venice lido visit

• The Top 10 Things To...

The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Lido, Venice

Lido is a small island in the Venice lagoon. Sheltering the city from the sea, Lido offers award winning beaches and spectacular views on Venice. It’s undoubtedly most known for hosting Venice Film Festival , but it’s usually avoided by the mass of tourists coming to visit its famous neighbor. However, the trendier area of the Venice lagoon, known for its Art Deco architecture and sport resorts, has a lot to offer. Here is out list of the top 10 things to do.

Look Into Byron’s Study Room In The Armenian Monastery

San Lazzaro degli Armeni is a small island, located offshore Lido. Since 1717, it has been home to the Armenian Catholic Monastery of San Lazzaro. The most notable visitor of the monastery was the poet Byron, who spent time on the island studying Armenian. Nowadays, the monastery hosts a permanent exhibition devoted to the famous writer. Of note is also a publishing house on the island, established by the monks in 1789, which is the oldest continuously operating Armenian publishing house in the world. Join the tour of the island, which is organized by the monks once per day.

Lido is known as the sports and recreation area of Venice. Take some time to enjoy the sandy cost of Lido, which stretches over 11 km and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Depending on your budget, you can go to a private or a public beach. One of the best private beaches is Hotel Excelsior Beach, whilst Lido’s public beach is located in the north. Make sure to arrive early to grab a good spot near the water.

Experience Nature At Alberoni

The Oasis of Alberoni is a protected natural reserve, located on the south end of Lido island. The oasis is composed of a pine forest and a complex dune system, immortalised for its beauty in the poetry of Byron and Goethe. The dunes, measuring up to 9 meters, started to develop in 1800s and are home to a diverse ecosystem, including protected bird species Kentish Plover and Little Tern. Rent a bike in the center and explore the western shore along Via Malamocco on your way to Alberoni.

Visit Church Of San Nicolò Al Lido

The church of San Nicolò al Lido has an important historical place in Venice. Following the yearly Sposalizio del Mare , the ceremonial marriage of the Doge of Venice to the Adriatic Sea, the church hosted a banquet before the merchant ships sailed west. As such, it was the last Venetian landmark seen by sailors. The Church houses the remains of St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. The main attraction is the walnut choir stalls from 17th century, presenting 27 scenes from the life of the saint.

Take A Stroll Along Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta

Take a walk down the main street of Lido, called Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta. Commonly called Gran Viale, the street crosses the whole island. Along the street are located numerous hotels, shops and restaurants. Gran Viale finishes at the seaside, where you can follow the sea promenade north to the public beach or south to Alberoni Oasis, following the Murazzi path. The Murazzi are a protective barrier made of Istrian stone, which shield the island from water erosion.

Tempio Votivo

The Tempio Votivo Church is a war memorial of Venice. It was built between 1925 and 1935 by the architect Giuseppe Torres. The war memorial is the last major religious building constructed in the lagoon area, and was designed to show gratitude of the Venetians that the city escaped the First World War without major damage, especially the bombing on February 27 1918. The large green dome on top of the copper structure of the church is one of the first landmarks seen by visitors, due to its location next to the Vaporetto station.

Walk Around The Ancient Jewish Cemetery

The Jews in Venice got the first opportunity to create their own cemetery in 1386, which shows the long history of Jews in the city. The cemetery is located near the San Nicolò church in the north. Nowadays, the Ancient Jewish Cemetery can only be viewed with an appointment. Many memorials have been restored in the last 30 years and date between the 16th and 18th century. Alternatively, visit the modern Jewish cemetery, which is opened to the public and is located on Via Cipro.

Explore Malamocco

Malamocco is a picturesque village located on the southern part of Lido. It is an island on its own, connected to Lido by a series of bridges across the canal separating the two. The most prominent landmarks include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Ponte Borgo (the oldest bridge in the village), and Palazzo del Podestà, where the mayors of Malamocco lived until 1339. The Palazzo del Podestà is a Gothic style building, overlooking the lagoon, which today houses the Malamocco museum. All landmarks are situated next to each other on the Piazza Maggiore.

Venice Film Festival

Every year between the end of August and beginning of September, Lido hosts Venice Film Festival . The festival is the oldest of its kind and was started in 1932. Together with Cannes and Berlin, the film festival in Venice is one of the big three film festivals in Europe. Palazzo del Cinema is the main screening theatre of the event. One of the new attractions includes an open air cinema, held in the Casino gardens, where you can see a film screening free of charge.

Pellestrina

Pellestrina is a charming island of the south of Lido, known as an island of fishermen. Like Lido, Pellestrina also has a defense wall of Murazzi, which is a great place to cycle or skate. Take your bike on the ferry from Lido and enjoy the ride. Remember to stop over at the Little Museum of the Southern Lagoon , which aims to preserve history and traditions of the lagoon. It has two permanent exhibitions: The history of Murazzi and November 4, 1966, the great fear.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

Why san ginesio is one of the best tourism villages in the world.

Guides & Tips

The best private trips to book with your girl friends.

Your Guide to Travelling Italy by Train

The Best Group Trips to Take With Your Partner

The Most Amazing Markets in the World

Top Tips for Travelling in Rome

The Top 11 Things to Do in Navigli, Milan

The Best Places to Travel in April 2024

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?

Visit the Locations from Your Favourite TV Shows with Culture Trip

Top Tips for Travelling in Italy

The Best Trips and Tours in Italy

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 392791
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

• Fascination Venice
• Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tours
• The Three Lagoon Islands
• Gondolas in Venice
• Opening times
• Admission fees
• Guided tour
• Sightseeing Venice
• The Grand Canal
• St. Mark’s Square
• The Rialto Bridge
• The Bridge of Sighs
• Bell Tower in St Mark’s Square
• Ca’ Rezzonico
• Ca’ d’Oro Gallery
• Accademia Gallery
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Entrance fee to Venice
• Venice with Kids
• Rules of behaviour
• Online Tickets
• Waiting times
• Carnival in Venice
• Venice in Winter
• Christmas in Venice
• New Years Eve in Venice
• Venice at Easter
• The Venice Pass
• Venice City Pass
• Venice Museum Pass
• 16 insider tips for Venice
• Punta Sabbioni
• Beaches in Venice
• Dangerous Areas & Safety
• Filming locations
• What to eat in Venice
• Venice by Night
• Day Trip to Florence
• Day trips from Venice: 15 ideas
• Vaporetto – Water bus
• Parking in Venice
• Airport Transfer
• Public Transport
• Water taxis
• TOP 10 Hotels
• Hotel recommendations – Outside the center
• Buy Online Tickets
• Privacy Policy
• Hallo Venedig
• Les Bons Plans de Venise
• Hola Venecia
• Fascination Amsterdam

• The Islands

Travel Guide to the island of Lido near Venice: Tips & Infos

Island Lido di Venezia | Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. The Italian coastal town on the Adriatic coast and its sophisticated seaside resort Lido di Venezia with its impressive buildings exude their own charm and expressive character .

Anyone who has ever visited this city has certainly been drawn into its almost magical spell. A very special place to visit is the so-called ‘Lido di Venezia’, thus the small strip of islands with its beaches and hotels that separates the world-famous lagoon of Venice from the open sea.

Table of Contents

Something about the history of the Lido

For a long time, the Lido di Venezia was not a very popular destination for tourists or locals. Due to its distance to the city center, only very few tourists came to the narrow strip of sand and the population rate was dwindling.

Over time, however, the people have recognized the peculiarity of the interesting island strip and turned it into a really worth seeing place. Today, the beautiful sandy strip has become a popular and very fashionable seaside resort, which has great sandy beaches to offer and allows holidaymakers not far from the world-famous city some rest and tranquility.

Location & Surroundings

The Lido di Venezia is about 11 km long and has an area of about 4 km². It is located directly in the middle part of the Venetian lagoon and is, therefore, a kind of separation from the open Adriatic Sea. The largest town on the island is called Lido and currently has almost 17,000 inhabitants .

Lido is also the venue of the annual Venice International Film Festival . The other places on the island are Alberoni and Malamocco. The latter is the oldest inhabited part of the island.

Lido and its striking architecture

The architecture on the Lido is strongly influenced by the Venetian architectural style . In addition to the carefully managed beaches and seaside resorts on the island strip, many trades point to the venue of the important film festival, so that the design of the place has been strongly oriented towards this.

There are only a few cafés and restaurants on the Lido, all of which are very cosy and inviting.

Popular island for tourists

The Lido di Venezia offers some excellent, extremely luxurious hotels as for example the ‘ Grand Hotel Excelsior ‘ or the ‘Grand Hotel de Bains’, which has meanwhile closed its doors. Especially during the annual film festival, many prominent faces cavort on the fine sand strip. Many buildings offer wonderful views of the Adriatic Sea and are very exclusive and accordingly expensive. The whole island strip is kept in the typical Venetian style and offers a lot of interesting sights such as churches or extravagant villas .

Just as in the city of Venice itself, there are also numerous small canals and winding alleys on the Lido, which are navigated by boats and boats. In contrast to the Venetian city centre, which is known to be completely free of any vehicles, these are allowed on the island and can be found all over the island. Nevertheless, it is noticeable that most of the inhabitants prefer to cycle, which is why visitors are recommended to rent a bike and explore the island with all its secret places or of course typically Italian with the scooter .

How to get to the Lido di Venezia?

► By car – If you want to travel by car, it’s very easy to do so. As already mentioned, the Lido is not car-free and very popular with overnight guests. As soon as you reach Venice via the Ponte della Libertà, keep right and follow the signs Tronchetto “Ferry Lido”. The car ferry no. 17 departs at least once per hour and takes about 35 minutes to the Lido. Prices for a normal car are about 13,00 € per way. People pay about 7,00 €. In the season you have to reckon with waiting times.

► Public transport and airport – The best way to get there by public transport is with the main lines 1 and 2 of the water buses. If you leave the train station or the Piazzale Roma, you will need some time, but you will also pass through the entire impressive Canal Grande. Single tickets are expensive, so it is always best to buy the day or multi-day tickets of the public transport companies . Further information can be found in Transport . In the category under airport transfer , one also finds the possibility to arrive directly to the Lido with the Alilaguna boats.

►  Another option is the direct boat service for Mestre to Lido di Venezia.

