Misty FosterSkip the tourist hordes and find a unique experience in the outdoors 30 minutes from the most beautiful city in the world – Glamping in Venice.
For generations, outdoor enthusiasts have been seeking out remote spots to pitch a tent and enjoy the elements. There’s something invigorating about waking up with the sun and being greeted by nature’s morning soundtrack. But as travel and technology have evolved, so has camping. High-tech tents, solar-powered gear, and gourmet-grub…campers no longer have to “rough it” if they don’t want to; especially now that Glamping (glamorous camping) has entered the scene. Glamping allows creatures of comfort to have the best of both worlds. You can sleep in a luxury bed and enjoy the wild at the same time. Nature is your hotel lobby and your tent is your private suite.
Photo: Misty Foster
Glamping in Venice
The emerging trend has become so popular that there are entire websites dedicated to the pursuit of finding epic glamping sites. So, it’s no surprise that tents are popping up in some of the world’s most popular destinations like Venice, Italy.
You may be wondering how a glamping in Venice – a city full of canals and old building works? Well, technically it doesn’t. This ancient, floating city is part of an archipelago and Venice is considered the mainland. Across the lagoon lies several, lesser-known islands like Burano, Murano, and Torcello. Just beyond that is the territory of Cavallino Treporti, which is where you will find a host of high-end camping sites.
Photo: Misty Foster
Effects of Mass Tourism in Venice
Lately, Venice has been experiencing the negative effects of mass-tourism. So much so, that the city recently installed turnstiles to limit the influx. And while concern over climate change and the rising sea levels is still a threat for the city built on water, the bigger concern is for the dwindling local population. 20 million visitors visit Venice each year, and currently, the city only has 55,000 residents. Tourist overwhelmingly outnumber the locals. However, the city has come to rely on tourism and at this point, is it’s the best key to survival. The solution? Change the demand in favor of localism.
The secret to enjoying Venice like a local
If visiting Venice is on your bucket list but you don’t want to be part of the problem, staying on one of the smaller islands is another great rejoinder. And hey, why not glamp while you are at it?
Based on the Danish concept of Hygge (good living and well-being), the Nordisk Village Venice is the perfect alternative for low-impact travelers, who want to glamp it up! The cozy and chic campsite is designed in a way that everything can be packed out, leaving an untouched environment. Each tent can fit up to four people and includes one double and two single beds, a sofa, clothes space, and fridge. All of the Nordisk Legacy tents come with a story connected to Norse mythology. The Venice campsite is named after the Vanaheim, home to the Vanir- a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see into the future.
Photo: Courtesy of Nordisk Village
Part of a larger camping complex called, Ca’ Savio, the village is comprised of ten cotton tents set up in a large circle, facing each other. A shared kitchen sits in the middle of the camping area to encourage communal cooking and mingling with the other guests. Campers can also enjoy fresh, organic vegetables and herbs from the community garden, which is situated next to the kitchen space. Each tent comes equipped with a reusable dishes, utensils, towels, and linens. Right next to your tent is a shaded pergola to enjoy a meal and enjoy the nature.
Everything you need is nearby including a small grocery store, a pool, bar, and even a gelato shop! You can also rent a bike to get around the complex and to the private beach, which is only a few meters away. Shared shower and toilet facilities are easily accessible from the village, as well.
This setup is ideal for travelers of all types. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find the campground and tents relaxing. Guests can spend the day on the campground and beach, or when you are ready to venture into Venice, it’s only a short 30-minute ferry ride. The ferry drops you off right in the heart of the Piazza San Marco and runs every half-hour. There are also nearby vineyards and farms to explore, and the Dolomites are only a short drive from the campground.
The Nordisk Village concept is opening a second location in Japan and looking to expand to other parts of the globe.
Charles Lindbergh once said, “Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization.” While that may be true, if you want to explore the freedom of the wild and have a modicum of civility present, glamping may be the answer.
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