Autumn houseboat diary: crystal-clear skies, mist, and the flavours of the lagoon

The journey begins in the autumnal quietness

It's early morning and everything is enveloped by mist. On a houseboat, cruising has a different rhythm: sky and water merge and the landscape is like a painting you could lose yourself in. Autumn in the lagoon means silence, slowness, and contemplation: an invitation to relax and experience the journey, to let yourself be carried away by the breath of the water.

A gust of the bora wind blows away the fog, producing a clear sky. It's time for “Stravedamento”, an optical effect produced by crystal-clear air that allows you to see as far into the distance as the Dolomites, which towering above, reflected in the water, seem close enough to touch.

Red grapevines and seagulls: colours and encounters along the route

Red grapevines adorn the salt marshes, adding touches of reddish-brown. In autumn, the salt marshes turn into a mosaic of warm hues which seem to emerge dramatically from the water.

The seagulls or “cocai” gather on wooden posts known as “bricole”, each on its own – and woe betide anyone who touches it. They watch us pass, motionless and curious, like sentinels. Stopping to watch them is part of the experience: on a houseboat there’s no need to rush and every encounter becomes a moment to remember.

Autumnal flavours: A Journey at the table

A fisherman says it's the perfect time for “moèche” and “masanete” (soft-shell crabs and female crabs with roe), tiny treasures of lagoon cuisine. We can't resist the temptation to stop at a local trattoria where we’re welcomed with a plate of warm chestnut “mistocca” and the unmistakable aroma of “sugoi”, dessert made from grape must, steeped in tradition.

Our journey continues along the rivers that enter the hinterland for a rich autumnal menu: the unique taste of crunchy, late red radicchio paired with a good glass of red, reveal the deep connection between this territory and its seasonal cuisine.

When the sun sets, the lagoon turns gold

As the afternoon rolls on the light changes: the autumn sun casts golden reflections that dance on the still water. The canals become mirrors, reflecting the sky and the warm seasonal tones. In this lagoon there’s no melancholy, only peace, beauty, and the desire to stop and savour every moment.

Autumn on a houseboat: the most authentic time to discover the lagoon

Sailing on a houseboat in autumn is an experience you’ll never forget: freedom to roam, few people, close contact with nature, and the opportunity to experience the lagoon and the river in their most intimate moments. It's the perfect time for people who want to explore without rushing, discovering small villages, local traditions, and authentic flavours.

Want to try this experience for yourself?

With Houseboat Holidays Italia, you can experience autumn on a houseboat, discovering the lagoon’s seasonal colours and flavours along with the unmistakable charm of Venice and its waterways. It’s the quietest time of the year, with cruising continuing until the end of October.