Visit the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice’s best viewpoint
Sometimes the best views of Venice aren’t in the heart of the city—but just across the water.
While St. Mark’s Square can be crowded and lines at the Campanile or Doge’s Palace are often long, peace and perspective await just a few minutes away on the tiny, tranquil island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
If you’re traveling with Ultimate Break, you’ll regularly find yourself around Saint Mark’s square, right near the vaporetto stop San Zaccaria. Most of our walking tours start near San Zaccaria, so you’ll be quite familiar with this area.
How to get there and what to do
Hop on vaporetto line #2 from San Zaccaria, and in less than five minutes you’ll arrive at San Giorgio Maggiore—a serene island that feels worlds apart from the bustle of Venice proper.
Climb the campanile (bell tower): Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Campanile and ride the elevator up San Giorgio’s bell tower instead. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of Venice’s most breathtaking panoramas: the Grand Canal, Santa Maria della Salute, the Doge’s Palace, and the lagoon stretching in all directions—a living postcard.
Pause for a coffee: Tucked just around the corner from the church, facing the lagoon, is a small café. Grab an espresso, find a bench by the water, and breathe. This kind of stillness is rare in Venice—just the sound of water lapping, bells tolling in the distance, and the occasional gull overhead.
Explore the garden labyrinth: Part of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, the Borges Labyrinth is a meditative maze inspired by the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. Walk its paths with an audio guide and orchestral soundtrack—a contemplative experience that feels both ancient and modern.
Visit the basilica and the masterpieces by Tintoretto: Step into the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a Renaissance gem designed by Palladio, and behold three major works by Tintoretto—one of the giants of Venetian painting. As of 2025, you can view The Fall of Manna, The Last Supper, and The Martyrdom of St. Stephen. These aren’t just religious paintings—they’re epic dramas in oil, alive with movement, light, shadow, and emotion.
Wander the island: Beyond the basilica, take time to stroll through quiet gardens and leafy paths. The old Benedictine monastery, now home to the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, adds to the island’s timeless atmosphere. It’s a perfect setting for photographs, reading, or some solo quiet time.
Practical tips for a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore
Vaporetto:
Take line #2 to the San Giorgio stop
Ticket prices: €9.50 for a single ride (valid 75 minutes), €25 for a 24-hour pass (recommended if you’re taking more than 3 rides in a day), and discounts available for multi-day passes (48h, 72h, 7-day)
Opening hours:
The bell tower and basilica usually open around 9:30 am
Tickets:
Basilica: Free
Bell tower: ~€6 (elevator included)
Borges Labyrinth: ~€15 (includes audio guide; advance booking recommended)
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours for a slow, meaningful visit
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