A different side of Venice – Staying in the Venetian countryside

Venice – about 3 years ago I found myself in this city at a really short notice of 2 days. While looking for a place to stay online,  I realized that last minute trips to Venice is not a good idea as all places that I liked and within my budget were full. After a lot of research I  ultimately stayed at the Faronhof B&B, a small bed and breakfast in Oriago di Mira (about 15 kms from Venice). Though I would have loved to stay in Venice; it all worked out much better in the end as this B&B gave me an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Venetian countryside.

The Venetian countryside, near Venice, Italy

I spent the entire day wandering around in Venice and in the late evening took a bus for the B&B. This B&B is quite far from Venice and with the evening traffic I took more than an hour to reach.  But the moment I got off the bus I loved the small town vibe and feel of the place and it felt really good to finally be away from the crowds in Venice.

A beautiful church near the bus stop, Oriago di Mira, Italy

The moment I disembarked, I saw a really old and still operational wooden drawbridge here on the river. This was my first ever drawbridge and I walked excitedly a couple of times on it to see how it works, the opening etc.

An old wooden drawbridge, Oriago di Mira, Italy

Walking on the wooden drawbridge, Oriago di Mira, Italy

There were also wooden posts all along the river for people to tie their boats, just like we park our cars. The evening clouds also made a nice picture on the river. Unfortunately I took this pic on my phone camera and the quality is not good.

Wooden posts in the river, Oriago di Mira, Italy

My host, Monica came to pick me up from the bus stop and after a quick 10 minute drive we reached the B&B. It was a small B&B with the hosts living on the ground floor and renting out 2 rooms on the first floor. My room was spacious and comfortable and the hosts made my stay super amazing with their recommendations and local insights. Monica is really knowledgeable and made a number of super helpful suggestions for my further travels and stay in Italy.

Faronhof B&B, Oriago di Mira, Italy

Monica recommended a couple of places to eat around and also a local bakery for some amazing pastries. But I was too tired and hence decided to just have a quick snack and sleep off. She also recommended going for a walk around as a lane close by has numerous fireflies, but I just could not gather the energy to go anywhere. However I woke up early the next morning and walked around to get a feel of the place.

Villas around Faronhof B&B

Local houses around Faronhof B&B

I loved the colorful fields around and felt it was a perfect area to explore with a cycle. Unfortunately I didn’t have the time as I was leaving that morning itself.

Local fields all around, Oriago di Mira, Italy

There were numerous fields with these red flowers but unfortunately I don’t know their name.

Fields with red flowers, Oriago di Mira, Italy

Many houses also had small vineyards in front of the house growing grapes 🙂

Small vineyards in front of the houses, Oriago di Mira, Italy

I especially loved this small chapel near one of the fields.

A small chapel, Oriago di Mira, Italy

Overall I loved my experience of staying in the countryside and experiencing a different side of Venice. It’s totally recommended. The place is not touristy at all and you can actually spend some time with the locals to get a flavor of the authentic Italian experience. However its easier to stay in these places if you have your own car. I didn’t and the next morning I nearly missed my train as no buses arrived on time. 🙂