Owning a private island in the Venice lagoon sounds like a fantasy, but for €5.5 million it can become a reality. The island of Crevan, located about 7.5 kilometres from the Venetian mainland, is now on the market, offering a rare combination of seclusion and proximity to one of Europe's most beloved cities.
Spanning 5,700 square metres, Crevan is covered in lush vegetation and provides sweeping views of the neighbouring islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. For those arriving by water, the property includes two boat moorings and a dockyard, ensuring easy access to the lagoon's waterways. Helicopter landings are also possible, making the island accessible by air as well.
A fortress with a storied past
The island's centrepiece is a restored Napoleonic-era fortress, which has been converted into a 215 square metre residence. The home retains its original mid-20th-century layout and offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, all facing the sea. The fortress's thick walls and historic character provide a unique living experience that blends old-world charm with modern comfort.
Dimitri Corti, founder and CEO of Lionard Luxury Real Estate, which is handling the sale, describes Crevan as offering “something increasingly rare in Venice.” He notes that the island provides “the possibility of being extraordinarily close to the city while experiencing an almost complete sense of separation from it.”
“Just a few kilometres from Venice, the island is a private fragment of the lagoon, accessible only by water or helicopter, surrounded by nature and overlooking Burano and Torcello.”
The island's location is particularly appealing for those who want to explore the Venetian archipelago. Burano, often called “Venice's most colourful island,” is known for its brightly painted houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work or even try the craft themselves in local workshops. Torcello, with just a dozen permanent residents, offers a quieter escape and is home to the mysterious “Attila's Throne,” a marble seat in the central square that is steeped in local legend.
For Corti, what makes Crevan “truly distinctive” is the “combination of landscape, privacy and history.” He adds, “Owning Crevan does not simply mean owning a residence, but becoming the custodian of an entire island and of a small part of the Venetian Lagoon's heritage.”
The sale of Crevan comes at a time when Europe's islands are under increasing pressure from tourism. Recent data shows that Greek islands top the EU chart for tourist saturation, and while Venice itself has struggled with overtourism, private islands like Crevan offer an alternative for those seeking solitude. The property's exclusivity is a stark contrast to the crowded waterbus routes that ferry day-trippers between Murano and Burano.
For those who prefer a more spontaneous approach to travel, the Faroe Islands have introduced secret GPS routes to help visitors rediscover the joy of unplanned exploration. But for the ultra-wealthy, owning a piece of the Venetian lagoon may be the ultimate escape.
Crevan is not just a home; it is a piece of European history. The fortress stands as a reminder of the Napoleonic era, when the lagoon was a strategic military outpost. Today, it offers a peaceful retreat for those who can afford it, with the vibrant life of Venice just a short boat ride away.
As the property market for unique European residences continues to attract international buyers, Crevan represents a rare opportunity to own a slice of Italy's cultural heritage. Whether as a private residence or a holiday retreat, the island promises an unparalleled lifestyle in one of the world's most iconic settings.
