What comes to your mind when you think of Venice? Most of you connect it to pizzas, gondola rides along narrow canals, and Renaissance palazzi rising from the water.
Venice, a historic city in Italy, has no beaches. However, staying in Venice can help you access the top 10 beaches, which offer a refreshing counterpoint to the city’s busy life. From this city, you can explore soft sandy beaches during the day.
These beaches are among the most popular beaches for people on a European tour, particularly in Italy. Visiting any of these beaches will make you feel relaxed, whether you need a break from your city life, a summer escape, or a quieter place.
In this post, learn about:
- Why Venice for Exploring Beaches in Italy?
- 10 Easily Accessible Beaches from Venice
Why Venice for Exploring Beaches in Italy?
Venice, located in northeastern Italy, is the capital of the Veneto region. It is usually a group of 118 islands. Canals and open water separate all these islands. The city of Venice offers a mix of culture and romance.
A few destinations around it make you praise Byzantine mosaics in the morning and swim in the Adriatic Sea in the 2nd half of the day. Many beach destinations are just a short water bus (vaporetto) ride from the city centre.
The beaches around the city of Venice are of a wide variety. Some are highly elegant, with private cabanas and art-nouveau hotels, while others lie in pine forests and are untouched. Whether you are on a solo, family, or group cultural trip to Italy, you will find the option that suits you best. Furthermore, beaches around Venice have fewer crowds than many coastal hotspots.
10 Easily Accessible Beaches from Venice
As mentioned above, the city of Venice does not have a single beach. However, the city offers access to numerous beaches. Here are ten of those easily accessible beaches:
1. Lido di Venezia
Lido di Venezia is one of the most famous beaches in Venice. It is a long and elegant island that separates the Adriatic Sea from the Venetian Lagoon. Since the late 19th century, it has been a good seaside retreat for many domestic and international travellers.
Lido di Venezia is a well-maintained and wide beach. It is ideal for swimming, thanks to its calm waters and golden sand along its shores. With public access areas and private beach clubs available, Lido di Venezia is suitable for travellers on all budgets.
- Suitable for couples and first-time visitors.
- Offers classic beach experiences.
- Accessible in or around 15 minutes from San Marco.
2. Spiaggia degli Alberoni
Spiaggia degli Alberoni lies at the southern end of Lido di Venezia. It is incredibly different from the central beaches in Italy. As a part of a protected natural reserve, it features wild grasses, dunes, and a rugged coastline.
Its remote location makes this beach highly popular among locals who are looking for an escape from crowds. It is ideal for nature photography, long walks, and quiet sunbathing. Despite limited facilities, this beach is appealing to both inbound and outbound tourists.
- Ideal for nature lovers and tranquillity seekers.
- Accessible by vaporetto to Alberoni and a short walk.
3. Punta Sabbioni Beach
Located near Venice, Punta Sabbioni is a vast, sandy beach. It is famous for its fine sand, shallow and family-friendly waters, dunes, and a backdrop of pine forests. This Venice Beach offers amenities such as water sports, umbrella rentals, and dog-friendly areas.
Punta Sabbioni Beach serves as a gateway to Venice’s lagoon islands, such as Burano and Murano. It attracts domestic and international travellers for its calm atmosphere, natural beauty, and convenient access to both city and nature. This beach is clean, wide, and well-organised. It offers enough space even during the peak summer months.
- Suitable for families and people willing to enjoy long beach days.
- Accessible by bus or ferry via Cavallino-Treporti.
4. Cavallino Beach
Cavallino Beach is a vast, golden-sand beach. It spans over 15 kilometres and is situated in the municipality of Cavallino-Treporti. This beach lies between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. Known for its clean, shallow, and safe waters, it is a family-friendly beach destination.
This family-friendly beach offers facilities for water sports such as jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. Further, you can enjoy cycling, nature tours, sunbathing and swimming.
- Best for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxed holidays.
- Accessible by bus or ferry from Venice.
5. Sottomarina Beach
Sottomarina Beach is located on the south of Venice and is close to Chioggia. This Venice beach is famous for its fine sand, which is rich in numerous minerals. According to local beliefs, the sand has therapeutic properties. This beach is energetic and lively, thanks to numerous cafes, shops, and gelaterias.