A beautiful island with a fascinating view

The Lido di Venezia is well worth a visit. The narrow strip of the island alone is impressive because of its unique location and the breathtaking view of the sea. In addition, there is a special Venetian flair , which is reflected in the buildings of the island.

A visit is particularly suitable for relaxed, cosy days by the sea. A small island is also an ideal option to avoid the often overcrowded trouble in Venice’s city centre and to take a short break in peace and quiet.

Overnight stay in Lido di Venezia

The Lido di Venezia is also a trendy place for overnight stays due to its unique mixture of beach holidays and city sightseeing. Of course, it is not cheap to stay here during the summer months, but the fascinating experience Lido di Venezia compensates for a lot. But those who prefer an overnight stay in the romantic centre of the historical Venice will find my tips in Top 10 Hotels Venice . There are cheaper accommodations rather in Mestre that are in my hotel recommendations for hotels outside the centre of Venice.

For the Lido di Venezia, these are my tips for accommodation:

► Hotel Villa Laguna

The exclusive Hotel Villa Laguna offers 19 suites and a standard room. Here you will be welcomed with a familiar and warm ambience. Enjoy either the magnificent view of the lagoon or the Adriatic Sea. The island of Lido is a peaceful oasis from which you can quickly and easily experience the colourful hustle and bustle of Venice.

• Address: Via Sandro Gallo, 6, 30126 Venezia Lido, Venezia VE, 20 Zi, double room from approx. 170 €

Book your room in Hotel Villa Laguna online

► B&B Villa Ines

This accommodation is only 1250 m away from the university and impresses with its Art Nouveau architecture. The Piazza San Marco and the public beach of Lido di Venezia can also be reached quickly and easily from here. Thanks to the bus stop you benefit from excellent transport connections. The bathrooms have a bathtub, a shower and a Jacuzzi. All public areas are air-conditioned.

• Address: Via Lazzaro Mocenigo 10, 30126 Lido di Venezia, B&B, double room from approx. 100 €

Book your room in B&B Villa Ines online

► Hotel Atlanta Augustus

The 3-star hotel was completely renovated in 2008 and is delighted by its impressive façade, which is covered by original friezes and ornaments and make this jewellery hotel absolutely unique. The charming building is surrounded by a small garden. The historic Art Nouveau villa also impresses with its convenient location and a huge Italian breakfast buffet. All 37 rooms are differently furnished and equipped with free Internet. Enjoy the spacious sun terrace with a view of the lagoon and relax with a hydro-massage bath.

• Address: Via Lepanto 15, 30126 Lido di Venezia, 37 rooms, double room from approx. 80 €

Book your room in Hotel Atlanta Augustus online

► B&B La Bragadina

The B&B La Bragadina is located in the pedestrian area of the central Lido di Venezia. From here you can easily reach Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta at 50 metres, the boat dock at 250 metres and the beach at 300 metres. The B&B is on the first floor. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. A real treat is the generous breakfast buffet with homemade Italian cakes.

• Address: Via Lepanto 8/E 8/E, 30126 Lido di Venezia, B&B, double room from approx. 100 €

Book your room in B&B La Bragadina online

► Hotel la Pergola di Venezia

The Hotel La Pergola di Venezia is a family-run hotel that enjoys great popularity thanks to its central and strategic location. Here you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, far away from the hustle and bustle of tourists and only 300 metres from the sea. This 4-star hotel offers you all the comforts to make your stay as special as possible. Enjoy the large sun terrace and the lush garden.

• Address: Via Cipro 15, 30126 Lido di Venezia,13 rooms, double room from approx. 60 €

Book your room in Hotel la Pergola di Venezia online

► Hotel Villa Tiziana

The pretty hotel has just been renovated and is managed directly by the friendly owners. You are in an exclusive and quiet location only 300 metres from the sea. If you want to refresh yourself in the cool water, you can simply jump into the beautiful pool with waterfall and hydromassage or look for a shady spot in the garden. Those who want to explore the surroundings have the possibility to rent a bicycle.

• Address: Via A Gritti, 3, Lido, Venice, VE, 30126, 13 rooms, starting from approx. 90 €.

Book your room in Hotel Villa Tiziana online

► Hotel Villa delle Palme

The attractive hotel “Villa delle Palme” was designed with great attention to detail and is located directly on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Cannobio in one of the most beautiful locations on romantic Lake Maggiore. The 3-star hotel offers its guests exclusive access to the private beach and also inspires inside with an upscale atmosphere as well as the charming bright rooms. Deck chairs for sunbathing are included in the price.

• Address: Via Enrico Dandolo 12, 30126 Lido di Venezia, 11 rooms, double room from approx. 130 €

Book your room in Hotel Villa delle Palme online

► Hotel Villa Venice Movie

This Bed & Breakfast is not only beautiful, but also very cheap. The original rooms are from famous faces of cinema like Audrey Hepburn and were named after famous movie stars. Furthermore, the rooms are distinguished by a dominant basic colour such as blue, red or yellow. This hotel is located directly behind the Film-Palais and the Kongress-Palais and is very popular with visitors thanks to its favourable location on the canal.

• Address: Via Lorenzo Marcello 26B, 30126 Lido di Venezia, 6 rooms, double room from approx. 100 €

Book your room in Hotel Venice Movie online

► Top Tip : Hotel Best Western Biasutti, Via E. Dandolo 29, 30126 Lido di Venezia, 69 rooms, from approx. 100 €

Book your room in Hotel Biasutti online

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Travel Guide to visit Chioggia island near Venice: Infos & Tips

Visit the island of Murano: The glassblower of Murano – Tips & Info

Visit the island of Burano near Venice: Tips & Informations

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Fascination Venice on Facebook

Who is fascination venice.

View Tickets

EVEN MORE NEWS

16 insider tips for Venice: Tips & Hacks

Venice Carnival 2025: information, programme and tips

Day trips from Venice: 15 ideas for a day trip

Popular category.

• Top attractions 11
• Infos & Tips 10
• City Tour 10
• The Islands 5
• Transport 5
• Doge's Palace 4
• Boat Tours 3

Things to Do in Lido di Venezia, Italy - Lido di Venezia Attractions

Things to do in lido di venezia, explore popular experiences, ways to tour lido di venezia.

Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat

Full Day Venice Bike Rental

Catamaran Spritz Tour

Lido Bike tour: with a local on the island of Cinema

Half Day Private Luxury Boat Tour - Riva Aquariva Venice

Venice kickstart private tour

Venice Bike Tour

Full Day Venice Scooter Rental

No Stress Lagoon Cruise on Catamaran with Music and Drinks

Lagoon Cruise on Catamaran with Classical Music

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Lido di Venezia

Other Top Attractions around Lido di Venezia

Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Food, Wine & Nightlife

What travelers are saying

• Blue Moon Beach
• Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungaria
• Cimitero Ebraico
• Hotel des Bains
• Palazzo Del Casino
• Bagni Alberoni
• Pachuka Beach Club
• Venezia Spiagge Spa Lungomare D'annunzio
• Lido on Bike

Top ways to experience Lido and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

LIDO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.02 mi) Self contained apartment
• (0.03 mi) Ausonia Hungaria
• (0.07 mi) Hotel Villa Pannonia
• (0.07 mi) Le Boulevard Hotel
• (0.04 mi) Hotel New Reiter
• (0.01 mi) Roxi Bar Ristorante
• (0.02 mi) Buddha Soul Restò
• (0.02 mi) Gelateria le Magiche Voglie
• (0.03 mi) Grease American Grill
• (0.03 mi) 28.5 Rooftop

• Media kit | Following The Rivera
• Following the Rivera Privacy Policy
• Following the Rivera Disclaimer

5 best things to do in Lido Venice

Last updated on April 8th, 2024.

I was fortunate to spend a birthday in the scenic Lido of Venice ( Lido di Venezia ).

One of my top Venice day trip recommendations, it’s a great island to visit when visiting Venice. A change from a previous birthday at Mayfield Lavender Farm , it was a breath of fresh air.

Perfect material for your Italy bucket list , you can use this post to help  plan your trip to Italy . 

What is the Lido of Venice famous for?

Most visitors come to Venice to see Piazza San Marco , to visit Murano island or for Carnival in February . However, come September, these sights are set aside and it’s the Lido di Venezia that takes center stage.

The lido’s the location for the Venice Film Festival, welcoming big-name movie stars from all over the world. You’ve probably seen photos of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt rocking up to the lido in a water taxi.

While the festivals’ locations can change, it’s still interesting to visit the lido without the glitz and the glamour.

How to get to Lido of Venice

Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta (S.M.E) is the vaporetto stop for the lido. The vaporetto is the most popular, and cheapest, way to get around Venice. This ticket is for a single vaporetto ride but there are more economical options for a longer stay.

Lido of Venice is popular with beachgoers as well as Venetian locals returning home.

Depending on which vaporetto you take, the ride from Piazzale di Roma to Lido of Venice can take about 15 minutes. Piazzale di Roma is the main port from which the buses arrive and depart for Marco Polo airport .

Similar to our flying after lockdown experience, we kept our masks on for the entire boat ride. I’d like to tell you that passengers were practicing social distancing, but I’d be lying. It was near impossible to keep a safe distance while on a packed vaporetto.

There were no visible markers in place and workers didn’t seem to be trying to enforce any rules upon boarding.

Our vaporetto experience was similar when we visited Murano, Burano and Torcello in 1 day . Visiting Venice in the height of summer isn’t my first choice, but the crowds were still fewer than normal.

Arriving at the Lido of Venice

Stepping off the boat at S.M.E was a welcome sight.

The first thing you notice upon disembarking are the number of cars and buses around. It’s something that you don’t see in Venice (for obvious reasons), and it’s surreal to say the least.

Despite the many buses — and seemingly regular services— walking around the Lido of Venice is the best way to visit. Another option is to take a tour of Venice to better familiarize yourself with your surroundings.

However, in the early evening, a light sea breeze cools down the lido, making for a comfortable night out. With a laidback vibe, and vacation feel, these are the 5 best things you can do in the Lido of Venice.

First stop: the beach

The longer I live in Italy, the more I learn about the differences between the country’s beaches. Unlike the beaches in Genoa , the coast of the Lido of Venice lies along the Adriatic Coast.

This means sandier — as opposed to pebble — shores, and a sea temperature (similar to what we experienced in the Bahamas ) that suits me perfectly. A short walk from S.M.E is the main beach called Blue Moon.

