One of the most peaceful and lesser-known islands in the Venetian Lagoon, San Francesco del Deserto offers a unique experience of silence, spirituality, and nature.
Far from the crowds, it’s only accessible by water — and the best way to get there is to visit San Francesco del Deserto by boat, with a personalized private tour like Islands Discovery by Venice Tour By Boat.
This small island is home to a historic Franciscan monastery, still inhabited by a small group of monks who live in simplicity and welcome visitors with quiet hospitality.
According to tradition, Saint Francis of Assisi himself stopped here in 1220 after returning from the East. The energy of that story still lives on today: as you walk among the cloister, cypress trees, and vegetable gardens, you can feel a sense of stillness and sacredness.
A private boat tour allows you to reach the island comfortably and calmly, away from scheduled ferries and large groups. The arrival is something special: as the boat slows, you’ll see the island emerge from the water, surrounded by green, with only the sound of the breeze and birdsong.
Visits are allowed during specific times and often include a short introduction by one of the monks. Venice Tour By Boat will help you plan your stop accordingly, making it part of a larger itinerary that might include Burano, Mazzorbo, or Sant’Erasmo — for a day that blends discovery, nature, and inner quiet.
Discover a different side of the lagoon: visit San Francesco del Deserto by boat and let yourself be moved by its silence.
