The tiny lagoon town nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ with multicoloured houses and bargain hotels
THERE’S a town in Europe that’s been likened to Venice for several years because of its long canals and multicoloured houses.
The Italian town of Comacchio in Emilia-Romagna is often dubbed “Little Venice” thanks to its network of picturesque canals.
According to Italy Magazine, the town received its nickname after it was built on 13 islands connected by bridges and a maze of canals.
While the architecture of both Italian destinations is very similar, their price points are very different.
Sun Online Travel have found hotels in the centre of Comacchio for £50 per person per night at the start of the peak season.
Meanwhile, similar hotels in the heart of Venice cost at least twice the price, with many costing £150 per person per night.
There are plenty of things to see in Comacchio, including the Trepponti – a 17th-century bridge.
Because the bridge is at the junction of five different canals, it is made of five staircases that connect the walkways.
Originally built as a defensive gate, the bridge is home to two small towers too.
Other bridges in the town include the Ponte Degli Sbirri, and the Ponte delle Carceri (the Bridge of Jails).
There are several other things to see in the small Italian town too, including Loggia del Grano – the town’s clock tower.
Inside Palazzo Bellini, holidaymakers will find other sites, like a library and an art gallery.
Despite its small size, the town is also home to a museum called Museo Delta Antico.
The archeological museum is home to a number of incredible artefacts, including an ancient Roman boat.
Arguably, one of the best ways to spend an hour or two is by admiring the multicoloured houses, which run alongside the banks of the canals.
The town is also home to a large fish market (called a Pescheria), which means seafood is a must.
Because of its coastal location, Comacchio is also close to plenty of beaches, including Bagno Gallanti Beach and Bagno Sagano.
Both of the beaches are just a 10-minute drive from Comacchio.
At an hour’s drive away, Bologna Airport is the closest to Comacchio.
Both Ryanair and easyJet operate direct flights from several UK cities, including London and Manchester.
Fares start from £15 for a one-way ticket, with flights taking approximately two hours and 20 minutes.
Emilia-Romagna is home to plenty of other picturesque spots too, including Rimini.
The stunning seaside city has been tipped as a top holiday spot for 2024 by a team of travel experts.
According to Skyscanner, Rimini has seen a 362 per cent increase in online searches from last year, showing the growing interest in the city.
The main reason people visit Rimini is for its nine-mile stretch of shoreline, with the city the biggest beach resort on the Adriatic Sea.
Several other towns and cities in Italy have been compared to Venice in recent years, including Treviso.
Set in northeastern Italy, Treviso is known for its historic palaces, pretty canals, and proximity to the Veneto Prosecco region.
Because of these similarities, the small Italian city has been compared to Venice for many years.
And there’s one English city that tourists can’t stop comparing to Venice.