It’s open to the public and comes with plenty of wide-open spaces to relax and swim. Clean, sandy and chilled out, it’s a great way to pass a few hours at the Lido of Venice.

A short walk to the east of Blue Moon Beach is the eclectic Hotel Excelsior Venice (Hotel Excelsior Lido di Venezia). A 5-star resort with sea views and a range of water and indoor activities, it’s an ideal beachfront choice.

Choose your time

Services at the beach include places to eat and drink, as well as sunbeds and cabanas for hire.

If the hot weather doesn’t bother you, come early to claim your spot. If it does, come around 4.30pm. It’s a glorious time to swim, plus many of the early attendees will have already left by then.

Stroll the promenade

Granviale Santa Maria Elisabetta is one of the main streets that lead from the port to Blue Moon Beach. Its grand space makes social distancing a breeze.

Tree-lined streets dotted with bars, restaurants and cafes on either side make it a popular spot with visitors.

When you feel yourself beginning to get tired, give your legs a rest and hire a bike. Venice Scooter Rental and Venice Bike Rental are 2 places, both of which are located on Granviale Santa Maria Elisabetta.

Map of Italy

Admire the villas

While walking, or biking, along Granviale Santa Maria Elisabetta, there are several noteworthy villas to look out for.

Built in a Liberty style, these grand houses now masquerade as shops, restaurants or hotels. The Liberty period was popular in the early 20th century in Italy, and was renowned for turning ordinary features into something unique.

One fine example of a Liberty-style villa in the Lido of Venice is Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria . 

This 5-star hotel headturner immediately grabs your attention upon first sight. Its façade of multi-colored tiles and arched windows makes it a natural contender for your Instagram feed.

Photograph the sunsets

During lazy summer evenings in the Lido of Venice, the sunsets also play out a long-drawn performance. Walk along the Riviera Santa Maria Elisabetta to capture the ever-changing colors of the sun setting over Venice.

We arrived about 7.15pm and were able to photograph, and enjoy, a superb sunset.

If you continue walking along Riviera Santa Maria Elisabetta, you eventually reach Riviera San Nicolò. This stretch of road overlooking the water leads to a small airport called Aeroporto Nicelli. Bring your camera and a fully-loaded battery and snap away. 

Have dinner at La Favorita

Please note, La Favorita is now permanently closed.

End your stay in the Lido of Venice on a delicious note at La Favorita.

A place, which on first glance, doesn’t appear to be anything special, I implore you to take a closer look. Like many restaurants in Italy during the warmer months, outdoor dining is the norm. 

Serving up classic Venetian dishes and some of the freshest fish and seafood, I’d return in a heartbeat. A delicate seafood salad, perfectly cooked ravioli with prawns, and a fish skewer with polenta, I was in foodie heaven.

An operatic surprise

While I thought that the food, wine and company was going to be the evening’s highlight, I was proven wrong.

An impromptu performance of Nessun Dorma in the restaurant grabbed all of our attention. Accompanied by an accordion player, the singer sang his heart out, hitting the high notes and blowing us all away.

The icing on the cake was, upon finishing his performance and receiving his applause, the singer returned to his table. It turned out that he was a diner just like the rest of us.

With our stomachs happily satisfied from our meal, unfortunately we’d no room left for dessert. The menu included Italian classic desserts such as Venetian tiramisu and Crema Catalana.  

Whatever you do, don’t miss booking a dinner at La Favorita. It was the perfect end, not only to my birthday, but also to our time in the Lido of Venice.

What do you think of the Lido of Venice? Is it somewhere you’d like to visit one day? Leave me a comment and let me know below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

Like this post? Pin it!

You Might Also Like

• 12 cheap places to visit in Italy
• 200+ best things to do in Italy
• Where to spend winter in Italy

LET'S CONNECT

Get your free Sicily eBook when you sign up today. Plus regular practical and helpful Italy travel guides and resources straight to your inbox.

Grazie mille! Welcome to the Italy travel tribe

Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.

64 thoughts on “ 5 best things to do in Lido Venice ”

I can’t believe I’ve never been to the Lido the few times I’ve visited Venice! I have always been short on time and trying to see the sites but missing great things like this. Making a point to see this next time I am there. I love how the water is warmer and sandier on this side too!

It’s definitely more my cup of tea than the Med! The water is far warmer and more to my liking 🙂

Such amazing timing. It seems my path is sort of linked right now to some of your favorites as we just scheduled flights this morning to experience Venice with a little less tourism. This, as always, is amazing info and full of great tips! I’m not sure we’ll make Lido this time but I’m pinning it for later!!

Great to know Kevin! Venice, as you’ll soon find out, is much quieter than normal, but with a relatively healthy number of tourists. Enjoy it 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Pin It on Pinterest

• 2 Get around
• 6.2 Mid-range
• 6.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Splurge

If you are staying in Venice and wish to avoid the more touristy and expensive areas, along with the accompanying noise, Lido is an under-appreciated gem. Trendier and more residential than traditional Venice, it still offers small canals, a variety of dining and impressive views of the city from across the Lagoon. At times it feels reminiscent of Palm Beach, Florida, with its upscale homes, historic architecture and its easy, island feel.

Around 17:00 the atmosphere is decidedly local as professionally dressed Lido residents funnel back home from work across the lagoon. Many of the local bars and eateries have that "where everybody knows your name" family feel, lending an insider's view to life on Lido. Residents embrace, chat enthusiastically and watch each other's children.

Lido is the beach of Venice . This island shelters the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, and is famous for its Movie Festival which is held every year between the end of August and the first week of September. In 1920 it was the most important beach in Italy, due to its aristocratic atmosphere (still present today). Here Thomas Mann wrote A Death in Venice and it was shot in Visconti's 1972 movie (inspired by the book). Some of the scenes of The English Patient were shot here as well (inside The Hotel Des Bains, one of the most important buildings, erected in Liberty Style). A scene from Casino Royale (Daniel Craig, 2006) was shot here as well. The British travel writer Robin Saikia's book, The Venice Lido , gives a lively overview of the Lido's literary and social history from ancient times to the present day.

Get in [ edit ]

After arriving in Venice via the Aeroporto Marco Polo, find the Alilaguna waterbus station, a short walk after exiting the airport and turning left. Follow the signs. The boat will take you over to Lido with just a few stops, but does take at least 30 minutes to navigate the airport channels.

If already in Venice, take an ACTV waterbus/vaporetto, which takes about 10 minutes. Venice travel cards are valid to/from Venice, but not to/from the airport as it is run by a different company. If staying on Lido a travel card is worth the investment. Avoid "rush hour" times of day such as early morning and late afternoon when many residents and children are crowding the platform. Also, be careful to avoid local vaporetti which are designated "for residents only."

• 45.4175 12.3683 1 Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta ferry terminal . Main terminal for ferries, adjacent to the bus station. ( updated Mar 2021 )

Get around [ edit ]

There are three main bus lines (A, B, C) and a night bus (N). On Openstreetmap all bus stops are visible. But they are not shown in the actv timetables. Busline A goes towards south. Busline B towards north. Always coming from SME. So if you are there the first time its the best to ask the bus driver where to leave and give him the hotel name.

See [ edit ]

• 45.42466 12.37841 1 Old Jewish Cemetery - Lido ( Antico Cimitero Ebraico - Lido ), Riviera San Nicolò, Isola del Lido ( vaporetto line 1-5, 1-5-2, 2-6 to Lido ), ☏ +39 041 715359 . Over thousand tombstones dating from 1550 to early 18th century. Guided tours on Sat from May to Oct (Italian and English), booking required. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 45.4168 12.3765 2 Venice Lido Planetarium ( Planetario di Venezia Lido ), Lungomare d'Annunzio (area ex Luna Park) ( vaporetto line 1-5 or 2-6 to Lido ), ☏ +39 041 731518 . Optical-mechanical structure, realistic reproduction of the celestial globe. Sun admission free .  

Do [ edit ]

• Venice International Film Festival . Attend the annual film festival, the oldest of its kind. It is organized by La Biennale di Venezia and usually takes place around late August or early September. Make your reservations early as the island is small and hotels fill up. Many celebrities attend this annual event, so have your camera ready. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Enjoy the beach and the sea. Most of the beach is privately owned by the various hotels, so if you are staying at a hotel that does not offer beach access, you'll have to use the public beach (at the end of the Gran Viale, most central), which is very nice but a bit crowded. A cabin in first line costs about €95 per day.
• Rent a bike from one of the numerous shops at the Gran Viale and explore the island.
• Partake in golf and tennis , as Lido is more about relaxed leisure than frantic tourist activities.
• Stroll along the quiet, shaded streets, people watch and window shop.
• 45.3419 12.3249 1 Oasi Dune degli Alberoni , ☏ +39 348 2686472 (mobile) , [email protected] . Visit the natural oasis in Alberoni, a WWF [formerly dead link] protected area of about 1.6 km² at the southern tip of the Lido. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• Energy Darshan . A center for meditation and relaxation.  

Buy [ edit ]

Murano glassware, jewelry and art seem to be the items of choice throughout Venice, along with the famous Venetian masks. Lots of beachware is available on Lido, so don't worry if you've forgotten your flip flops. Of course, souvenir/T-shirt shops can also be found here and there.

Eat [ edit ]

Gelatos from numerous vendors - try to find the infamous Maxi-Coni in the evenings.

Budget [ edit ]

• 45.419283 12.37626 1 Pizzeria La Taverna , Via Tiro, 9 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.401538 12.361175 2 Da Cri Cri e Tendina , Via Sandro Gallo, 159/A . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.416856 12.371017 3 La Grande Cina , Via Perasto, 8 . Chinese cuisine ( updated Aug 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 45.4134 12.3702 4 Trattoria Andri , Via Lepanto, 21 , ☏ +39 041 526 5482 . Serves local Venetian seafood delicacies such as squid in ink over polenta (not as bad as it sounds), shrimp scampi and octopus, among other more common dishes. Water is served in Murano glass vases. Inside, pictures of celebrities who've eaten here line the walls, such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. Dine on the terrace, nice ambiance. Locals seem to prefer this place. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.403824 12.362866 5 Punto Pizza da Maury , Via Sandro Gallo, 135/G . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.397395 12.358097 6 La Rotonda , Via Sandro Gallo, 173 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.406283 12.364614 7 La Cantinita , Via Sandro Gallo, 82 . Mexican cuisine ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 45.40841 12.370831 8 Chiosco Chiringuito , Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 30 . A Grill ( updated Aug 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ].

