Best Beaches Around Venice

Relaxing on the beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a holiday in Venice, but there’s sand on all sides if you can drag yourself away from the distractions of Saint Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Even though the Pearl of the Adriatic sits right on the water, with all the beauty in the historic center, it’s easy to forget that there’s sand, sea, and sun just beyond the canals.

The beaches facing the Adriatic Sea on the edge of the Laguna di Venezia can be roughly divided into three zones: north of the city, south of the city, and Venice proper. The residents of this part of Veneto have worked hard to keep the beaches spotless – indeed, a good number of the beaches have prestigious Blue Flag certification, reserved for Europe’s best strips of sand.

No matter what you want out of a beach vacation, you can find it near Venice. Here’s a guide to the best beaches around the Venice lagoon.

Lido of Venice

The Venice Lido needs no introduction. This 12 km-long strip of sand was propelled to modern fame by the Venice Film Festival and visiting movie stars. Its rich history dates back to the Belle Époque when poets and royals flocked here to stare out at the open Adriatic Sea. The Lido is a dream spot for lovers of sand, relaxation, and glamor, and it’s just an hour-long vaporetto ride away from the Venice city center.

The eastern shore of the island is lined with stunning beaches. Spiaggia Bluemoon and Spiaggia San Nicolò are perfect places to lounge by the sea in a chic, refined environment that seems pulled straight out of a Visconti movie. You can also immerse yourself in nature here: just head to Spiaggia degli Alberoni, whose serene sand dunes are preserved as part of the WWF Oasi Dunes degli Alberoni.

Pellestrina

Just south of the Lido – and connected to it by regular ferries – Pellestrina offers a stunning yet simpler experience compared to its northern neighbor. Life moves with an uncomplicated ease on Pellestrina, and as you stroll past neat rows of colorful houses in the main town, you’ll feel that you’re living an authentic Venetian experience.

Beaches on Pellestrina, such as Spiaggia San Vio and Spiaggia Ca’ Roman at the island’s southernmost tip, have a more rugged charm than the glamorous strips on the Lido, and are perfect for those who want to dive into nature, surrounded only by the sky, seabirds, and the Adriatic Sea.

Spiaggia del Bacan

Lesser known than the Lido and Pellestrina, but still only an hour away by vaporetto from the center, Spiaggia del Bacan is a favorite among Venetians who escape there to enjoy sunny days and some relaxation away from the canals and crowds. This beach sits on the small island of Sant’Erasmo, where facilities are limited – most people arrive with their own beach equipment. However, the landscape and atmosphere more than make up for the lack of beach bars and sun umbrellas.

In addition to the open, free-to-access beach, leisurely walks through Sant’Erasmo’s gardens and orchards can be enjoyed, and visitors can try locally produced white wine from the Orto di Venezia domain.

Lido di Jesolo

When Italians think of beach holidays around the lagoon, they often look north of Venice. An hour or so from the Serenissima (i.e., Venice) by car or train, the Lido of Jesolo is an iconic name in the Italian consciousness. With 15 km of sand and Blue Flag-certified waters, this destination is among the most popular in the country.

Jesolo caters to every kind of holidaymaker. Families will find plenty of child-friendly activities and facilities. However, if you prefer to enjoy the local “movida” (the local scene) after sunset, you’ll discover plenty of action on Jesolo’s main boulevard, Via Bafile. With options ranging from water sports to spa relaxation, Jesolo provides a multitude of accommodation choices, from beach hotels to rental apartments.

Cavallino-Treporti

Much like Jesolo – and located not too far away – Cavallino-Treporti sits at the very tip of the peninsula that closes off the northernmost part of the Lagoon. It is renowned for its Blue Flag-certified beach, but unlike Jesolo, the atmosphere here is less commercial and more laid-back.

While there are fewer beachfront resorts than in Jesolo, many beaches in Cavallino-Treporti are free to access. This area also serves as an excellent destination for camping enthusiasts, offering numerous campsites as a base. For those preferring resorts, options can certainly be found in Cavallino-Treporti. When you tire of the beach, the nearby pine forest provides opportunities for invigorating hikes or relaxing strolls.

Sottomarina

There are blue flags flying throughout the lagoon, and you’ll find one of the best Blue Flag-certified beaches right at the lagoon’s southern end. Sottomarina – part of the municipality of Chioggia and much easier to reach by car – is a beloved beach escape with a variety of water activities for everyone, accompanied by decent accommodations nearby.

The main feature of Sottomarina is its very fine sand – basking on this beach is said to be beneficial for your airways, while the bright, white sand helps achieve that perfect tan. You can pick any spot along its 5 km stretch to test this theory. Sottomarina is also an excellent location for scuba diving and exploring the reef-like sediments known as tegnue, teeming with marine life. Additionally, set aside some time for a visit to Chioggia town, often described as a miniature Venice, complete with canals and bridges.