We escaped the crowds of Venice by exploring nearby islands.
Venice is an absolutely beautiful city, but with all the other tourists, the tight streets and narrow canals can start to feel too crowded after a while.
So, my husband and I boarded a ferry to Lido, the barrier island separating Venice from the open sea.
Here, we rented bikes, rode along the beach for some stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, and boarded another ferry to Santa Maria del Mare.
Once we arrived, we biked to the fishing village of Pellestrina and sampled the freshest-tasting seafood I've ever eaten.
I highly recommend visiting the surrounding islands if you have the time to leave Venice's city center and want an authentic, less-touristy experience.