The Bellini is a mixture of Prosecco (local sparkling wine) and peach juice. Sweet and refreshing. Created at Harry's Bar across the lagoon but popular all over Venice, including Lido.

Sleep [ edit ]

• B&B Villa Gabriella ( Vila Gabriella ), Via Istria 12 ( near Film Festival ), ☏ +39 041 731426 . Check-in: 13 , check-out: 11 . Villa Gabriella Dimora Storica Liberty is a part of a villa built in 1922. The design was inspired to the Palladio's Rotonda. Located in the Lido Island (Lido di Venezia is Blue Flag for sea water since 2008!), in front of the Adriatic Sea, it's 20 minutes far from S. Mark Sq. Wonderful panoramic seafront terrace. Last complete restoration: 2010! From €65 .  
• Hotel Villa Albertina , Via Vallaresso 1a - 30126 Venice Lido , ☏ +39 041 5260879 , fax : +39 041 5260883 . An aristocratic building managed in a personalized and familiar way. The hotel is located only 20 minutes from St. Mark Square.  
• Hotel Panorama , Piazzale S.M. Elisabetta - 30126 Venice Lido , ☏ +39 041 2760486 , fax : +39 041 2769805 , [email protected] . Hotel Panorama is an affordable and small yet charming hotel situated across the lagoon from Venice. Rooms are a good size with large windows, great views, and attentive service. It is easily reachable on foot from the waterbus, offering beautiful vistas along with the nearby shopping and dining districts of Lido. It also offers a scenic 2nd floor terrace and the first floor dining room also looks out on the lagoon. Excellent choice of breakfast items.  
• Albergo Quattro Fontane , Via Quattro Fontane, 16 , [email protected] . Gracious, 4-star country house hotel, 5 minutes walk from the beach and 15 minutes by Vaporetto to St Marks Square. The spacious rooms are all air-conditioned, there's lovely floral gardens and a large outdoor terrace where you can eat in the shade of a huge, ancient plane tree. from €200 .  

Go next [ edit ]

Around the Venetian lagoon are other smaller islands, which have since been deserted but are worth a visit.

• Venice — The main island.
• Murano — Nearby island with famous blown glass studios
• Burano — Nearby island with textiles and painted houses.
• San Lazzaro — Nearby island with an Armenian monastery and an impressive art collection, including some world class pieces.
• Mestre — Mestre is the mainland, but still a part of Venice.
• Jesolo — Jesolo is one of the most important beaches in Italy, just 45' from Venice by car or by boat (ferry from Treporti to Venice).

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Articles with formerly dead external links
• Articles with dead external links
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Lido di Venezia

Giudecca, Lido & the Southern Islands

The Lido is no longer the glamorous bolthole of Hollywood starlets and European aristocracy that it once was, but its groomed beaches, scattering of art nouveau buildings and summering Venetians sipping prosecco beneath candy-striped awnings make it an interesting diversion on a hot day. However, the presence of cars and suburban sprawl can be jarring after the lost-in-time nature of central Venice, and in winter even fading glamour is in short supply.

The Lido became a fashionable seaside resort around the late 19th century, and its more glorious days are depicted (in admittedly melancholy fashion) in Thomas Mann's novel Death in Venice .

Suggest an edit to this attraction

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Basilica di San Marco

With a profusion of domes and more than 8000 sq metres of luminous mosaics, Venice's cathedral is unforgettable. It was founded in the 9th century to…

Palazzo Ducale

Holding pride of place on the waterfront, this pretty Gothic confection may be an unlikely setting for the political and administrative seat of a great…

Cappella degli Scrovegni

24.18 MILES

Padua's version of the Sistine Chapel, the Cappella degli Scrovegni houses one of Italy's great Renaissance masterpieces – a striking cycle of Giotto…

Gallerie dell'Accademia

Venice's historic gallery traces the development of Venetian art from the 14th to 19th centuries, with works by all of the city's artistic superstars. The…

In medieval times this part of Cannaregio housed a getto (foundry), but it was as the designated Jewish quarter from the 16th to 19th centuries that the…

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Baldassare Longhena's magnificent basilica is prominently positioned near the entrance to the Grand Canal, its white stones, exuberant statuary and high…

Ca' Rezzonico

Baroque dreams come true at this Baldassare Longhena–designed Grand Canal palazzo (mansion), where a marble staircase leads to a vast gilded ballroom and…

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

After losing her father on the Titanic, heiress Peggy Guggenheim became one of the great collectors of the 20th century. Her palatial canalside home,…

Nearby Giudecca, Lido & the Southern Islands attractions

1 . Blue Moon

Named after a glamorous nightclub that once stood on the beach, the Blue Moon serves the spiaggia comunale (public beach) at the northern end of the Lido…

2 . Spiaggia Comunale

An area of 'free beach', accessed through the Blue Moon complex.

3 . Grand Hotel des Bains

This vast belle époque hotel once epitomised Lido glamour, but it's been boarded up since 2016 – an oversized symbol of the beach resort's fall from…

4 . Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria

The Lido's take on art nouveau reaches an over-the-top apotheosis in this garish 1907 hotel, decorated with wreath-bearing cherubs and tiles in a…

5 . Antico Cimitero Israelitico

This overgrown graveyard was Venice’s main Jewish cemetery from 1386 until the 18th century. Tombstones range in design from Venetian Gothic to distinctly…

6 . Palazzo del Cinema

Eugenio Miozzi’s angular, Rationalist ‘Palace of Cinema’ was in keeping with the ambitious modernism of the early 1930s, when business tycoon and Fascist…

7 . Monastero di San Lazzaro degli Armeni

Tours of this historic island monastery are usually conducted by its multilingual Armenian monks, who amply demonstrate the institution’s reputation for…

8 . Museo del Manicomio

As well as a poignant collection of patients' before-and-after photos, this small museum contains the full paraphernalia of psychiatric treatment of the…

Things to do in Lido, Venice: A travel guide

Despite its proximity to the floating city, Lido seems to be completely different than the rest of Venice . The first thing you’ll notice when stepping on this oblong island is the presence of cars: unlike Venice, you’ll see vehicles and traffic lights. However, it is one of the most charming locations on this side of Italy, and in this travel guide, you’ll discover some great things to do in Lido .

What is worth noting is that the island of Lido is a standalone summer destination, especially if you want to swim and relax away from the crowds. That said, although daytrippers spend just a few hours on the island, the truth is that you can enjoy a relaxing holiday. Therefore, in this Lido travel guide , you’ll find the island’s must-sees and also the best places to stay. Moreover, I’ll share how you can easily get to Lido from Venice and plenty of my photos.

So, let’s start with the best things to do in Lido and how you can make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The best things to do in Lido Venice

Although Lido has its share of sightseeing, the truth is that you won’t find that many iconic landmarks. Places like the Jewish cemetery or the San Nicolò church aren’t enough to motivate travelers. However, most people visit Lido for its fantastic vibe, the more down-to-earth life, and the stunning coastline.

I was so fascinated by the island that I visited Lido on three different days during my journey to Venice. Venice can be overwhelming, and finding a beautiful place to unwind is always refreshing. So, after this short rant, here are the best things to do in Lido.

Enjoy the beaches of Lido

Unlike Venice, where swimming is not a good idea, Lido enjoys a long stretch of sand from edge to edge. Located in the southern part and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Lido offers a broad, sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. To access the closest beach to the Vaporetto terminal, all you have to do is walk down the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta for approximately ten minutes. There, you’ll reach the Blue Moon Beach .

This part of the beach has enough facilities for your pre- or post-swimming time, and the beach bars offer dishes and drinks at fair prices. Even in late October, you’ll find locals and travelers swimming on Lido’s coastline -and the Pura Vida Beach Bar is a good place to relax. The coastline has private and public beaches, and if you have more time to explore, you can head to Alberoni Beach . Located just off the Lido Center, Alberoni Beach is a majestic place with pinewood and dunes.

On the other hand, if you visit Lido off-season when the water is cold, you can enjoy long walks next to the water and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the island.

Stroll the Santa Maria Elisabetta Street

The Vaporetto to Lido will stop almost in the city center. That’s the island’s main settlement, and you will see the famous Santa Maria Elisabetta Street . The so-called Gran Viale is a beautiful, wide street with shops and restaurants. The surrounding trees give an excellent flair to the avenue, and walking down the road is a perfect introduction to the island. That’s where you’ll see the first cars during your Venetian journey, but that’s where you’ll also observe proper daily life unfolding.

Walking the charming Santa Maria Elisabetta will bring you straight to the sea. From there, you have the option to head to the public beach on the north or move on to the other direction toward Alberoni. What’s also worth mentioning (more on that later in the guide) is that most hotels in Lido are located either straight at the Gran Viale or on the side streets.

I’d say that strolling the Santa Maria Elisabetta is a great thing to enjoy, and if you’re up for some cycling, you can rent one there and further enjoy the island of Lido. Or you can simply book this wonderful 2-hour cycling tour on the island .

Visit Malamocco for some old-times atmosphere

As I already mentioned, Lido is an oblong island. Despite its unusual shape, Lido has two settlements. The first one is straight at the Vaporetto stop, and that’s where the majority of locals live. The other settlement, though, is located more in the south and has a village atmosphere. Its name is Malamocco .

What appears today like a sleepy little town was once the first and only settlement on the island. Additionally, it was the first inhabited place of Lido and among the first in the entire Venice Lagoon. Apart from the beautiful Santa Maria Assunta church, there’s little to see in Malamocco. However, it is a charming place to stroll and have a drink in its old-fashioned cafes.

You can easily reach Malamocco with the buses starting outside the water bus station. If you have a Vaporetto Pass , you won’t need a ticket: it also covers the buses of Lido. Simply embark on the bus and see Lido Island unfolding from the windows before stepping out at Malamocco. I really enjoyed the serenity of Malamocco and the views of Isola di Poveglia , which once served as a quarantine station. I highly recommend a visit to this side of Lido.

Admire the villas and architecture

One of the finest things to do in Lido is to admire its stunning villas. Apart from seeing streets off Santa Maria Elisabetta Street, you’ll also come across architectural gems. The Liberty-style architecture prevails on the island, and admiring the villas will give you an excellent impression of living in Lido.

