Stretching between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, the Lido di Venezia is where Venetian elegance meets the sea breeze. Famous for its golden beaches and early 20th-century villas, the Lido offers a calmer, more refined side of Venice — a perfect escape from the crowds of St. Mark’s Square. This is the Venice beach.
🕰️ A Touch of History
The Lido was once a quiet sandbar dotted with monasteries and fishing huts. In the late 19th century, it transformed into a glamorous seaside resort for European nobility and artists. Historic hotels such as the Excelsior and the Des Bains hosted royalty, writers, and movie stars, helping shape the island’s timeless charm. Since 1932, the Lido has been home to the world-famous Venice International Film Festival, the oldest film festival in existence, bringing a touch of Hollywood to the lagoon each September
🌅 What to See and Do
Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta – the main boulevard lined with cafés, gelaterias, and Liberty-style buildings.Lido Beaches – long, soft stretches of sand ideal for swimming, walking, or simply relaxing with a view of the Adriatic sea and the lagoon.
Liberty Architecture – early 1900s villas and hotels reflecting Venice’s Art Nouveau era.Jewish Cemetery – dating from the 14th century, one of the oldest in Europe, hidden among pine trees near San Nicolò.San Nicolò Church – overlooking the northern tip of the island, it marks the point where the lagoon meets the sea.
🌊 Atmosphere
Unlike the rest of Venice, the Lido feels spacious and green.Here you can rent a bicycle, stroll under pine trees, or watch sunsets over the lagoon while ferries glide toward the city skyline. It’s a place where locals still live year-round — elegant but relaxed, sophisticated but simple.
🚤 How to Get There
Take vaporetto line 1 or 5.1 from Piazzale Roma or San Zaccaria to Lido S.M.E. (Santa Maria Elisabetta). The journey takes about 15–20 minutes. From there, buses and bikes can take you along the 11-kilometer island to Alberoni and Malamocco.
☀️ Tips for Visitors
Visit in late spring or early autumn to enjoy the best weather and fewer crowds. If you come during the Film Festival, book accommodation early — the island becomes a stage for stars and cinema lovers from around the world.
