Acqua Alta, which literally translates to high water, typically occurs in the winter months in Venice. Due to a combination of the amounts of rain northern Italy receives in winter, strong southerly winds, the tides, and even the movement of the sea, Venice is at risk for flooding when the water rises in the Venetian Lagoon. So what does that mean for tourists visiting La Serenissima? Generally not too much as acqua alta is a way of life, but here are 9 tips for surviving acqua alta in Venice:
1. How do I know if Venice is experiencing acqua alta?
If you’re headed to Venice, just like the weather, you can check the acqua alta forecast online. Also check out the webcams at St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge to see real-time conditions.
2. Should I pack rain boots?
Generally, there is no need to tote your wellies all the way to Italy. Most of Venice remains dry during acqua alta. Typically the photographs that make the news are taken in and around St. Mark’s Square, the lowest part of the island, because it floods first and also usually has the highest water. You can typically avoid the flooded parts and wait out acqua alta at your hotel or do activities and sightseeing in the dry neighborhoods.
3. Will my suitcase get wet?
It might! Always an advocate of packing in a carry-on size bag, you’ll be glad you packed light when you have to lift and carry that suitcase over your head to reach your hotel in a high water area.
4. Do water buses still operate?
Yes, they sure do! Acqua alta is a way of life in Venice and Venetians go about their business even in high water. It might mean that the route needs to be altered, so just check that the vaporetto will still be stopping at your destination.
5. What about attractions, stores, and restaurants?
It’s typically business as usual for most attractions, stores, and restaurants too. Though some in high water areas may need to close temporarily. If you’re planning to visit an attraction, store, or restaurant in a high water area you can always check with your hotel’s concierge to confirm it is open.
6. Can I still walk around?
Yes, absolutely! Elevated platforms are set out on the main passageways to allow you to walk above the water. Stay to the right when walking.
7. What about when there aren’t platforms? Should I take my shoes off?
Never walk barefoot in acqua alta. Remember that this is water that has washed over the streets and piazzas, sweeping up all the trash with it. You wouldn’t want to step on broken glass or other objects and risk cutting your feet. Not to mention, the water is dirty and full of bacteria.
8. How long does acqua alta last?
Remember, acqua alta is typically caused by the tides. Usually the water starts going down in 3 – 4 hours. In periods of heavy rain, acqua alta can last up to a few days. But that is pretty rare.
9. How often does acqua alta occur?
From 1966 to 2012, water over 110cm occurred on average four times per year and covered about 14% of the island.
Acqua alta is not a dangerous phenomenon. It’s more of an inconvenience, which can mostly be avoided by following these tips!
Carina says
We were just there in October but didn’t experience this. Does it damage the floors in St. Mark’s? They were far less level than they were the last time I was in the church (about 10 yrs ago). What about the restaurants and other businesses near the piazza? Do they sandbag to prevent water from entering or do they suspend their tables and equipment from the ceiling or something?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Acqua Alta usually only happens about four times each year. It’s definitely more common in November and December. There are steps and St. Mark’s Basilica is actually a meter higher than St. Mark’s Square, so the water would need to be very, very high for it to flood the inside of the church. Businesses around St. Mark’s do experience water inside. It’s not too much an issue as buildings are built with flooding in mind and electrical outlets and such are high up on the walls.
Kirsten says
Very helpful tips. Luckily I traveled to Venice in the summer and didn’t have to deal with this!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It’s really not that frequent and winter is a wonderful time to go to Venice. No crowds – unless you’ve come for Carnevale!
Devlin says
My parents told me about this when they visited Venice years ago. They also mentioned seeing a local man carrying an elder father/uncle on his back along the platforms, now that’s family!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I will say this about Italians – they are the definition of family values. Family is the most important thing and just about everything revolves around family life.
Heather says
I first learned about this phenomenon a few years ago. I still remember the photos of the men sitting at tables on flooded patios, reading the newspaper as if nothing were wrong! Great tips on how to deal with it!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes! Those were some tourists that posed last year during one of the highest acqua altas Venice has seen in recent years. That water was NOT warm, so I deem them crazy!
Adam P. says
Being in Venice when the streets are flooded is just sad — sad because you feel in a visceral way just how threatened this beautiful city is..But navigating the city is not that challenging, they put up planks and high wooden walkways so people can get around.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The biggest challenge with those planks is the amount of foot traffic on them. But only a very small portion of Venice actually floods. The city is threatened though and it is sad to think that it may not be here one day for future generations to enjoy.
Lori says
Useful tips – though I hope I won’t end up in Venice when this happens!
Reed says
Great info. Lucky me I came aacross your blog bby accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved it for later!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Glad you stumbled across us, Reed! Hope you’ll stick around and find more useful tips and travel inspiration on our site. Thanks for stopping by!
Chris M says
I was in Venice two weeks ago and one of the things I liked the most was making a tour through the traditional bars of Venice, with a selection of typical wines and appetizers. I was surprised about how many hidden bars and restaurants there are in Venice…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Agreed, Chris! There are a lot of fabulous hidden bacari. We highly recommend this tour to get a bit of history and discover some of the hidden gems: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/discovering-venice-like-a-local/
Sunny says
Hi,
I am travelling to Venice with my family during mid December. I am told 70% of Venice still remains dry during acqua alta. If so how do i avoid acqua alta, and which areas should i stay in, will accordingly book hotels.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Sunny! Correct, as we said in the post the areas that actually flood are a very small part of Venice. San Marco usually does when there is high water because of where it is situated. Again, acqua alta only happens a few times each year so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
Ann Roscoe says
We will be in Venice in early November 2015. We plan to go to the Guggenheim and some other museums. What are the higher parts of the city so we can avoid the flooding? We will be staying at the Hotel Becher.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Ann,
I really wouldn’t worry about Acqua Alta. If it happens, which is usually only a few times per year, it only lasts a few hours and is in a very small part of the island. You always see photos because San Marco, the only piazza on Venice, experiences Acqua Alta and this is the most tourist trafficked part of the island. There aren’t “higher” parts of the island; it’s just that only places like San Marco that are completely exposed to the lagoon and the tide get the high water. Enjoy your trip!
Robin Harstad says
We arrived in Venice and heard a brief siren alarm during the day. Later that night when we arrived at our restaurant the entrance was covered in water. Lucky for us our waiters gave us piggyback rides into the restaurant. We had a great meal and on the way back to the hotel enjoyed the adventure. We were told this was very unusual for mid June 2016.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
That was very kind of your waiters! Yes, acqua alta is extremely unusual for June but it has been a very rainy spring. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and that it added some extra memorable adventure to it!