The Liberty style is the Italian variation of the Art Nouveau, and like in Latvia’s capital, Riga , its main characteristics are the floral motifs and the stained glass windows. Lido’s villas are colorful, and some operate nowadays as luxury hotels, like the iconic Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungaria. An unmissable experience.

Stay for the sunset

There’s a good reason to stay in Lido for the sunset. Most daytrippers return early enough to Venice so that you can have a more local feeling in the early evening. However, staying for the sunset on the island is a must-do since the sun sets on Venice’s skyline. The sky turns orange and pink, and as you follow the sun’s orbit, the city of Venice is dressed in the colors.

Don’t worry: the Vaporettos travel until late at night, so you won’t have any issues returning. And here’s an extra tip: start walking from the beach toward Santa Maria Elisabetta and see the street lights illuminated, the villas turning on their lights, and the colorful sky above.

Visit the Tempio Votivo Church

Concluded in 1935, the Tempio Votivo Church is a Lido landmark and the first thing you’ll see when approaching the island. This stunning circular building serves as a war memorial for the deceased of the two world wars. It’s also designed in Art Nouveau, and its crypt hosts the corpses of almost 3,000 soldiers.

Therefore, when approaching Lido, step out on the Vaporetto’s deck and see its copper dome appear in the distance.

Venice Film Festival

Apparently, one of the most famous things to do in Lido is to attend the world-famous Venice Film Festival . I didn’t add it earlier on the list because it lasts only ten days and usually takes place in late August or early September. For these ten days, Lido becomes the spotlight of the movie industry, and many stars arrive on the island for screenings, red carpet sessions, and Q&As.

Although it’s not as audience-oriented as the Berlinale , the Venice Film Festival is one of the biggest cinema events, and anticipation is always high. The Biennale organizes it, and if you happen to be in Lido during the film festival, try to get tickets for a screening or two: chances are that movie stars might walk by or even sit next to you.

On a side note, more elevated prices for accommodation should be expected. The island sees an increased number of visitors and industry professionals, and the demand is high.

Eat at Ristorante Pizzaria Lido

Finally, I can highly recommend the place I ate twice in Lido. If you’ve been following my travel blog for a while, you know that I always appreciate down-to-earth eateries. It’s not a matter of prices; it’s mainly because I appreciate being among locals. As a rule of thumb, Lido might look posh, but it’s not overpriced compared to the rest of Venice. On the contrary, I found some places significantly cheaper.

The Ristorante Pizzaria Lido is at Santa Maria Elisabetta Street and just a few minutes walk from the Vaporetto terminal. As its name suggests, it’s a restaurant serving various dishes and, of course, pizzas. The food was excellent, and the same goes for the service. Moreover, I must admit that I enjoyed the tastiest tiramisu in Venice there.

Last but not least, its location is great too. Locals and travelers tend to walk the Santa Maria Elisabetta, and there seems to be constant movement. See, be seen, and enjoy a delicious meal on Lido’s most iconic street without spending a fortune.

How to get to Lido from Venice

After sharing the best things to do in Lido, it’s time to write about how you can reach Lido from Venice .

The quickest yet priciest option to get to Lido from Venice is by water taxi. However, it’ll cost you quite some cash, and unless there’s a reason you want to use the water taxi, I think it doesn’t deserve the cost.

That said, the best option is to travel from Venice to Lido by Vaporetto. Travel time depends on your starting point in Venice, but to give you an example, you can get from San Marco Square to Lido in fifteen minutes.

The Vaporetto Lines between Venice and Lido

The Vaporetto Lines traveling to Lido are:

Vaporetto Line 1 . This waterbus starts from Piazzale Roma and goes through the famous Grand Canal before reaching Lido. However, the downside of this line is that it stops frequently, and the journey from its starting point to Lido takes more than one hour.

Vaporetto Lines 5.1 and 5.2 . These two lines operate the same route, but one travels clockwise and the other counterclockwise. From Piazzale Roma, it takes 20 minutes to Lido with the 5.1 -and you can use 5.2 on your way back.

Vaporetto Line 6 . Finally, you have the option to use Line 6. It also starts from Piazzale Roma, but it doesn’t go through the Grand Canal but through the Giudecca Canal. Therefore, it’s much faster.

Your Vaporetto Pass covers the trips to Lido, and you can also use the buses on the island without an extra cost. You can purchase a Vaporetto Pass here .

Where to stay in Lido Venice

Lido is a paradise for architecture lovers, and on its soil, you’ll find some of the best Italian hotels. Of course, luxury always comes at a price, so keep an eye on your budget. On the other hand, there are also affordable accommodations in Lido, and if you prefer saving money, you can find reasonably priced hotels.

That said, in this section of my travel guide to Lido, you’ll find a mixture of hotels, from top-end accommodations to moderately priced rooms.

The best hotels in Lido

Ausonia Hungaria Wellness and Lifestyle . Apparently, that’s the most iconic hotel in Lido after the Hotel des Bains shut. The Ausonia Hungaria is a luxurious hotel and spa set in one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. The rooms are elegant, and the hotel is five minutes from the beach. See prices and availability for Ausonia Hungaria Hotel .

Villa Casanova . This beautiful hotel is just a few minutes from the busy Santa Maria Elisabetta Street. Set in a stunning villa of the 1930s, it offers beautiful rooms, and guests can enjoy breakfast in a superb garden. This is hands down one of the best places to stay in Lido. See prices and availability for Villa Casanova .

Villa Ines B&B . Located just 200 meters from Lido Beach, Villas Ines is also set in an Art Nouveau building with a beautiful garden. Each room has a different color and has an air-conditioner, spa bath, and breakfast. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable accommodations on the island of Lido. See prices and availability for Villa Ines B&B .

Hotel Villa Cipro . Finally, here’s probably the most affordable place to stay in Lido. Although it’s not a luxurious accommodation, Villa Cipro is set in a stunning villa, and its garden is tastefully decorated. The hotel offers classic-style rooms, serves breakfast in the garden, and there’s also a bar where you can enjoy various cocktails. If you’re on a budget to Lido, that’s the place to stay. See prices and availability for Villa Cipro .

Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Lido.

The best things to do in Lido Venice: Conclusion

Even though it’s not packed with landmarks, Lido is among the must-see places when visiting Venice. The long sandy beaches, the stunning Liberty architecture, and the quieter rhythms of life make Lido an excellent addition to your Venice itinerary. The island doesn’t feel like a thematic park (like Venice often does), and it’s a great way to discover how daily life unfolds in the Venetian Lagoon.

To some, Lido might look as overly posh. However, the locals are polite, and the prices are not elevated compared to places on this side of Italy. I had a wonderful time whenever I stepped foot on the island, and the fact that it’s just a short Vaporetto ride from Venice is a plus. Honestly, if it’s not your first time in Venice, you should also consider staying in Lido. The prices are reasonable, the rooms will be bigger and newer -and you’ll be just fifteen minutes away from Saint Mark’s Square.

More about Venice : Gondola ride guide , Vaporetto Guide , How to get to Murano

Pin it for later

Sharing is caring. Share the ultimate travel guide to Lido Venice with your friends.

Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

• More Options
• Share on LinkedIn
• Reddit this!
• Save in Pocket
• Save on Flipboard
• Share on Tumblr!
• Share via Telegram
• Share via WhatsApp
• Send via Viber

Related Posts

Giudecca island – a guide to venice’s gem, the best walking tours in venice, italy (with prices), things to do in murano: discover venice’s glass island, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Compass & Pine

The Ultimate Travel Guide

Lido Island in Venice: What to Do and Where to Stay

From winding, cobblestone alleyways to passionate gondola rides through canals, Venice is an enchanting city that captivates travelers from around the globe. If you’re looking for an extraordinary place to explore and stay that has a unique mix of urban vibes and coastal serenity, Lido Island in the Venetian Lagoon might just be your dream destination.

With its bustling streets and stunning array of sights to take in, it’s easy to get lost in its wonders as you set foot on this enchanting little strip. Explore centuries-old monuments as canals pass by, or simply relax at one of Lido’s many beachside cafes. No matter what your tastes and interests may be, something special awaits you on this Venetian Island.

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip – from how to get there, where and when the best time to explore Lido is, plus some must-see attractions along with our top picks for places to stay. So pull out those passport stamps and join us; your next Italian vacation awaits!

Welcome to Lido di Venezia!

How to get to lido island, history of lido island, things to do on lido di venezia, hotels on lido, lido restaurants, further reading, frequently asked questions, related posts.

Venice’s Island Guides :

• How to Visit Venice’s Islands
• Sant’Erasmo Island
• Torcello Island
• Burano Island
• Murano Island

Although there are 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, Lido is considered one of the main islands due to how close it is to Venice.

Lido is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches of the Northern Adriatic Sea, making it a popular destination for tourists looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Venice.

The island is also home to a number of parks, gardens, and cultural sites, as well as a variety of accommodations, dining, and shopping options.

Lido is probably most well known for playing host to the Venice Film Festival, which takes place every September. Lido island is a perfect destination for a family holiday, a beach holiday, or for those who want to combine the beauty of Venice with the comfort of a beach vacation.

There are several transportation options to get to Lido Island:

• Public Water Bus (Vaporetto) : The most convenient and frequent option for getting to Lido Island is by taking the public water bus (vaporetto) from various points in Venice, such as San Marco, Rialto, or Piazzale Roma. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
• Water Taxi : Another option is to take a water taxi from various points in Venice. This is a faster and more expensive option, but it can be more convenient for those with heavy luggage or limited mobility.
• Private Boat : For a more luxurious and private option, you can also hire a private boat to take you directly to Lido Island.
• Public Bus : For those who prefer land transportation, there is a bus service, which runs between Lido Island and Piazzale Roma, with stops at various points along the way.

It’s worth noting that Lido Island is also accessible by car and bike, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, but due to the limited space and the high number of tourists, it is not recommended to travel by car, and it’s also forbidden to drive in the island center.

Also known as the “Gold Coast,” Lido has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The nobility originally used the island as a hunting and fishing ground during the Venetian Republic.

In the late 19th century, Lido Island began to attract wealthy tourists, who built grand villas and hotels on the island. This led to the development of the island as a seaside resort destination.

