Destination: Venice
Viewing Venice Viewing Venice Features Essence Time Line Peace & Quiet * Countryside and Wildlife in and around Venice * Venice and the Venetian Lagoon * The Po Delta, Valli di Comacchio and Punte Alberte * The Po Valley * Open Country * The Italian Alps Famous People	Countryside and Wildlife in and around Venice For an island city so completely dominated by buildings, Venice might seem an unpromising destination for the holiday naturalist. Venice and the Veneto coast have considerable wildlife interest and the city makes a good base from which to explore the watery habitat surrounding it. Venice lies in the Laguna Veneta, a marine lagoon near the mouth of the River Po which is almost completely cut off from the sea by sand bars. The lagoon is studded with islands and saltmarsh, the whole area being a haven for wildlife, in particular birds. Ducks, waders, egrets and herons are all numerous at certain times of the year. Although much of the Po delta and Laguna Veneta are inaccessible, many species can be seen during boat trips or from the adjacent mainland. By way of a complete contrast, those who want a few days' break from Venice can make a comparatively short journey north through sunny hillsides to the Italian Alps.	COUNTRY Italy REGION Tuscany & Florence CITIES Rome Florence Naples Venice   Viewing   What To See   Where To ...   Practical Matters MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK