This essay explores the rationality and the main characteristics of some practices of re-population currently occurring in the smaller islands of the lagoon of Venice. For these contexts, traditionally characterized by dynamics of de-population, ageing and abandonment, such practices represent an individual response to an increasingly touristicized historic city centre. In perspective, they offer some points for consideration for future and more effective housing policies for Venice.
Keywords: Venice; marginality; de-population; housing; touristification.