An island? It's actually eight islets whose shape has earned them the nickname spinalonga, fish bone. This old resort for Venetian nobility, separate from the actual city by the canal with the same name, is a true haven for someone escaping the brouhaha at the Piazza San Marco by taking the vaporetto. A peaceful walk along the quays of this place of graceful simplicity, facing the sumptuous Venetian Republic, is truly appreciated.