During the early 20th century, Lido grew into a popular destination for Hollywood stars and other celebrities, and it was also the site of the Venice Film Festival, which was first held in 1932 at the Palazzo del Cinema. The annual film festival has become one of the most important events in the international film calendar.

Some recent popular Venice Film Festival films include:

• Brokeback Mountain (2005)
• The Wrestler (2008)
• The Shape Of Water (2017)
• Roma (2018)
• Joker (2019)
• Nomadland (2020)

During World War II, Lido was occupied by German forces and was heavily damaged. After the war, the island was rebuilt and has become a popular tourist destination.

Today, Lido continues to attract visitors from around the world, who come to enjoy its beaches, cultural sites, and laid-back atmosphere.

Despite being a narrow strip of land, there’s a variety of things to do when you visit Lido. Here are some of the most popular activities and attractions on the island:

Lido is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.

Alberoni Beach

Alberoni is a free beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is equipped with all the necessary amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, and showers.

The water is so shallow, you have to walk close to 100 feet from the beach to swim, making it a great place for families with young children who want to play in the water.

Alberoni is also a great spot for those who are looking for some peace and quiet, as it is less crowded than the other beaches on Lido.

Alberoni beach is accessible by public transportation, by taking the vaporetto waterbus line 1 or 5, or by private car or bike, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It’s worth noting that during the high season, parking can be difficult, so it’s best to arrive early.

Blue Moon Beach

Blue Moon Beach is known for its crystal-clear water and fine white sand, as well as for being one of the most exclusive and expensive beaches in the Venetian Lagoon.

While families can certainly have fun at Blue Moon like playing volleyball and soccer in the sand, it’s geared adults looking for a more upscale and luxurious beach experience.

Along Blue Moon, you’ll find several well-regarded seaside resorts, grand hotels (like the posh Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido), beach bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

Soak up the sun and take a dip in crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea at Lido Beach, the most popular public beach on this beautiful island. With its powdery white sand and tranquil atmosphere, you can make your own perfect day of swimming, sunbathing or just lounging around.

If you’re looking to spend a day in the sun, several small businesses rent chairs and umbrellas. What’s more, there are an array of beach restaurants and bars nearby where you can grab some delicious Venetian food and drinks .

Parks and Gardens

Lido is home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, making it a great destination for those who appreciate nature and outdoor spaces. Here are some of our favorites.

Oasis of Alberoni

Address: -Pellestrina,Lido, 30100 Lido VE, Italy Website

The Natural Oasis of Alberoni is a protected natural reserve on the southern tip of the island that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for birdwatching (look out for Kentish Plover and Little Tern), hiking, and nature observation.

The Natural Oasis covers an area of around 200 hectares and is home to a wide variety of birds, including many species of waterfowl and wading birds. The Oasis is also home to a variety of plants, including reeds, bulrushes, and other marshland vegetation.

The Oasis of Alberoni is open to the public and can be accessed by foot or by bike. There are several hiking trails and observation points that allow visitors to explore the area and observe the wildlife.

Keep in mind that this is a protected area and visitors are asked to respect the rules and regulations of the park, such as not disturbing the wildlife, not picking plants or flowers, and not leaving any litter.

Parco “Ca’ Bianca”

Address: Via Malamocco, 20, 30126 Lido VE, Italy

If you’re looking to take a break from the lagoon shore, Parco “Ca’ Bianca” (White House Park) is a state run park we found while city sightseeing. The park’s main feature is the Ca’ Bianca Villa, which was built in the early 20th century and was once the residence of the famous Italian playwright and Nobel laureate, Luigi Pirandello.

There are several walking paths and gardens, where visitors can enjoy local vegetation and wildlife. There are also several recreational areas, such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.

The park is open to the public, and it is a great place to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

Museums and Cultural Sites

While mostly known for beach holidays and luxury hotels, Lido is home to some interesting museums and cultural sites.

1. Palazzo del Casinò

Address: Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 1861, 30126 Lido VE, Italy

The Palazzo del Casinò, also known as the Casino of Venice, is a historical building located near Blue Moon Beach in the northern part of Lido.

The building was built in the 1930s and was once the most popular casino in northern Italy and quickly became a popular destination for high society and celebrities.

The Palazzo del Casinò is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and its beautiful rooms. The building is now a conference and cultural center that routinely hosts events, exhibitions, fashion shows, and concerts.

2. Palazzo del Cinema

Address: Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 30126 Lido VE, Italy

The Cinema Palace is a historical building dating back to the early 20th century and is known for its Art Deco architecture and being home to the Venice Film Festival, which is held every September.

Palazzo del Cinema features several screening rooms, a bar, and a surprisingly good restaurant, where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after the movie.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most important events in the international film calendar, and it takes place every September at the Lido’s Cinema Palace. The festival attracts film stars, directors, and film enthusiasts from all over the world, and it offers an opportunity to see some of the latest films and meet the stars.

3. Museo del Manicomio – La Follia reclusa

Address: San Servolo, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Website

Located just off of Lido’s coastline, the Museo del Manicomio is a former insane asylum that has since been converted to a fairly popular musuem.

The museum is housed in the former San Servolo Psychiatric Hospital, which was in operation from 1725 to 1978. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history and treatment of mental illness in the past.

The museum features photographs, documents, and medical equipment, that offer an insight into the history of the asylum and the treatments used to cure mental illness in the past. The exhibits also provide information on the daily life of patients and staff within the asylum.

The museum offers guided tours, which are led by experts in the field of psychiatry and mental health, and provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the history of mental health treatments.

The Museo del Manicomio is open to the public and it is accessible by public transportation, by taking the vaporetto waterbus line 1 or 5, or by private car or bike, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There is a small parking area nearby, but it can be limited during the high season, so it’s best to arrive early.

Outdoor Activities

While Venice is a great place to explore architecture and museums, Lido di Venezia is the place to go to if you’re interested in outdoor activities. Sure, they can be enjoyed all year round, but we recommend hitting Lido during the summer months.

Here are just some of the outdoor things to do in Lido:

• Beach Sports : Lido is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for beach sports such as beach volleyball and soccer.
• Bicycle tours : We recommend taking a lazy bike tour around Lido. It’s a great city to explore by bike, as it offers scenic routes and bike paths. You can usually rent bikes and take a guided tour through the various hotels on the island.
• Boat tours : Visitors can take a boat tour around the island and the Venetian lagoon. Most boat tours will take you to neighboring Burano, Murano, and Torcello islands.
• Fishing : Lido is a great place for fishing, as it’s home to sea bass, sea bream, mullet, and eel. Visitors can take guided fishing tours or rent equipment and fish independently.
• Hiking and birdwatching : Lido is home to several parks and natural areas, such as the Oasis of Alberoni, which offer hiking trails and observation points for birdwatching.
• Swimming and sunbathing : Of course, you don’t come to Lido without swimming in the Adriatic Sea and sunbathing on the free beach. Go and soak up some sun!

While many of the hotels on Lido are expensive and luxurious, there are enough options available you don’t have to break the bank.

Here are some popular hotels:

• Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort : This 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a private beach, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has two well-regarded restaurants and three bars. During the annual film festival, the hotel hosts many film stars.
• Grand Hotel des Bains : Built in 1900, this 4-star hotel is housed in a historic building most famous for hosting Thomas Mann in 1911, inspiring his novella Death in Venice . It has since become a popular destination for some of the best films set in Venice , including being the backdrop to Luchino Visconti’s 1971 film of the novella and appearing in 1996’s The English Patient .
• Hotel Venezia 2000 : Owned by Caesar Hotels, this 3-star hotel is only a 20-minute walk from the vaporeto, features a free beach right outside its doors, and some great views of the Adriatic Sea. I recommend getting a fresh bellini at the bar and look out at the water.
• Hotel Riviera : This 3-star hotel is a great choice for budget accommodation, but keep in mind that the rooms are small and older. If possible, try to book a room that faces Venice. There’s a great view of Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Campanile.

Venice is known for its seafood dishes, and Lido is no different. That said, there are many options, even if you don’t like seafood. Here are our choices for the top restaurants in Lido di Venezia.

Address:  Lungomare D’Annunzio, Lido, 30126 Venezia Phone: +393495441551

With over thirty amazing sandwiches to select from, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian sandwich such as Bresaola or Prosciutto, a chicken alternative, hamburger options, or vegetarian delights – El Pecador has it all! This is a great place if you’re enjoying an outdoor day at the beach without wanting to sit down for lunch.

Address: Via Lepanto, 9, 30126 Lido VE, Italy

While Bar 9 is a great place to grab a pizza, I recommend trying their cichetti during aperitivo (the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks).

It’s a small watering hole with extremely outgoing bartenders who are more than happy to make some recommendations based on your interests. Be sure to get a spritz (I prefer aperol, but my wife loves the campari) – it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on this beautiful island.

Trattoria Andri

Address:  Via Lepanto, 21, 30126 Venezia Phone: +390415265482

Step inside Trattoria Andri, and you will immediately feel as though you have been invited to a family dinner in someone’s Italian home. This traditional trattoria is run by a loving family, creating an authentic atmosphere that simply cannot be matched!

Here, seafood reigns supreme! Every dish is decorated like an intimate Italian family gathering and the perfect way to sample a variety of delicious flavors with your group. Share wonderful dishes family-style for the ultimate experience!

Ready to head to Lido? You might also be interested in some other articles on the Venetian Lagoon:

• What to Do on Torcello Island
• Things to Do on Burano Island
• Exploring Murano Island
• Best Times to Visit Venice
• Top 10 Museums in Venice
• The Oldest Buildings in Venice
• Top 10 Things to Do in Venice
• Best Restaurants in Venice
• Where to Stay in Venice

Is Lido Island Private?

No, Lido Island is not a private island. It is open to visitors from around the world.

How Many Houses Are on Lido Island?

Lido is one of the more populated islands in the Venetian Lagoon. There are around 12,000 houses on the island.

Are Beaches in Lido Free?

Yes, all of the beaches in Lido are free to access.

Are There Cars on Lido Island?

Lido is one of the few islands of Venice where there are roads, buses, and cars.

Why is Lido Famous?

Lido is most famous for its beaches and resorts. It is also home to the Venice Film Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Can You Walk around Lido Island?

Yes, you can walk around the entire island. It takes about two hours to complete a full circuit of Lido Island.

Is Lido Worth Visiting in Venice?

