🧭 Introduction
The Lido di Venezia beach is Venice’s elegant seaside escape — golden sand, quiet bike paths, and sea breeze just 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square. If Venice is art and history, the Lido di Venezia beach is freedom: space, nature, and a slower rhythm.
Stretching between the Venetian 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 where Venetians come to breathe.
This is the Venice beach.
🕰️ A Touch of History
The Lido was once a quiet sandbar with monasteries and fishermen’s huts.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, it became a glamorous seaside retreat for European royalty, artists, and writers.
Legendary hotels like the Excelsior and Des Bains hosted kings, writers, and movie stars.
Since 1932, the Lido has been home to the Venice International Film Festival, the oldest film festival in history and one of the world’s most prestigious cinema events.
Every September, the red carpet lights up this quiet island with a touch of Hollywood.
🌅 What to See and Do
🌴 Lido Beaches
Wide sandy beaches ideal for swimming, walking, and relaxing — a completely different Venice.
🌲 Pine paths & bike routes
Rent a bicycle and explore the island from north to south (11 km of coastline).
🏛️ Liberty Architecture
Early 1900s art-nouveau villas and historic hotels.
🕍 Jewish Cemetery
Dating to the 14th century — one of the oldest in Europe, hidden among pine trees.
⛪ San Nicolò Church
Overlooking the northern tip of the island — where lagoon and sea meet.
🌊 Atmosphere
Unlike Venice’s narrow calli, the Lido feels spacious and green.
You can:
Walk along the beach
Ride a bike under pine trees
Watch sunsets over the lagoon
Enjoy cafés and gelaterie along the Gran Viale
Elegant, relaxed, timeless — Venice without crowds.
🚤 How to Get There
Take vaporetto line 1 or 5.1 from:
Piazzale Roma
San Zaccaria
Stop: Lido S.M.E. (Santa Maria Elisabetta)
⏱️ Travel time: 15–20 minutes
From the terminal you can rent bikes or take buses to explore the entire island.
🚗 Yes, the Lido is the only island in Venice where cars are allowed.
You can bring your car via the ferry (line 17).
See 🚤 Vaporetto Venice — Complete Guide to Tickets, Lines & How to Use It
☀️ Tips for Visitors
✔️ Best time to visit: May–June or September
✔️ If visiting during the Venice Film Festival, book accommodation early
✔️ Sunset from the northern tip (San Nicolò) is unforgettable.
🐶 Dog-friendly beach (secret local tip)
At the southern end of the Lido di Venezia beach, there is:
➡️ Pachuka Bau Beach — Dog Friendly Beach
Dogs can swim, run freely, and there is even a restaurant and sunbeds for dog owners.
Perfect if you’re traveling with pets.
Only beach in Venice where dogs are truly welcome.
🌟 Nearby Islands You Can Combine With:
🌿 Sant’Erasmo Venice – The Garden of Venice
🌿 Vignole Venice – The Green Escape of Venice
✨Murano – The Island of Light and Art
🌈 Burano – The Island of Colors and Tradition
👉 Looking for a full island-hopping route?
Check the venetian islands guide