Chioggia — Rada di Chioggia
Chioggia Outer Roads · Porto di Chioggia · Sottomarina anchorage
45°13.2'N 12°17.1'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in the outer roads in 4–6m with 4:1 scope. If Scirocco builds, the outer roads become uncomfortable with swell from SE — move inside or to the marina. The inner lagoon anchorage needs only 60m due to excellent mud holding and all-round protection.
About This Anchorage
Chioggia is the 'little Venice' of the southern lagoon — a genuine fishing city with canals, bridges, and Byzantine churches, far less touristic than Venice itself. The southern entrance to the Venice Lagoon, it guards one of three MOSE barrier inlets. The outer roads provide a reasonable overnight anchorage in settled weather, while the inner lagoon (accessible by dinghy or small motorboat) reveals the city's working waterfront. The Chioggia fish market (Mercato Ittico) is one of Italy's finest. The lagoon channels here are navigable with careful pilotage using current charts. The city centre is walkable from the marina and accessible by dinghy.
Protected From
NW · W · N
Exposed To
SE · S · E
Setting Your Anchor
Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica meadows is prohibited throughout Italian waters under the EU Habitats Directive and is actively enforced — fines range from €500–€3,000. In the Venice Lagoon, always navigate within marked channels (bricole); mud banks outside channels can be as shallow as 0.3m. In AMP zones throughout Italy, check for Zone A/B/C designations before anchoring.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free in outer roads. Marina berths available from €20–€50/night depending on LOA.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Follow marked channels in lagoon — leaving channels risks grounding. Speed limit 5 km/h in lagoon channels (moto ondoso enforcement active). MOSE barrier operations may affect inlet access.
Hazards
- !Scirocco (SE): The Northern Adriatic Scirocco produces a very steep, dangerous sea in the outer roads — a 3-day Scirocco builds 2–3m swell from SE; abandon outer roads anchorage on first Scirocco forecast
- !Lagoon shoaling: Extensive mud banks (barene) outside marked channels are <1m; grounding is common for unfamiliar vessels; use only marked fairways
- !MOSE barrier operations: When Acqua Alta is forecast and barriers are raised at Chioggia inlet, access for vessels is restricted or prohibited — check comune.venezia.it for closure schedules
- !Tidal currents: Strong tidal flow through the Chioggia inlet (up to 3 kts at springs) — time entry/exit with the tide; counter-current in inlet during ebb with Scirocco creates breaking seas
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive at Chioggia near HW to maximize lagoon access depth; the inlet has a controlling depth of approximately 4–5m at MLWS depending on recent silting
- →The Chioggia fish market (Mercato Ittico) is open daily from 06:00 — one of the best in Italy for fresh Adriatic seafood; worth an early tender ride ashore
- →For Venice: Take the public vaporetto (water bus) from the Chioggia public quay — the journey up the lagoon to Venice via the islands is 45–90 minutes and far more scenic than any road approach
- →Avoid anchoring in the ferry channel between Chioggia and Sottomarina — the car ferry runs continuously and creates significant wash
Facilities
Excellent fish restaurants in Chioggia — try fresh scallops (canestrelli), spider crab (granseola), and grilled sole (sogliola). The Mercato Ittico (fish market) opens at 06:00.
Nearest provisions: Chioggia town centre (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–June and September–October are best — warm, fewer tourists, acqua alta rare. July–August: summer Bora can develop; the outer roads are more comfortable than the inner lagoon in strong Bora. Avoid November–March: acqua alta risk high, Bora frequent, cold and damp.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Northern Adriatic, the Bora can build from calm to 60+ km/h while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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