When one thinks of Venice, they think of canals – bodies of water made for transport and access, romantic boat journeys, a range of pretty bridges linking the various districts to one another, a constant battle against marshy lands attempting to reclaim the city – but there is more to the waters of the city beyond the manmade. If you look past the canals, you get to the sea and the beaches. Many somewhat forget it but Venice is not merely a city break destination, it is also a coastal city with lots of the charms that go along with that, including an area that boasts some exceptional beaches to play on, the Lido di Venezia. If you’re planning a city break and have found a vacation rental in Venice, why not also set aside some time to go and explore this less often praised part of the city? Visit the famous museums and churches, enjoy the unique charm of the canals, wander the pretty squares, go on the gondola rides, and then head to the beach for some seaside fun, too, while you’re at it!
The Lido di Venezia is an 11-kilometre-long sandbar in Venice that is famously where the Venice Film Festival takes place each September. At least half of the Adriatic side of the island is one long sandy stretch of beach that is divided into smaller, largely private beaches. However, the northern and southern ends of the island are home to two enormous public beaches. By public water bus, the Lido is only a few minutes from the city centre of Venice and, as such, is a handy place to visit and spend a few hours or a day. It is a popular Adriatic seaside resort and for good reason, with pretty beaches, warm and clean waters, lots of eateries and bars, cute boutiques and shops, and much more besides.
The Lido di Venezia is an 11-kilometre-long sandbar in Venice that is famously where the Venice Film Festival takes place each September. At least half of the Adriatic side of the island is one long sandy stretch of beach that is divided into smaller, largely private beaches. However, the northern and southern ends of the island are home to two enormous public beaches. By public water bus, the Lido is only a few minutes from the city centre of Venice and, as such, is a handy place to visit and spend a few hours or a day. It is a popular Adriatic seaside resort and for good reason, with pretty beaches, warm and clean waters, lots of eateries and bars, cute boutiques and shops, and much more besides.
There are lots of things to do in the Lido. You can rent a bike and cycle around the regular streets that do exist in this part of Venice or you can stroll around and browse the shops, take in the pretty old seaside hotels and buildings, grabbing a snack, and admiring the views. You might also head to the nature reserve and wild sand dunes of the Alberoni and explore the 2km of golden sand dunes that extend from Murazzi to the Alberoni dam, or the pine forest, or you can go for a swim in the clean waters of this area that has been recognised and protected by the WWF since 1997. If you want to head to the beach, you have the option of free beaches such as San Nicolò with her sandy dunes to Murazzi and her rocky outcrops. For the more luxurious, well-equipped, and traditional Lido beach experience, you can head to a capanna with its beach huts, patios, sunbeds, and other facilities, there are lots to choose from in the area. Golf lovers should definitely head to Circolo Golf Venezia, an exclusive golf club that was commissioned by none other than automobile royalty Henry Ford in 1926. For something more unique, a company called Fly Venice based out of the Lido's Nicelli Airport offers helicopter trips of six minutes to up to half an hour out over the entirety of Venice and the Lagoon. While quite pricey, it offers an unforgettable experience and the most breath-taking views that you could imagine of the city.
So, if you were planning on finding a holiday rental in Venice and spending time in the city, why not set aside some time to pop over to the Lido and experience the whole other world of opportunities that it presents? It’s the best way to make the most of a trip to this part of Italy!
So, if you were planning on finding a holiday rental in Venice and spending time in the city, why not set aside some time to pop over to the Lido and experience the whole other world of opportunities that it presents? It’s the best way to make the most of a trip to this part of Italy!
Photo credits
Picture 2: Danny van Leeuwen / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 2: Danny van Leeuwen / CC BY-SA 3.0
