Beaches near Venice

Venice is one of the world's most touristed cities, and for good reason. There's nowhere else in the world quite like this gorgeous Renaissance city rising out of the waters of a lagoon on the Adriatic Sea. And with its museums, churches, and sunny piazzas to explore, it's no surprise that many people visit Venice without going to the beach. In fact, lots of people forget that Venice has beaches at all.

But it does, and often, they provide the perfect place to escape from what can be a very crowded city, particularly in the summer. Plus, spending some time relaxing on the beach is a great way to recharge for more exploration of a city that always rewards you for straying off the beaten path. Explore the beaches of Venice and its numerous bathing establishments to enjoy fine sand, warm water, and beautiful views of this most beautiful of cities.

Italian beaches are often divided into private beach clubs that rent out deck chairs and beach umbrellas, and then free areas for public use. The lido beaches, as they are sometimes called, charge money for their services, but if you're willing to spend a little, they can provide a more relaxing and luxurious experience. It's worth leaving some room in your budget to visit these equipped beaches and make the most of your trip.

A local's guide to the top beaches near Venice

Often, to reach the best beaches near Venice, you'll need to take a boat ride on a vaporetto, the network of boats that serve as buses in this watery city, or even take a private boat trip. That's why it's a good idea to leave any extra bags behind with Bounce in Venice before you head out on an adventure.

Venice Lido (Lido di Venezia)

Venice Lido, or Lido di Venezia in Italian, is a long, narrow island located between Venice’s lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. It’s easily accessible from central Venice by vaporetto, with frequent services departing from Piazza San Marco or other key locations in Venice. The vaporetto ride takes around 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and scenic journey to reach the beach. For those driving, cars are permitted on the island, and there are parking facilities available.

Venice Lido is known for its beautiful, expansive beaches and serves as a perfect retreat from the busy streets of Venice. The beach stretches for about 12 kilometers along the Adriatic coast, offering a combination of public and private areas where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the gentle waves of the sea. Public beaches are available for those who want to relax without paying an entry fee, while private beaches, such as Spiaggia Blue Moon, offer paid services, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside bars.

Of all the beaches in the area, Venice Lido is known for its blend of seaside relaxation and Venice’s cultural charm. The island has a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, with Art Nouveau architecture and palm-lined boulevards, providing a stylish backdrop to your beach day. The water is generally calm, making it ideal for swimming, and the beach’s shallow gradient means it’s also family-friendly. The island is much less crowded than Venice itself, providing a peaceful escape just minutes away from the city.

Venice Lido is famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in the world, which takes place every year in late August or early September. During this time, the Lido becomes a hotspot for celebrities, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts, and the area buzzes with excitement. Even outside of festival season, the island offers plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration.

In addition to beach activities, the island features a variety of restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias along Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, the main street that runs from the lagoon to the Adriatic. You can enjoy traditional Italian dishes or fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants while taking in views of the Adriatic Sea.

For those interested in history and nature, the Alberoni Nature Reserve, located at the southern end of the Lido, offers hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities in a protected area of dunes and pine trees. You might even see some sea turtles at this lovely nature reserve! You can also visit the nearby Malamocco, a historic fishing village with a quiet, old-world charm, or explore the San Nicolò Church, an important site of Venetian history.

Venice Lido has been known as a great place for relaxation for generations. If you want to see another side of this famous city, this is a great place to do it. And if you have to check out of your vacation accommodation early, don't worry. Bounce can store your unneeded bags so you can spend some time on the beach relaxing.

Lido di Jesolo

Lido di Jesolo is one of Italy’s most famous beach resorts, located about 35 kilometers northeast of Venice. It’s easily accessible from Venice by car or bus, with the drive taking around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Venice to Punta Sabbioni, followed by a short bus ride to reach the resort. For those traveling from further afield, Jesolo is also accessible from Marco Polo Airport in Venice.

Lido di Jesolo is known for its long, golden sandy beach that stretches for 15 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea, offering one of the most extensive and well-equipped beaches in Italy. The beach is divided into sections with rows of sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, as well as public areas where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea free of charge. The clean, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, particularly for families with children, and the beach’s gentle slope into the sea makes it safe for all ages.

This blue flag beach is famous for its wide range of amenities and activities. The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, or a refreshing spritz while overlooking the sea. For those looking for more adventure, Jesolo offers a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, with rentals and lessons available.

In addition to its beach appeal, Lido di Jesolo is home to a bustling promenade, Via Bafile, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. The promenade comes alive in the evenings with shops, boutiques, gelaterias, and bars, offering a vibrant nightlife and plenty of entertainment options for families and couples alike.

Lido di Jesolo is also a great base for exploring the nearby Venice Lagoon. Venice day trips are easily arranged, with regular ferries departing from Punta Sabbioni, allowing you to enjoy the culture and history of Venice while returning to the beach for relaxation. Nearby, you can also visit the Tropicarium Park, a family-friendly attraction featuring exotic animals, or the Aqualandia Water Park, perfect for a fun day out with the kids.

For those who enjoy cycling, Lido di Jesolo has scenic bike routes along the coast and through the surrounding countryside to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Suppose you've arrived in the city early in the day and don't have anywhere to leave your bags. Well, thanks to Bounce, you do. We partner with local businesses to make sure you always have space to leave your things so you can spend the day on the beach or anywhere else in Venice you want to go without hassle.

Pellestrina

Pellestrina is a narrow island in the Venetian Lagoon, located between Venice’s Lido and Chioggia. It is a peaceful and authentic escape from the busier tourist spots. You can reach Pellestrina Island by taking a water bus from Venice or Lido, followed by a short ferry ride across the lagoon. The island is about 45 minutes from central Venice by public transportation, making it a convenient day trip for those seeking a quieter beach experience.

Pellestrina has a tranquil atmosphere, beautiful natural scenery, and long stretches of undeveloped sandy beach along the Adriatic Sea. The island is largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a hidden gem for visitors looking to experience a more relaxed side of the Venetian coast. The beaches here are calm and secluded, with fewer crowds than nearby Lido or Jesolo. Sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the sound of the waves in peace here. The waters are typically clear and calm, ideal for swimming and paddling.

The island is dotted with small fishing villages, where colorful houses line the canals and narrow streets. The locals are often involved in fishing, and the island maintains a strong connection to its maritime traditions. The main villages on the island - San Pietro in Volta, Portosecco, and Pellestrina - are charming places to explore by foot or bike if you're curious about authentic Venetian life.

Wandering over the sand dunes of the free beaches here, doing some swimming, or playing beach volleyball are great ways to enjoy something different from the city itself. You can enjoy this place and all the best Venice beaches more by leaving your heavy bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage in the area.