I would like information about the flood tides in Venice; 1. Is there a part of Venice that doesn't flood? 2. Are there any hotel recommendations to avoid having to travel in the waters to and from the hotels? 3.Any other ways to travel without rubber boots and a backpack? We're getting older and like the roller bags. 4. Anyway to find out in advance if a flood tide is on it's way? Web-site? Thanks for any advice, we will be there in November.
Posted by
Green Bay
20990 posts
Here is the official website with tide forecasts for the near future in Venice (in Italian).
http://www.comune.venezia.it/it/content/centro-previsioni-e-segnalazioni-maree
Interpreting the numbers, anything under 80 cm is normal, 80 to 110 cm is "yellow", 110 to 140 "orange", 140+ cm is "red".
This is a description of what goes on in English.
http://en.turismovenezia.it/Venezia/High-Water-Information-Centre-7442.html
Unless you are entering or leaving the city during the Acqua Alta, it is not much of an issue. Risers are set up on the street at strategic points so you can walk without getting your feet wet in busy areas, like from/to the train station and Piazza San Marco. Actually, it something to see how the city goes about its normal business during the high water. Vaporetto service can be effected where boats can no longer get under certain bridges on the Rio Canareggio.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33578 posts
number 1 - none of Venice floods for virtually all year. When there is an acqua alta - usually in winter and early spring - only certain low lying areas flood, like St Marks Square and nearby. Most of the city remains above.
Being there in November may put you in line for a little water. More of a concern for me would be the biting cold winds that Venice is famous for at that time of the year.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15773 posts
I was there once in acqua alta, in February. It was much more interesting than inconvenient. I arrived by train with my wheelie bag in the middle of one. I was able to get within a couple hundred meters of my room (Dorsoduro) and could go no farther without carrying my bag - not an option. I went into a small cafe, had a drink and waited it out. The water subsides within a couple of hours. There was one more episode but it was in the middle of the night.
It only happens when there's a convergence of circumstances - including high tide (full moon) and rain and wind conditions. Most hotels have rubber boots to lend to guests. As soon as there's a warning of a flood, a siren sounds and the crews go out and set up elevated wooden walkways, so much of the city is passable without boots. Also hawkers will miraculously appear selling waterproof knee-high booties along with the ubiquitous umbrellas.
Posted by
Miami
115 posts
We were just in Venice during the Easter weekend and experienced the acqua alta during two nights. We had just arrived and walked over to a restaurant, by the time our dinner was over the tide was so high! The water was over our ankles, the next night again, and yes, you will encounter water in many of the streets. Street vendors sell booties that you put over your shoes. If you hear they expect acqua alta just make sure that you purchase the booties.