrast to Venice’s bustling crowds. In addition to day-trippers and overnight guests, art and history enthusiasts are also drawn to the island’s timeless allure. Over the years, Torcello has inspired countless artists and writers, including Ernest Hemingway. 

How to get to Torcello

Getting to Torcello, Italy, is possible only by ferry or vaporetto (water bus). If you are in Venice, just go to the Fondamente Nove pier and take the ACTV vaporetto to Torcello. Water buses to Torcello Faro leave every 20 minutes, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour. 

Alternatively, you can choose to travel with a ferry from Venice San Marco to Murano and then to Torcello. For more information regarding ferries to Torcello, check out our relevant section below.

What to do in Torcello

Although semi-abandoned, there are still many things to see in Torcello. There is only one plaza on the island surrounded by buildings of very high cultural value. The most notable of these is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest building in the Venetian Lagoon and a stunning Venetian-Byzantine construction. If you want to enjoy a splendid all-round view of the northern lagoon, climb to the top of the bell tower, which is more than 40 m high and provides an excellent vantage point for photography.

Next door to the Basilica stands the Church of Santa Fosca, another reason to visit this captivating island. Both churches are positioned around Torcello’s only remaining square. For those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Venetian Lagoon, the Torcello Museum is a must-visit, offering fascinating insights into the region's past.

Another one of the island’s highlights is Attila’s Throne, an imposing ancient stone chair. In addition, no visit to Torcello would be complete without stopping at the iconic Devil’s Bridge, which remains one of the most visited spots on the island.

Beyond its historical landmarks, Torcello captivates visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Much of the island is a nature reserve, accessible only via its peaceful walking path. Before taking the ferry back to Venice, take a leisurely stroll and/or enjoy a lovely meal at one of the island’s charming restaurants, known for serving authentic Italian cuisine.

The Devil's Bridge arching over the canal in Torcello

Sightseeing in Torcello

An island rich in history and legend, Torcello combines ancient architecture, captivating folklore and serene natural beauty. From historic cathedrals to quirky local tales, this little jewel in the Venetian Lagoon is sure to leave a lasting impression. Here are the must-visit attractions in Torcello: 

• The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 7th century, it’s the lagoon's oldest cathedral housing precious artistic works
• The octagonal church of Santa Fosca, another stunning example of Venetian-Byzantine architectural style
• The Museo Provinciale di Torcello, housed in 2 fourteenth century palaces, it tells you the history of Torcello
• Attila's Throne, known as 'The Scourge of God', an ancient stone chair that is said to have even been used by the King of the Huns
• The Devil's Bridge, also known as the Ponte del Diavolo, it’s one of the few bridges in the lagoon without a lateral support and no railings
• The Andrich House Museum, housing the works of Lucio and Clementina Andrich created between the 1950s and 1980s. It’s also a good place to see flamingos from March through September.

Tip: according to legend, anyone who climbs into Attila's Throne will be married within a year - so if you’re single and not ready to mingle, maybe give this chair a pass!

The Torcello Cathedral and Church of Santa Fosca, 2 iconic landmarks of Torcello Island

Food in Torcello

Torcello may be small, but it’s appreciated for its prestigious restaurants, which focus on traditional Venetian cuisine, emphasizing simplicity and the freshest ingredients sourced locally.

Here are some specialties to savor during your visit to Torcello:

• lagoon shrimps
• Venetian-style cod
• sarde in saor (marinated sardines)
• Venetian-style pasta fagioli 
• risotto alla Torcellana (with vegetables and artichoke hearts)
• seppie al nero alla Veneziana (cuttlefish stewed in black ink)
• fegato alla Veneziana (veal liver Venetian style)

Tip: make sure to visit Locanda Cipriani, an elegant inn with restaurant, which has welcomed distinguished royalties and celebrities, such as Ernest Hemingway, Maria Callas, Charles and Diana of England, and even Queen Elizabeth!

Useful information about Torcello

The best time to visit Torcello, Italy, is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the island's natural beauty is at its peak, the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

Torcello is a small island and a couple of hours might be enough to see its main attractions. However, we recommend setting aside an entire afternoon to fully explore the island, visit off-the-beaten-track attractions and soak in its tranquil, timeless atmosphere. For an even quieter experience, try visiting during the week when there are fewer people around.

In regards to accommodation, Torcello offers limited options. Many visitors choose to stay on the nearby island of Burano, which offers a broader range of places to stay. For those looking for a more outdoor experience, there are plenty of campsites along the Cavallino-Treporti coast.

Finally, note that the nearest pharmacy is located on Burano, while the closest major hospital is Ospedale SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice.

The Provincial Museum of Torcello and the famous Attila Throne

Transportation in Torcello

Torcello is a small, pedestrian-friendly island, and the best way to explore it is on foot. You can reach all of the major sights on the island via the well-marked paths.

To get to Torcello, you can take a ferry, vaporetto (water bus) or a private water taxi. Regular ferry and vaporetto services connect Torcello to nearby islands like Burano and Venice. Note that bicycles and vehicles are not permitted on the island.

Ports in Torcello

The waterbus stop on Torcello is conveniently located near its main attractions. In fact, the only remaining Piazza and important landmarks are just a 10-minute walk along the Maggiori Canal, one of its two surviving canals.

Island hopping from Torcello

From Torcello, visitors can easily reach the nearby island of Burano by ferry. The Torcello - Burano ferry route is active all year round, with 1-3 daily departures, depending on the season. The journey is quick and convenient, taking just about 10 minutes, with ticket prices starting at €7.50 per passenger.

Useful info: have a look at our interactive Map of ferries to plan and visualize your island-hopping adventure from Torcello.

Torcello ferry: schedules and tickets

You can easily travel to Torcello by ferry from Murano. Specifically, there are 1-3 daily ferries from Murano to Torcello, offering a scenic journey across the lagoon. Murano - Torcello ferry tickets cost €7.50 and the trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

Useful info: the ferry routes from/to Torcello are operated by Consorzio Vidali Group.

Colorful houses lining the waterfront of Torcello

Book ferry tickets online to Torcello

Now that you have all the information you need about the island of Torcello, you're ready to plan your journey from Venice and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Browse all ferry schedules to this captivating Venetian island on Ferryhopper, compare routes and prices, and book your ferry tickets to Torcello without hidden fees!