Marghera Beaches

Overview

While Marghera is a practical and budget-friendly base for exploring the region, it is a mainland industrial port and does not have any beaches of its own. However, its excellent transport links place you within easy reach of the Venetian Lagoon's famous coastline. Think of Marghera not as a beach destination itself, but as an affordable gateway to the sandy shores of the Adriatic Sea, offering a holiday that can easily combine city culture with seaside relaxation.

From here, a variety of celebrated beaches are just a journey away. Our editor's picks highlight the best of the area, starting with the glamorous Lido di Venezia, Venice's own beach, known for its elegant atmosphere. For a more vibrant and bustling resort experience, Lido di Jesolo offers miles of sand and lively entertainment. For a taste of local life, head to Spiaggia di Sottomarina near the charming fishing town of Chioggia. And for those seeking a tranquil escape, the protected dunes of Alberoni Beach provide a beautiful natural retreat.

The beaches of the Veneto coast are typically known for their long stretches of fine, golden sand and calm, shallow waters, making them ideal for families and swimming. Beyond the most famous spots, the coastline is dotted with other popular resorts like the family-friendly Bibione, which is well-regarded for its clean, wide beaches. For a complete look at all the seaside options available, from bustling hubs to quiet coves, be sure to explore our full list of the area's best beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Marghera?

No, there are no beaches directly in Marghera. It is an industrial and commercial district on the mainland, known for its port and as a budget-friendly accommodation base for visiting Venice. The nearest beaches are on other islands or further along the coast.

What is the closest beach to Marghera and how do I get there?

The closest beach to Marghera is Lido di Venezia. To get there, you typically take a bus or tram from Marghera to Piazzale Roma in Venice (a 10-15 minute ride). From Piazzale Roma, you then take a vaporetto (water bus), such as line 5.1 or 6, to the Lido S.M.E. stop, which takes about 35-40 minutes.

Lido di Venezia

Can you swim in the lagoon near Marghera?

No, it is strictly forbidden and extremely unsafe to swim in the lagoon or canals near Marghera. The area is a major industrial port with heavy boat traffic and the water is polluted from industrial sources and city wastewater. For swimming, you must travel to designated beaches like Lido di Venezia.

Lido di Venezia

What's the difference between staying in Marghera vs. Mestre?

Both Marghera and Mestre are mainland districts used as a base for visiting Venice. Mestre has a more developed city center with more shops and restaurants. Marghera is generally considered more industrial and residential. Both offer good transport links to Venice, but Mestre is often perceived by travelers as a slightly more pleasant area to stay.

Is Marghera a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Marghera is not a traditional beach holiday destination. It's primarily an industrial and residential area. However, it can serve as an affordable base for a holiday that combines visiting the city of Venice with day trips to the beach, as long as you are prepared to travel for about an hour each way to reach the sea.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Should I go to Lido di Venezia or Lido di Jesolo for a beach day?

Choose Lido di Venezia for a more elegant and historic beach experience that's closer to Venice's main island. It has both public and private beach clubs. Choose Lido di Jesolo for a more modern, lively resort town experience with a very long sandy beach, more nightlife, and family-oriented entertainment. The journey to Jesolo from Marghera is longer, typically involving a bus trip.

Lido di Venezia

Lido di Jesolo

What are the beaches near Venice actually like?

The beaches near Venice, such as those on Lido di Venezia and Lido di Jesolo, are known for their long, wide stretches of fine, golden sand. The Adriatic Sea here is generally calm with a shallow, gradual entry, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers. Many beaches are organized into private clubs where you can rent umbrellas and chairs, but there are also free public sections.

Lido di Venezia

Lido di Jesolo

Are there family-friendly beaches near Marghera?

Yes, the main beaches at Lido di Venezia and Lido di Jesolo are very family-friendly. They offer clean, sandy shores, calm and shallow waters, and many establishments provide amenities like playgrounds, showers, and cafes. Sottomarina beach, near Chioggia, is another popular choice for families.

Lido di Venezia

Lido di Jesolo

Spiaggia di Sottomarina

What is the vibe of Marghera? Is it a nice place to walk around?

Marghera is primarily a functional, industrial, and residential area. While it has some green spaces and local shops, it is not considered a tourist destination in itself and lacks the historic charm of Venice or the resort atmosphere of a beach town. Most visitors use it as a practical, affordable place to sleep while spending their days elsewhere.

Are there free public beaches near Venice?

Yes, there are free public beaches available. On Lido di Venezia, the Bluemoon beach area near the main vaporetto stop is a popular free option, as are the more natural, dune-backed areas at Alberoni and San Nicolò at the island's ends. Lido di Jesolo and other coastal towns also have designated free sections alongside the private beach clubs.

Lido di Venezia

Alberoni Beach

Lido di Jesolo