Absolutely – Lido is a great place to explore and it has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, delicious food, or a unique cultural experience, Lido has it all. Plus, it’s conveniently located close to Venice so you can easily add it to your Italian itinerary.

Can You Swim in Venice Lido Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Lido Beach. Unless there is a storm, the water is usually calm. The water is so shallow that you have to walk out at least 100 ft before you can swim.

Is It Better to Stay in Venice or Lido?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Venice is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. On the other hand, Lido has beautiful beaches and a more laid-back vibe. If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay but still want easy access to Venice, then Lido is a perfect choice.

Visit Sant’Erasmo Island: The Garden of the Doge

Explore Sant’Erasmo, the Garden of Venice, and discover its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique charm. From artichoke festivals to serene lagoon views, Sant’Erasmo offers an unforgettable Venetian experience.

Visit the Venice Islands: A Guide to Murano, Burano, Torcello, and More

Plan your perfect adventure in Venice with our guide to islands like Murano, Burano, and more. Learn how to get there and what to see and do.

Torcello Island in Venice: What To Do and See

Torcello is perfect for those interested in Venice’s history. With only 10 residents on the island, Torcello is a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Burano Island in Venice: What to Do and See on Lace Island

Although a small island, Burano is packed with things to do. From brightly colored homes to lace-making demonstrations, there’s a lot to see and do.

Murano Island in Venice: What to Do and See on Glass Island

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Venice, Murano Island is the perfect place to visit.

Lido is the place to go if you’re looking for a true Italian experience away from the major crowds in Venice. From the food to the culture and history, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. And don’t forget to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking views! If you have any tips or suggestions for exploring Lido, be sure to share them with us in the comments below.

About Todd O'Rourke

Todd is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who co-founded Compass and Pine with his dog Leg. Together, they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with their base of operations in Philadelphia.

He started Compass and Pine after living in Vicenza, Italy for three years and falling deeply in love with the country, the people, and, of course, the food.

His favorite city is Florence, Italy, and his favorite National Park is Olympic in Washington.

LinkedIn | About Us

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Explore more

What to do in Lido Venice

Lido is a strip of land and sand, 12 kilometers long and one kilometer wide, that acts as a barrier between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. This thin, narrow, and long island has been inhabited since ancient times , but it was especially loved by poets, writers, and intellectuals around the 1920s. Nowadays, the island is an elegant and refined seaside resort still unknown to mass tourism.

The crowds come here only for the Film Festival and summer vacation, so the place is quite peaceful for the rest of the year. Getting here is also not a big problem. You can take a direct Vaporetto line from Piazza San Marco and reach this lovely island in only 10 minutes. Therefore, you should include Lido in your travel itinerary, especially if you are staying in Venice for a few days. Here are all the things you can do in Lido Venice:

Relax on the beaches

Lido has 10 kilometers of beautiful beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag since 2009. This means the water is super clean and still, so it is perfect for swimming. The main features of the Lido’s beaches are fine and golden sand , bathing establishments, and their famous huts. These are large changing cabins with external verandas, which are very popular among Venetians who rent them for the whole summer season and share them with relatives and friends.

They are actually a meeting place for games and meals with a sea view. These lovely huts are colored and in various shapes according to the taste of each manager. The main beach on the island is called Blue Moon . Parts of the beach near the hotels are paid for, but there is still a huge part that is free for all. The seabed sinks gently, so the beach is suitable for learning to swim, even for the little ones.

Blue Moon beach is located on the side of the open sea and not towards the lagoon, so you should take advantage of the marvelous view of the sea to infinity. Keep in mind that it’s the most loved beach by the Venetians, so it can get crowded . In summer, the whole city comes here both to rest and to escape the invasion of tourists who fill Venice’s main island.

If you are looking for the less frequented and wilder beaches, check out those in front of the Alberoni pine forest, in San Nicolò, and along the Murazzi . While Alberoni and San Nicolò beaches have sand dunes, Murazzi beach has big white Istrian rocks.

Rent a bike

The best way to discover Lido is to rent a bike. This way, it is easier to reach the most distant areas without depending on buses and boats. You can rent a bicycle in different places around the island , but the one is surely right next to the main ferry stop. Cycling is a fun experience to enjoy as a couple, with family or friends, while discovering the beauties of Lido in a healthy way.

All roads are flat, with little traffic, and very wide for a safe and relaxed ride. You can choose to rent by the hour, for a couple of hours, or for the whole day. Therefore, choose sustainable tourism , have a great time, and lots of joy await you on the bike.

Visit the village of Malamocco

An island within an island, Malamocco, is separated from the Lido by a narrow channel. It was the first historical settlement of Venice , dating back to Roman times when it was called Metamaucum. Malamcco was even the capital of the Duchy of Venice until the 9th century when it began its decline caused mainly by sea erosion.

Nowadays, Malamocco is a small charming mini Venice with a central square, a Veneto-Byzantine style church, old colorful buildings, a lovely bridge, canals, and typically Venetian narrow little streets called “calli” by the locals. The first impression of a village is that Malamocco is a quiet place in the middle of nowhere.

But then, as you walk around, you discover an authentic village, away from crowds, where every corner is linked to a story, especially to the saga of the Alberti family. Overall, Malamocco is a great place to spend an hour or two , grab a pizza or a drink, and wander through the narrow streets where Venetians live.

Take a stroll along the main street

The main street on Lido is called Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta or commonly known as “Gran Viale.” It is 700 meters long street that crosses the island from coast to coast and links the Vaporetto station to the beach. Along the street are located numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants.

This street is actually the center of Lido and a place where locals and tourists meet up, have lunch, or hang out at night . Therefore, you should visit this lively place and take a long casual stroll along it.

Explore Chiesa di San Nicolo al Lido

In the northern part of the Lido, located in a beautiful quiet place surrounded by the sea, there is a church of San Nicolo. It was built in 1044, but the current church was rebuilt in 1627 next to a pre-existing Benedictine monastery. The church is quite large, ancient, and with a simple brick facade . Inside, there are some relics of San Nicola and beautiful paintings on the walls.

Those who love art should not miss the two most important paintings: a Madonna with putto by Palma il Vecchio and a San Giovannino by Palma il Giovane. San Nicolo church is open to the public for free , and it is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM (8:00 hours) to 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) and from 3:00 PM (15:00 hours) to 6:00 PM (18:00 hours).

Admire Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungria

On the main street, you will come across the enormous and elegant Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungaria hotel from 1905. It is filled with a luxury design from the 20s and 30s of the twentieth century when beaches of Lido were crowded by wealthy and cultured travelers who spent long months in this magnificent hotel.

The hotel is a wonderful example of the Modernist or Art Nouveau style . Even if you don’t stay in this hotel, you can still be struck by its beautiful facade from the outside, or you can go inside to explore.

Go to the Venice Film Festival

Every year between the end of August and the beginning of September, Lido hosts the Venice Film Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists and enthusiasts. Along with Cannes and Berlin, the film festival in Venice is one of three big film festivals in Europe and one of the oldest of its kind.

Whether you are planning to get your hands on tickets to a screening or just want to see which famous movie stars you might spot, Venice Film Festival is an event everyone should attend . Therefore, September is clearly the best time to go to Lido for cinema and celebrity lovers.

Stop at the Jewish Cemetery

Jewish Cemetery in Lido is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. It is located in the San Nicolò area, and you can reach it by walking along the promenade for 20 minutes or by taking a bus from the Vaporetto station. Actually, there are two Jewish cemeteries . One from the 14th to the 17th century goes like a wall directly onto the dam, and the other has been next to the modern Lido cemetery since the 18th century.

You cannot visit the older one if you are not an organized group, but the younger one is open to the public. There is a lot of greenery around the cemetery , so it attracts people who like peacefully walking in nature.

Check out the Alberoni dunes

The Alberoni dunes are located at the southern end of the Lido, and they are one of the largest dune systems of the upper Adriatic. They stand next to the famous Alberoni dam, which you can cycle to the lighthouse. Here you will see unique flora and fauna, a vast system of dunes with some up to ten meters high, and paths that cross a large pine forest of about 30 hectares.

Also, in this diverse ecosystem, you can find protected Kentish Plover and Little Tern bird species. In front of the dunes is a wide strip of sand where you can walk barefoot. Access is free and always open , and the only rule is to walk along the indicated paths and not throw your leftovers into nature.

Play the golf

Finally, you can visit a golf club on Lido, one of the oldest in Italy , whose length is 6039 meters by usual standards. It was built in 1928, expanded to 18 holes in 1951, and is located on the edge of the Alberoni natural oasis. According to legend, this golf club was created by the car tycoon Henry Ford on the ruins of an Austrian fort.

It was frequented by famous guests and was even chosen by Hitler and Mussolini for their first secret meeting . Players can enjoy a challenging course while non-players can relax in a pleasant restaurant and bar.

What to do in Lido Venice at night?

If you wonder what to do in Lido Venice at night, here is the answer. There is not much to do other than peacefully walk around or have a drink in one of the bars on the main street. Therefore, Lido at night is only suitable for those who are not into partying or meeting new people . If you want better nightlife, we recommend going with Vaporetto to the main Venice island. Daily night lines run from and to Lido until 4:00 AM (4:00 hours).

Check out more articles about Venice:

• Best restaurants in Lido Venice
• Venice in one day
• Best pizza in Venice
• Best seafood restaurants in Venice
• Best restaurants near Piazza San Marco in Venice
• Best restaurants in Venice near Rialto Bridge
• Best vegan restaurants in Venice
• Best rooftop restaurants in Venice
• Best restaurants near Venice airport
• Best pasta restaurants in Venice
• Best steak restaurants in Venice
• Best Chinese restaurants in Venice
• Best Kosher restaurants in Venice
• Best leather shops in Venice
• How is Venice different from other cities?
• Does Venice smell?
• Why is Venice so expensive?
• How to get to Burano?
• Why is Burano so colorful?
• What is Burano famous for?
• How to get to Murano?
• Is Murano worth visiting?
• What is Murano famous for?

Recent posts:

Cheap eats in amalfi town – best budget-friendly restaurants, what is the palio the complete guide to famous siena’s horse race, cheap eats in positano – best budget-friendly restaurants, best restaurants in menaggio on lake como – top 5 places to eat, best restaurants in bellagio on lake como – top 5 places to eat.

