Sottomarina: Coastal Landscape and Murazzi

Sottomarina offers several ways to enjoy a stay on the Adriatic: a beach and water sports, a historic structure, fishing traditions and an amusement park. By the water, different aspects take centre stage; on land, the Murazzi, the old village quarter and a cycle path offer more ways to explore the area.

Beach, Reef and Water Sports

Sottomarina’s beach stretches from the Diga di San Felice in the north to the Diga sul Brenta in the south. Offshore in the Adriatic Sea lies the protected Tegnùe of Chioggia area. The Tegnùe are a natural reef in the Adriatic, built up by calcareous red algae.

The Tegnùe area is protected by a Biological Protection Zone, where fishing is prohibited. Divers can explore the reef area on guided routes; providers and dates may vary. The moderate, steady winds in Sottomarina favour sailing conditions. Guided dives and sailing therefore offer different ways to experience the sea.

The Murazzi and Their History

The Murazzi are walls made of large blocks of Istrian stone. As the last surviving structure of their kind, they recall the works built by the Serenissima before its fall. The Murazzi of Sottomarina are 1,270 metres long; several sections have now been demolished, including a larger stretch between Todaro School and the Institute of the Servants of Mary.

A guided individual tour in Sottomarina takes visitors on a walk along the Murazzi. This activity may be available seasonally. Those interested in the structure can combine its historical significance with a guided tour.

Old Village Quarter and Cycle Path

Sottomarina is connected to the municipality of Chioggia by the Isola dell’Unione bridge. The old part of Sottomarina is an ancient fishing village with a rich history and traditions. There, visitors can rediscover the Venetian and popular atmosphere of nearby Chioggia.

A quiet cycle path runs along the waterfront, connecting the Diga di Sottomarina and the Diga del Brenta. These two named breakwaters mark the endpoints of the route. The cycle path offers a separate way to explore the waterfront, while the guided walk along the Murazzi focuses on a historic structure.

Fishing Traditions and Regional Dishes

Along the Diga di Sottomarina are stilt-like structures where fishing is done with a bilancia. This large, square lift net is part of the fishing tradition described along the breakwater. Both the design of the fishing structures and a specific type of fishing gear are part of the local story.

Some of the fishing huts along the Diga di Sottomarina are called “balanse” and have been adapted for fish tourism. Visitors can enjoy rustic dishes from the Chioggia tradition there while taking in the view. The availability of individual offerings may vary.

Village in Sottomarina

Village is a free-entry amusement park in the centre of Sottomarina. It offers more than 20 attractions for all ages. The park adds another distinct activity to the area’s coastal, fishing and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Isolaverde Di Chioggia, Ca' Zennare, Cavanella D'adige.

Back to the main travel overview: Chioggia.