Sant'Erasmo is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon — sparsely inhabited but second in size only to Venice. It is one of the few lagoon islands where cars are present, though only residents may drive them; tourists cannot bring their own vehicles to the island.

Located at the centre of a triangle formed by Burano, Murano and Punta Sabbioni, Sant'Erasmo's fertile soil makes it the agricultural island of the Venetian Lagoon, covered in orchards and vineyards. It is particularly famous for the violet artichoke — a local Slow Food presidium.

The island is reachable from Venice Fondamente Nove, Murano Faro and Treporti Ricevitoria via ACTV public water-bus lines, or by private transfer. A visit typically involves a leisurely walk through fields and vineyards, the Church of Christ the King (consecrated 1929, Romanesque-Byzantine style) and the Maximilian Tower — a 19th-century fort now used for art and photography exhibitions.

Throughout the year, Sant'Erasmo hosts several traditional festivals tied to the island's agricultural and religious heritage.

• The Epiphany Bonfire on 6 January: at 5pm a large bonfire burns the "berolòn", a figure made of scrap wood and fabric. According to Venetian tradition, the direction of the smoke foretells the year ahead — the garbìn (south-west wind) promises rain and a good harvest, while the furlàn (north-east) signals dry weather and a lean season. Afterwards, pinza cake and mulled wine are served to all.
• The Violet Artichoke Festival, second Sunday of May at the Maximilian Tower: tastings, sale of local produce and demonstrations of artichoke-based cooking.
• The Feast of Christ the King, patron saint, first Sunday of June in the village square.
• The Must Festival, first or second Sunday of October: tasting of the "torbolino", a lightly sparkling, partially fermented white wine.

The Violet Artichoke Festival traditionally takes place on the second Sunday of May at the Maximilian Tower. The 2026 programme is not yet available.

Below is the 2024 edition schedule for reference:

To reach Sant'Erasmo for the festival, buy your vaporetto tickets online and skip the queue at the ticket offices.

For a different perspective on Sant'Erasmo and the lesser-known lagoon islands, a sailing boat tour explores the hidden lagoon between Murano, the Lido and the more mysterious islands — well off the standard tourist circuit.

The Must Festival traditionally takes place on the first or second Sunday of October. The 2026 schedule is not yet available. Below is the previous edition for reference:

The Feast of Christ the King traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of June. The 2026 schedule is not yet available. Below is the previous edition for reference:

Sant'Erasmo Accommodation

We hope to please suggesting some facilities such as hotels, inns and bed & breakfast in Sant'Erasmo in order to help you find accommodation or rooms in Sant'Erasmo or nearby.

Where to buy local handicraft products around Sant'Erasmo

In the globalized market has become very difficult to buy local crafts in places that you go to visit. Let us, therefore, to suggest the reliable shops where you can buy the authentic pieces and not imported.