Nueva Venecia: The Floating Village of Colombia

Located in the waters of the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, in Colombia’s Magdalena department, Nueva Venecia is a floating city that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Its uniqueness lies in its location above the water, an environment that provides it with unmatched natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and a one-of-a-kind way of life. With a population of around 3,500 people, this floating island has for decades been a refuge for those who have chosen to live in harmony with nature and water.

Founded in 1950 by a group of fishermen seeking to escape harsh weather and insecurity in nearby areas, Nueva Venecia was established as an isolated refuge. From its early days, the island has been an example of resilience and adaptation. Its inhabitants have successfully utilized their aquatic surroundings to develop activities like fishing, agriculture, and more recently, ecotourism. The island’s name refers to the Italian city of Venice, famous for its canals, reflecting the island’s close connection with the surrounding water.

Nueva Venecia: A charming floating village in Colombia

Known for its lack of crime, Nueva Venecia is one of the safest places in Magdalena. The island has 500 homes, a school with 800 students, a soccer field donated by Colombian footballer Radamel Falcao, and a church that only opens three times a year. While the island’s infrastructure is simple, life here is characterized by a tranquility that sets it apart from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Access to Nueva Venecia is exclusively by water, and it can be reached by navigating the Magdalena River from Barranquilla or from the village of Tasajera.

Life in Nueva Venecia is deeply connected to the water. The island’s residents primarily get around in small boats, whether for work, shopping, or other daily activities. Public transportation consists of canoes and boats, which gives the community a peaceful and simple lifestyle. Here, time seems to flow differently and in harmony with the natural surroundings.

The main economic activities in Nueva Venecia are artisanal fishing and agriculture, with rice cultivation and oil palm being particularly prominent. Fishing, using traditional techniques, is the primary source of income, while crops of “caña fleha,” a local variety of cane, are used to make traditional products like “caña fleha” and cane sugar, which also form an important part of the island’s economy.

@yessicapriil Abril trajo alegría y colores para el hermoso pueblo palafito de Nueva Venecia 😍🧑‍🎨🎨. #pueblospalafitos #pueblosmagicos #arteycultura #nuevavenecia #colores #casasdecolores #colombia #magdalena #viral_video #paratii #fypシ゚ ♬ El Pescador – Totó La Momposina

Environmental challenges

Despite its beauty and tranquility, Nueva Venecia faces significant challenges. Increasing water pollution and deforestation of the swamp threaten local biodiversity and as well as the quality of life for its residents.

However, the community is committed to protecting the natural environment and has adopted various initiatives to preserve the area. Ecotourism and responsible farming have become key tools in promoting a sustainable economy, benefiting both the well-being of residents and the conservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

Nueva Venecia is a unique place that combines natural beauty, a simple life, and a close relationship with water. Throughout its history, its inhabitants have demonstrated an admirable ability to adapt and persevere, allowing it to remain a refuge of tranquility in the Colombian Caribbean.