San Giorgio Maggiore

Island, church and open-air theatre
Word to the wise: If you plan to visit the island in the evening check the times of the last vaporetto, as they can stop quite early.

Across the lagoon from San Marco sits this picturesque island, dominated by the 16th century church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Designed by Andrea Palladio, the church's white marble facade reflects the sun and is a favourite photo subject for strollers along the Riva degli Schiavoni across the water.
Inside are a clutch of wonderful Tintoretto artworks, including his Last Supper, and some stunning carved choir stalls. The campanile is a copy of the one across the water in the Piazza and has almost as good a view from the top.

Also worth a visit is the interesting monastery here. Over the years it has been home to both the Venetian military and the exiled Cosimo de'Medici, and today is the headquarters of the Cini Foundation, which works to preserve the city's culture and art. One of its ventures is the Teatro Verde, the island's open air theatre, where you can watch plays and classical concerts in summer.