Sottomarina offers a conventional Italian seaside vibe. Here you can enjoy pedal boats, beach volleyball, and bustling idols. It is an ideal option if you combine your beach time with a visit to the Chioggia Canal.
- Ideal for active travellers or people seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
- Accessible by ferry or bus via Chioggia.
6. San Nicolò Beach
Compared to its central counterpart, San Nicolo Beach is less well known among tourists. It lies on Lido’s northern end. It is close to Venice’s historic aerodrome and hosts several fairs, events, and community gatherings.
This Venice Beach is breezy and spacious. It is suitable for peaceful strolls and kite flying. From this seaside, you can enjoy watching boats leaving and entering the Lagoon.
- Suitable for tourists seeking a local atmosphere or quiet beach days.
- Accessible by a vaporetto to San Nicolo from Venice
7. Pellestrina Beach
Pellestrina is a long, narrow island. It lies in the south of Lido. On this island, life moves at a slower pace. This beach features vegetable gardens and fishermen’s colourful houses. Due to the limited number of facilities, Pellestrina beach is ideal for tourists who love a peaceful, quiet atmosphere.
- Offers calmness and a genuine feeling.
- Suitable for slow travellers and people seeking authentic beach experiences.
- Accessible by water bus via Lido
8. Jesolo Beach
Jesolo is a highly popular seaside resort in the Veneto region. It features a lengthy, well-developed beach that spans over 15 kilometres. Due to the availability of leisure facilities, this beach is lively and modern.
Jesolo Beach is a quiet and busy beach. It goes beyond your expectations by offering exciting nightlife, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. It delivers an energetic and enjoyable holiday atmosphere.
- Ideal for nightlife lovers and families.
- Accessible by water bus from Venice Mestre
9. Ca’ Roman Beach
Ca’ Roman Beach lies on the southern tip of Pellestrina Island. It is a protected natural area and remains untouched by modern developments. Venice Beach is a haven for wildlife lovers, especially birdwatchers. Accessing it is challenging. However, it is rewarding due to its serene natural surroundings.
- Suitable for wildlife lovers and people looking to disconnect from the busy modern life.
- Accessible through vaporetto and a short walking trail.
10. Bacan Beach (Sant’Erasmo)
Bacan Beach, Spiaggia del Bacan, is a hidden beach in the Venetian Lagoon. It lies close to the island of Sant’Erasmo. Apart from locals, it is an escape for international travellers. Due to the MOSE flood barrier system, it has become a permanent island.
Its beach features shallow waters and is ideal for swimming and enjoying the Lagoon, though it lacks the usual beach services, such as umbrella rentals. It is a simple, charming seaside town and offers stunning views of Venice’s skyline.
- Ideal for swimmers and sunset lovers.
- Accessible by private boat or vaporetto from Fondamente Nove to Sant’Erasmo, then a short walk.
Conclusion
Despite not having a single beach, Venice offers easy access to many. These Venice beaches offer a coastal experience rich in beauty, variety, and character. They are wild to refined beaches and protected sea shores.
Exploring these beaches from Venice offers a balanced experience of history, nature, culture, and relaxation. Ensure these beaches are on your itinerary, whether you are visiting Venice for the first time or returning to explore something new.
FAQs
1. Does Venice actually have beaches?
The city has no beaches. However, many beaches are easily accessible from the different parts of this historic city. From Venice, you can easily access several islands like Pellestrina, Lido di Venezia, and Sant’Erasmo. These islands have beaches that range from very crowded to very uncrowded.
2. Which is the best beach I can easily access from Venice if I am a first-time visitor?
Lido di Venezia is an ideal choice for first-time visitors. It offers convenient access from Venice city centre and features sandy beaches and modern amenities.
3. Are Venice beaches free to access?
Venice Beaches offer both free and paid access. These beaches have public access areas and private beach clubs. Private beaches charge a fee for umbrellas, sunbeds, and changing facilities.
4. What is the best time to visit the beaches around Venice?
You can enjoy exploring Venice beaches from late May to September. In July and August, the weather at these beaches is warm. June and early September are ideal times if you love pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
5. Can you swim safely at Venice beaches?
Yes, swimming at the Venice beaches is safe, particularly at Lido, Jesolo, and Cavallino. However, you need to follow local guides and safety flags.
