Unless you've been living under a rock, you won't need us to tell you that poor old Venice has had a rough ride in recent years.
The ancient canal city has become an unwilling poster child for overtourism, plagued by everything from rising waters and overcrowding to depopulation.
Around 30 million travellers visit Venice each year, eclipsing its 48,000 permanent residents several times over.
And that's before we get to its involvement in the monstrous display of wealth that was the Bezos-Sanchez wedding.
Inspired by Fodor's 'No' travel list, which encourages tourists to be mindful about the places they choose to visit, we're bringing you a Venice alternative so you can do your bit to give this weary prima donna relief.
Sixteen miles south of the icon herself is Chioggia, a charming fishing town on the Venetian Lagoon affectionately known as 'Little Venice'.
Locals will tell you different. If anything, they say, it's Venice that should be described as Chioggia's larger doppelgänger, and it's true, Chioggia is older.
Already popular with tourists from Central and Eastern Europe for its quaint centre and nearby sandy beaches, Chioggia's surge in fame can be traced to the The New York Times placing it at the top of its '52 best places to visit' in 2022 - a prestigious annual list that focuses on sustainable destinations, away from overtourism.
The city was also in the running to become Italy's 2024 Cultural Capital, a title that was ultimately thrown Pesaro's way.
Things to do in Chioggia
Italian travel influencer Maritia Mazzini has visited Chioggia many times and says it's just like Venice, but more intimate.
'You'll find a mix of canals, fishermen, tiny alleys and slow mornings. It's a town that doesn't need filters,' she tells Metro.
Her best advice? Ditch the itinerary and wake early to wander the canals instead. 'Chioggia is at its best in the morning, you'll catch the fishermen (or mògnoli) starting their day.'
The local fish market is the one place you shouldn't leave without seeing, according to Maritia: 'It's where you feel the heartbeat of the city.'
Located behind Palazzo Granaio, dozens of stalls sell everything from fresh sea bream to anchovies. The market is one of the oldest institutions in the city.
She says it's also worth checking out the centuries-old buildings on Corso del Popolo and the Vigo Bridge. Built in 1685, it's often compared to Venice's Rialto Bridge.
A food lover's heaven
After a morning of culture, Maritia recommends resting your feet at a canalside cafe and ordering Venetian cicchetti (appetiser snacks that can be everything from olives to hard-boiled eggs).
Her top choice is Epperté, which serves scallops with polenta (€12/£10.50), crostini with fish pate (€10/£9), and mixed meat with cured cheese (€18/£16).
'These places aren't tourist traps. They're where locals actually go,' she adds.
Destination detour
A popular day trip from Chioggia is the beach in the suburb of Sottomarina, about a 30-minute walk from the main town, with powdery white sand and spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea.
There are cafes and sun loungers, as well as water sports including kitesurfing and windsurfing.
There's also a great diving spot: Le tegnùe, where you can explore the largest coral reef on the Adriatic.
If you want to make more of a full day out of it, you could start at the Lido near Venice and rent a bike at one of the many rentals close to the Santa Maria Elisabetta hub (average daily rates are €10 per bike).
How to get there
Chioggia doesn't have an airport, so you'll be flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
On Monday, December 22, we found a one-way Ryanair flight from London Stansted for £49.
If you're booking a summer trip, Wizz Air is flying direct from London Luton on Monday, June 1, for £24.
Once you land, there are several routes to Chioggia.
Arriva Veneto operates a bus from the airport to Chioggia Naccari every three hours. Tickets cost €6 to €8 (£5.27 to £7), and the journey takes just over an hour.
The fastest route is by car, which takes under the hour, but it's a hell of a lot pricier. Connecto Transfers estimates a one-way taxi price of £154.95.
Where to stay in Chioggia
Unlike famously expensive Venice, there are bargains to be had in Chioggia.
We chatted to Maddy, the co-founder of Venice Travel Tips, to get her advice on the best places to stay.
'I love Chioggia because it shows you a completely different side of the Lagoon and of this part of Italy,' she says.
'It's a place you can explore easily in less than a day, but for a slow travel experience, it's definitely worth spending a bit longer.
'If you want to step off the classic Venice route and experience a place that feels real, Chioggia is the perfect choice.'
Maddy's top hotel picks:
* Duomo Boutique Hotel is 1.8km from Sottomarina Beach, and rooms start from £75 per night.
* Barbara's Rooms is tucked inside a historic building and rooms start from £99.
* La Bella Vita is a stylish apartment in the centre of town with rooms starting from £211.
What's the weather like in Chioggia?
It all depends on when you travel.
May, June, July, August and September range between 22°C and 29°C.
October sees highs of 19°C, while November to March range from 8°C to 12°C. April averages around 17°C.