Privacy Overview

• Maps of Italy >
• Veneto >
• Venice Lido

Venice Lido Map and Travel Guide

Lido di venezia, host of the bienalle di venezia, setting for death in venice.

The Lido of Venice ( Lido di Venezia ) is a 12 km long strip of land between the Adriatic and the Venetian lagoon. The Lido, or beach area is the northern part. The Lido is accessed from Venice by boats and Vaporatti and used by many day trippers, so if you want to see it as a serene break in your vacation, stay overnight.

Death in Venice was set in the Lido and Thomas Mann wrote the book here. Thousands turn out on the first week in September for the Venice Film Festival, La Biennale di Venezia .

Outside of festival time, Lido, Venice's beach, is the place you might escape the tourist hordes of Venice. You can rent bikes to visit places like the natural Oasis and dunes in Alberoni, Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni on the south side of the island.

While the Lido might seem way more modern than Venice proper, you can visit the Lido's Hebrew Cemetery , built in 1389 and recently restored.

Venice Lido has a small airport on the north end of Lido island called Nicelli Airport . Small private jets and some tourist planes use it. You can take a Venice Helicopter Tour from the Lido.

Location Map of the Lido and Venice

Above is the map that shows the Lido, which has beaches along both sides. The red box indicates the port where you can catch a the Vaporetto or Waterbus to Venice. The Alilaguna waterbus from the Venice airport stops at Lido as well. 

Mapping Europe features an interactive map of Venice Lido .

Lido di Venezia Hotels

If you want to have your Death in Venice romantic experience, Hotel des Bains Venice Lido is the place that served as the setting in the book and also for Luchino Visconti's film adaptation.

There are hundreds of other hotels and resorts in Venice-Lido , many of them quite reasonable in cost compared to Venice itself. For special events like the Giro or the film festival though, you might want to reserve ahead online using the links above.

If you prefer, you can search for Lido hotels by location and current price by using the booking box below.

Venice Weather & Climate

Venice can be foggy and cold around Carnevale, and it can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Below you'll see the current weather conditions for Venice Lido.

To see the historic climate conditions and to take a crack at predicting the weather for the time of your visit, see our Venice Italy Weather page .

More Italy Travel Planning Resources

• Travel Planning Timeline : Learn what you need to plan when.
• What Will an Italy Vacation Cost? : Tools for budgeting your Italian vacation.
• Unplanned Attractions : Save time for the good life in Italy.

About the author:

Lido: where it all began.

At the perfect meeting point between nature and culture is a sinuous jewel, set between the sea and the thousand wonders of the city of Venice: the island of Lido.

The strip of land of Venice’s Lido island is the original location of human settlements in the lagoon area. In Roman times there was a settlement here, the village of Malamocco, which operated as a port for the nearby Roman city of Patavium (Padua).

From the earliest times, the Benedictine abbey of the Church of San Nicolò (St. Nicholas of Myra), which houses the relics of the Saint, has stood on the northern part of the island. Not far from the church, a small plot of land was assigned by the Republic of Venice in 1389 for the burial of Jewish people. The cemetery has been restored and can be visited.

The age of the Crusades

During the age of the Crusades, the Lido was where the crusaders gathered and camped before setting sail, and the island has always been the fulcrum of the defence system of the Venetian Lagoon: in the 12th century the fort of San Nicolò was built where the barracks of the Fanti del Mar were located. For centuries, the island was used for military exercises and as a place of control and defence against threats from the sea.

At the end '800

At the end of the nineteenth century the Lido established itself as the most popular seaside resort in Italy and one of the most prestigious in the world, frequented by aristocracy and the European and international bourgeoisie. This led to the construction of large hotels such as the Hotel Des Bains (1900) and the Hotel Excelsior (1908). In 1872 the Società Civile Bagni Lido was founded and a system of water-buses was set up to provide services between Venice’s railway station (Santa Lucia) and the Lido.

Liberty Style

Many Art Nouveau villas were also built such as Villa Romanelli, Villa Monplaisir, the Papadopoli villas and many others. Between 1913 and 1916, Luigi Fabris created the majolica façade of the Gran Hotel Ausonia & Hungaria, considered one of the most important examples of Art Nouveau in Europe. Venice’s first airport was on the Lido and was inaugurated in December 1915. The Lido was renamed the “Golden Island”.

In the thirties

In 1932, it was decided to locate the headquarters of the Venice Film Festival to the island. It is the world’s oldest film festival and still one of the most prestigious, hosting, for ten days a year, some of the most successful directors and acting talents of our time on the red carpet of the Lido, combining high artistic value with the glamour that has always distinguished the event.

Discover more

Venice Lido: your guide to the glamorous beach of Venice

As a little spot of the Venetian lagoon, stands the island of Venice Lido , the so called "beach of Venice".

It is one of the most famous islands of Venice, renowned for the Venice Film Festival and its famous Palazzo del Cinema .

However, there are so many things to do on this island facing the Adriatic Sea.

So, let's explore all all the things you can do and visit in Venice Lido!

Venice Lido: what to do in the most glamorous island of the Venetian lagoon

Venice Lido has certainly one of the most famous beaches of the city.

Glamorous and elegant : this small island is famous for hosting the incredible Venice Film Festival once a year.

However, besides the seaside resorts and the elegant liberty style hotels , there's much more.

So many Venetians come here just to enjoy a day at the beach as it is very close to Venice city center. Many tourists choose it for their beach holidays as well.

We will discover what to do here , what to see and how to reach it in this article.

The 5 things to do in Venice Lido besides Venice film festival

Very close to Piazza San Marco (approximately 30 minutes of navigation), there is the Venice Lido island.

This small spot of the lagoon has plenty of things to do . So, without any further hesitation, let's see the 5 most interesting things to do here.

5. Feel like a star and enjoy the Excelsior beach and the beautiful promenade

Of course, one of the most famous lidos in this island is the Excelsior beach.

In fact, it combines the luxury 5 stars Hotel Excelsior (where the legendary dance scene of Once Upon a Time in America between Robert De Niro and Elizabeth McGovern was filmed) with the elegance of the white cabinets facing the sea.

This is a very comfortable private beach, providing a pool, hot showers, spa, and much more .

4. Enjoy the walk along Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta and Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi

Lido of Venice has been through the years a jewel in which movie stars, politicians and important businessmen settled and found privacy and all the comfort that Venice could not always provide.

Walking through Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta and Lungomare Marconi you will have the incredible opportunity to admire all the luxury hotels and liberty style villas which have been hosting all these kinds of VIPs and great personalities of all time.

Take your time to enjoy a nice walk through the most important part of Lido and it will seem to you to have entered another place at another time .

3. Enjoy at leisure at the public beach, from Blue Moon to Alberoni and Murazzi

Even though most of the lidos here are private, there are also some public beaches .

The first you will see upon your arrival is Blue Moon Beach, close to Santa Maria Elisabetta water bus stop . For its position and its services, you will find most of the tourists here.

However, if you have some time to explore the island, you may also want to know that San Nicolò, Alberoni and Murazzi are great places for your day at leisure.

Alberoni is one of the most beautiful places, but please note that it is a semi wild area protected by WWF . Some bars are located here. Murazzi , instead, are massive Istrian stone walls built since the end of the XVIII century by the Republic of Venice in order to defend the lagoon from the sea. You won't find facilities here.

2. Taste the local Venetian food

After a day at the beach you cannot leave the city without having tasted the local food.

There are so many restaurants and bars where you can try it. Risi e bisi (risotto with beans), sarde in saor , bigoli in salsa , baccalà mantecato are just some of the most Venetian famous dishes.

Here at Lido di Venezia not only can you taste this delicious food but you can also enjoy it in an exclusive location .

And you can surely trust us : we are running some restaurants with typical Venetian cuisine on the main island... We'll tell you more about that in the future.

Just continue following us!

1. Rent a bike to discover the wonders of the island along the Adriatic coast: from San Nicolò to Pellestrina

Lido di Venezia is a magic place for your bike tours .

You could take your bike with you from the mainland or rent a bike directly on the spot .

The island is very long so you have many opportunities to discover its wonders. From San Nicolò church , the suggested departure place, you could explore the close Jewish cemetery, one of the most ancient in Europe , and then visit the many liberty style buildings of the center.

Moving south you will see also the Palazzo del Casinò, the PalaBiennale and the famous Palazzo del Cinema .

Heading to the south , you will be able to explore another face of this incredible island. More wild and with less visitors . You will be able to visit the picturesque village of Malamocco.

At the most southern part of Lido, the village of Pellestrina and its famous Alberoni beach . Truly unmissable if you want to admire the lagoon meeting the sea.

How to reach Venice Lido island

Reaching Lido di Venezia is very easy. In fact you can decide to get there from Venice or from the mainland. Let's see how.

How to get from Fusina to Lido di Venezia (during summer only)

During summer, ferry boats connect Fusina (close to Mestre) to Lido di Venezia. This is a direct line without intermediate stops in Venice.

How to get from Tronchetto or Punta Sabbioni to Lido di Venezia

Lido is also connected to the mainland thanks to a system of ferries that ship dozens of cars from one side of the river to the other. In Lido, in fact, vehicles and cars can run freely .

So, a popular way to come to Lido, especially in case you want to take your car or your bike with you, is to depart from Tronchetto and take a car ferry .

The ferry #17 connects Tronchetto with Lido and Punta Sabbioni - Cavallino (another popular beach area, as we saw in this article about Venice beaches ).

From Piazzale Roma to Lido di Venezia

Piazzale Roma is well connected to Lido . In fact you can choose among 3 water bus lines during the day and one at night.

Line #6 and line #5.1 are the fastest ones , lasting approximately 30 minutes. Line #1 takes longer (65 minutes more or less) since it goes through the Grand Canal. It's very panoramic though. Line #N is the nocturnal one and it takes 47 minutes per way.

From Piazza San Marco to Lido di Venezia

It's easy to reach Lido from Saint Mark Square. You can choose between line #14 or line #5.1 . The former connects the square with Lido but also Punta Sabbioni and Burano.

To do a night excursion, you will have to take line #N .

What are you planning to do on your next tour to Lido di Venezia?

We hope you enjoyed this visit to our Lido di Venezia.

The island is incredible and we are sure you will find even more ways to explore it and discover its wonders.

We, as Venetians, working and living here , we cannot be more than happy if you can live the most incredible adventure thanks to our travel guide !

Popular tags