Chioggia & Sottomarina Waterfront Run

Just south of Venice, the seaside island of Chioggia and adjacent beach town of Sottomarina offer some wonderful waterfront running. They’re about an hour drive from Venice, and also easily reachable by inexpensive, 45-minute ferry. We’ve mapped a route of up to 12 km, that hits the major seaside promenades and canal-side paths, plus some of the major sites.

Start in the center of Chioggia and run along the the main Corso del Popolo thoroughfare, largely pedestrianized, to see the Torre dell’Orologio S. Andrea & Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta. Our route then meanders along the Fondamonte marina and then the quieter interior canals, Venice-like, with little bridges that can be crossed. After 4 km, you’ve pretty much run Chioggia.

Then, use the V. Sardegna bridge to leave Chioggia, and run on the Passeggiata Padoan, a promenade path that winds around the Lusenzo Lagoon for 3.5 km. You’re now on Sottomarina, which is known for its beach (not great for running). At the 7.5 km mark, you can conclude the run by taking the Isola dell’unione bridge back to Chioggia, or continue for another 1.7 km to the San Felice Fort. Retrace your steps to the start. Note: the path toward the fort is on large stones.