Acqua Alta in Venice

Venice, the city of canals and gondolas, has a special challenge. Sometimes, the water level in the sea rises way up, flooding parts of the city. This high water is called "acqua alta," which means "high water" in Italian. It can be a real pain for people who live there, but it's also a unique sight to see! It's an integral feature of Venice weather.

Venice and the High Water: All About Acqua Alta

Acqua Alta is the literal translation of "high water" in Italian. It is a recurring Venice weather phenomenon where the city experiences temporary flooding. It usually occurs between autumn and early spring with peaks in November. This phenomenon lasts on average a couple of hours and resolves naturally. Note that not every high tide is an Acqua Alta. It only occurs when the water level rises above 80 cm.

What are the causes of Acqua Alta?

A confluence of natural and human-influenced factors causes Acqua Alta. Here's a breakdown of the key contributors:

Astronomical Tides: Acqua alta, occurs due to a combination of astronomical phenomena. These phenomena include the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. This creates regular high tides in the Adriatic Sea. These tides are the foundation for Acqua Alta events.
Seasonal Winds: During the autumn and winter Venice gets strong winds from south and south-east. The most prominent of these winds is sirocco and these can reach up to speed of 25 km per hour. These winds blow a lot of water up north towards Venice, making the high tides even higher. The areas that flood most are those in the San Marco district as they are the most exposed to the sirocco winds.
Seiches: The Adriatic Sea is prone to a natural phenomenon called seiches. Seiches are large-scale standing waves within the sea. These can cause temporary fluctuations in water levels that can add to the height of high tides.
Land Subsidence: Venice is slowly sinking due to natural geological processes. This subsidence makes the city even more vulnerable to rising sea levels and high tides. Human beings also have influenced this phenomenon. For instance, the building of Porto Marghera destroyed the "barena" islands. These islands once protected the area from high water. The various bridges built in the lagoon did not help Venice either. It is certainly a complex phenomenon and difficult to schematise.
Eustasy: Global warming is causing sea levels to rise globally. This long-term trend contributes to Acqua Alta events by raising the baseline water level in the Adriatic Sea.

What are the impacts of Acqua Alta in Venice?

Acqua Alta's high waters leave their mark on Venice. These waters flood streets, squares, and even famous places like St. Mark's Square. This flooding disrupts transportation and damages buildings. The constant battle with saltwater weakens infrastructure, erodes historic structures, and threatens the city's irreplaceable cultural heritage. Daily life gets disrupted as residents navigate flooded areas and businesses close. Even tourism can suffer when Acqua Alta makes Venice less accessible.

Living with the Rising Tide: Venice and Acqua Alta

For centuries, Venetians have learned to coexist with Acqua Alta. Buildings throughout the city have been constructed with raised ground floors. This keeps living spaces above the flood line. The Venice City Council set up the elevated wooden walkways called "passerelle" across the city. This helps the pedestrian movement during the acqua alta. Furthermore, a reliable tide forecasting system keeps everyone informed and prepared. The Venice City Council has tried to contain the problem by creating a system of mobile dams called Mose. Its function is to stem the excessive inflow of water through inlets in the sandbanks of the lagoon.

Don't Let the Water Spoil Your Trip: Experiencing Acqua Alta in Venice

Acqua Alta only happens a few times a year, and even then, the flooding is usually manageable. Check our Venice Map to get tide forecasts from time to time. If you do encounter Acqua Alta, view it as a unique Venetian experience! Wear a pair of waterproof boots and explore the city. Include waterproof boots and a foldable raincoat in your luggage for peace of mind. You can also buy them from the local market. Acqua Alta often disrupts water transportation. Embrace the opportunity to explore Venice on foot. Use the raised walkways in the high flooded areas. Ask your hotel or locals for recommendations on navigating flooded areas. They'll also guide you to find open restaurants during high tides.

Acqua Alta in Venice: Some useful tips to the visitors

Boot Up: Waterproof boots are your best friend during Acqua Alta. You can pack them from home or buy them from local shops for navigating flooded areas.
Check the Forecast: Check our Venice Map to get the tide forecast and plan your itinerary.
Dine Above the Waterline: Seek out restaurants with raised platforms or outdoor seating. These establishments are well-prepared for Acqua Alta. Enjoy a delicious meal without getting splashed.
Cash on Hand: ATMs might be inaccessible in flooded areas. Carry some cash for unexpected purchases or public transportation during high tides.
Waterproof Your Valuables: Invest in a waterproof backpack or dry bag. These will keep your valuables safe from splashes or sudden downpours that can go with Acqua Alta.
Walk with Caution: Raised walkways offer a safe passage. But be cautious of uneven surfaces and gaps between walkway sections. Mind your step and walk slowly for better balance.
Respectful Tourist: Acqua Alta can disrupt daily life for residents. Be mindful of their routines, and avoid creating unnecessary splashes. , Focus on open shops and restaurants to reduce inconvenience.

Acqua Alta can be an interesting twist on your Venetian adventure. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can experience the city's unique high tides without missing a beat!