Veneto, Italy

Venice Beaches

Overview

Venice might be famous for its canals, but it also serves as a fantastic gateway to beautiful Adriatic beaches. While the historic city isn't a beach resort itself, combining its unique cultural sights with relaxing days on the sand is easy and popular. The closest and most iconic beach destination is Lido di Venezia, just a short water bus ride away, offering a classic seaside atmosphere distinct from the bustling city center.

On Lido di Venezia, you'll find long stretches of sand with both paid beach clubs and free public areas. It's the essential Venice beach experience. For something quieter on the same island, Alberoni Beach offers a more natural setting with protected dunes. Importantly, while swimming in Venice's canals is forbidden, the waters at these official beaches are generally clean, monitored, and safe for swimming, often recognized with Blue Flag awards.

Beyond Lido, the mainland coast boasts popular resort towns perfect for day trips or longer beach-focused stays. Lido di Jesolo is a major hub with a vast sandy beach, extensive facilities, and a lively environment particularly suited for families. Further south, near 'Little Venice', you'll find the wide sands of Spiaggia di Sottomarina. The coastline here, including areas like Cavallino-Treporti, is known for its long, sandy shores and calm, shallow waters, making the region very appealing for beach lovers.

Whether you seek the historic charm of Lido di Venezia, the bustling resort feel of Lido di Jesolo, or the natural beauty of Alberoni Beach, the Venetian coast offers diverse seaside escapes. Explore our editor's picks for detailed recommendations or browse our full guide to discover even more beaches near Venice.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Venice actually a good place for a beach holiday?

Venice itself isn't a traditional beach resort, as the historic city is built on canals. However, it offers easy access to several popular beach destinations on nearby islands like Lido di Venezia and the mainland coast (e.g., Lido di Jesolo, Cavallino-Treporti, Sottomarina). Many visitors combine Venice's cultural attractions with relaxing beach days, making it a unique 'city and beach' holiday option rather than a pure beach-focused trip.

Can you swim in the water in Venice?

Swimming in the canals of Venice's historic center is strictly forbidden, unsafe due to boat traffic, and unsanitary. However, you can swim at the designated beaches on nearby islands like Lido di Venezia or the mainland coast (Jesolo, Cavallino, Sottomarina), where the water quality is regularly monitored and generally good, with many beaches awarded Blue Flag status.

How do you get to the beaches from Venice?

To reach Lido di Venezia, the closest beach, you take a Vaporetto (water bus) from various points in Venice (like San Marco or Ferrovia), which takes about 15-30 minutes depending on the line and starting point. For beaches further away like Lido di Jesolo or Cavallino-Treporti, you typically take a Vaporetto to Punta Sabbioni and then a local bus, or drive if you have a car.

Are the beaches near Venice free?

Most beaches near Venice, especially on Lido di Venezia and Lido di Jesolo, have both private beach clubs ('stabilimenti balneari') where you pay to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and sections of free public beach ('spiaggia libera'). The free sections can get crowded, especially during peak season. You can always walk along the shoreline freely.

Is it better to stay in Venice city and travel to the beach, or stay at the beach?

Staying in Venice allows easy access to cultural sites but requires travel time (via vaporetto/bus) for beach days. Staying on Lido di Venezia offers beach access on your doorstep plus quick vaporetto rides to Venice. Staying further out (Jesolo, Cavallino) is ideal for a dedicated beach holiday with Venice as a possible day trip, but involves longer travel to the historic center. The best choice depends on whether your priority is sightseeing or beach time.

Which beach is better: Lido di Venezia or Lido di Jesolo?

Lido di Venezia is closer and easier to reach from Venice for a day trip, offering a mix of elegant charm, history (it hosts the Venice Film Festival), and beaches with both paid clubs and free areas. Lido di Jesolo is a larger, purpose-built modern resort town on the mainland with a very long sandy beach, numerous hotels, shops, and a lively nightlife, often preferred for longer beach-focused stays, especially by families.

What's the water like at the beaches near Venice? Is it clean?

The Adriatic Sea water at the main beaches like Lido di Venezia, Jesolo, and Cavallino-Treporti is generally clean and safe for swimming. Many stretches regularly receive the Blue Flag award for water quality and environmental management. The water is typically calm, shallow near the shore, and relatively warm in summer, making it suitable for families. Visibility can vary.

Are Venice beaches good for families?

Yes, many beaches near Venice, particularly Lido di Venezia, Lido di Jesolo, and Cavallino-Treporti, are very family-friendly. They typically feature fine sand, shallow and calm waters ideal for children, playgrounds, and amenities like changing facilities and snack bars. Many beach clubs also offer specific services for families.

When is the best time to go to the beach near Venice?

The main beach season runs from late May to mid-September, when the weather is warmest, the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming, and beach facilities are fully operational. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months. June and early September offer pleasant weather with potentially fewer crowds.

Do I have to rent a sunbed and umbrella at the beach?

No, you don't have to. While most popular beaches have large areas managed by 'stabilimenti' where you pay for sunbeds and umbrellas (often including access to toilets and showers), there are always designated 'spiaggia libera' (free beach) sections where you can lay down your own towel for free. These areas tend to be more basic and can be crowded.

Are there hotels right on the beach near Venice?

Yes, particularly on Lido di Venezia and Lido di Jesolo, you can find hotels located directly on or very close to the beachfront, offering immediate access to the sea. Lido di Venezia has some historic, grand hotels facing the beach, while Jesolo offers a wider range of modern beachfront hotels and apartments.

What is Lido di Venezia like besides the beach?

Lido di Venezia is more than just beaches. It's a quieter, greener island with residential areas, wide avenues suitable for cycling, Art Nouveau architecture, shops, restaurants, and the Venice Film Festival venue. It offers a different, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the historic center of Venice.

Are there jellyfish at the beaches near Venice?

Jellyfish can occasionally appear in the Northern Adriatic Sea, including the waters off Venice's beaches, particularly during certain weather conditions or times of the year (often warmer periods). While not a constant problem, it's possible to encounter them. Lifeguards are usually present on managed beaches and can provide assistance if needed.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Venice: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 9, 2025
It's an average beach day in Venice. The maximum air temperature will be 26.1 °C, with a UV index of 7. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly. Expect some clouds throughout the day. The wind will be moderate, with occasional stronger gusts. The sea temperature is 20.5 °C, with moderate waves.
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Air

Low / High21.1°C/26.1°C
Feels Like (High)26.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature20.5 °C
Wave Height0.9 m
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Rain

Rain Chance5%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:22/20:57
Sunshine Hours12.1 hrs
UV Index7.2
Cloud Cover38%
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Wind

Speed26.2 km/h
Gusts47.5 km/h
DirectionE

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