The 12 Best Beaches Near Venice: A Comprehensive Guide
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Venice, Italy, a city renowned for its intricate waterways and rich history, is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic Sea.
Whether you’re a beachcomber, a sun worshipper, or a water sports enthusiast, the beaches near Venice offer something for everyone.
From the famous Lido di Venezia, known for its golden sandy beaches and beach clubs, to the tranquil Alberoni Beach (My pick for the best beach near Venice, Italy), Venice’s beaches are as diverse as they are captivating.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best beaches near Venice, providing you with all the information you need to plan your perfect beach holiday.
So, pack your beach umbrella, put on your sunglasses, and get ready to discover the sandy side of Venice!
Closest Beach to Venice
1 – Lido di Venezia
Just a short water bus ride from the historic center of Venice lies the Lido di Venezia, the closest beach to the city and a world away from the bustling piazzas and narrow canals. This 12-kilometer stretch of fine sand, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon, offers a tranquil retreat for both locals and tourists alike.
Lido di Venezia is not just a beach; it’s a destination. With its grand hotels reminiscent of the Belle Époque era, charming villas, and tree-lined avenues, the Lido offers a glimpse into a bygone era of seaside glamour. The beach itself is divided into sections, some of which are owned by hotels and beach clubs. Here, you can rent sunbeds and beach umbrellas, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing day by the sea.
Getting to Lido di Venezia is part of the adventure. From the Piazzale Roma or San Marco, take the water bus (vaporetto) Line 1 or Line 2, which will take you on a scenic journey across the lagoon. Once you arrive, the beach is just a short walk away.
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, take a dip in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea, or simply enjoy the view with a spritz in hand, Lido di Venezia offers the quintessential Venetian beach experience.
You’ll need to get to the Lido SME (Santa Maria Elisabetta) stop on the Lido which can be reached by various vaporetti. Check out the interactive map here.
Best Free Beaches Near Venice
2 – Spiaggia di Pellestrina
Spiaggia di Pellestrina, located on the narrow island of Pellestrina, is a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Venice. This free beach is known for its picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea and its serene environment, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and relaxation.
Unlike many other beaches near Venice, Spiaggia di Pellestrina is not equipped with amenities such as beach clubs or sunbed rentals. Visitors should come prepared with their own beach gear, including umbrellas, sunbeds, and picnic supplies.
To reach Spiaggia di Pellestrina, you can take a vaporetto from Venice to Pellestrina. The journey offers stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon and takes about an hour. Once you arrive, the beach is a short walk from the vaporetto stop.
Despite its simplicity, Spiaggia di Pellestrina offers a unique beach experience. Here, you can enjoy a quiet day on the beach, take a leisurely swim in the Adriatic, or simply sit back and admire the stunning views, all away from the crowds.
See the Directions to Get There Here
3 – Spiaggia del Bacan
Spiaggia del Bacan, a hidden gem tucked away on the island of Sant’Erasmo in the Venetian Lagoon, is a charming free beach known for its tranquility and natural beauty. Unlike many other beaches in the area, Spiaggia del Bacan doesn’t offer amenities such as umbrellas or lounge chairs. Instead, it offers a raw, untouched landscape where you can truly relax and connect with nature.
To get there, you can take a vaporetto from Venice to Sant’Erasmo. Once you arrive, a short walk will lead you to this peaceful retreat. Here, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere, take a dip in the Adriatic, or simply sit back and admire the stunning views.
The vaporetto to get there leaves from the Fondamente Nove stop in the Cannaregio neighborhood. You’ll take the number 13 Water Bus to the S. Erasmo stop and then you’ll have to walk down to the beach from there. Check out the interactive map here.
Famous Venice Beaches
4 – Lido di Jesolo
Just an hour’s drive from Venice, Jesolo Lido is a vibrant beach destination that perfectly combines relaxation and entertainment. This famous Blue Flag certified beach stretches over 15 kilometers of fine, golden sand, making it one of the longest beaches in the Veneto region.
Jesolo Lido is not just a beach; it’s a bustling seaside town with a lot of activities and amenities. From trendy beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and beach umbrellas, to a wide array of restaurants and bars serving local cuisine and refreshing cocktails, there’s something for everyone.
For the more adventurous, the Jesolo Lido offers a variety of water sports, and for families, there’s Caribe Bay (ex Aqualandia) water park.
5 – Alberoni Beach
Alberoni Beach, my personal favorite Venice, is a hidden gem located at the southern tip of the Lido di Venezia. This famous beach is a nature reserve, home to unique sand dunes and a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the more crowded beaches.
Getting to Alberoni Beach is a delightful journey. A 30-minute ferry ride from central Venice will take you to this serene haven. It’s a private beach so, once there, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from the local beach clubs, or simply find an open area and lay your towel on the fine sand and enjoy all the beaches peaceful surroundings.
You do need to book your umbrella and lounge chair in advance which can be a drag, but for sheer convenience, it can’t be beat.
Check Out How To Get There Here
6 – Rosolina Mare Beach
Rosolina Mare Beach is a quiet and picturesque beach located about an hour south of Venice. This 9-kilometer long beach is known for its soft, white sand and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families with young children.
What makes Rosolina Mare Beach worth visiting is its untouched beauty. The beach is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Po Delta Park and is rarely crowded as so many tourists stick to the Lido. Additionally, the beach is home to sea turtles and a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching.
Best Venice Beaches for Families
7 – Eraclea Mare
Eraclea Mare, often referred to as the “Green Pearl” due to its lush pine tree forests, is a family-friendly beach located near Venice. This beach is known for its clean, soft sand and calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families with young children.
The beach offers a variety of activities and amenities to keep everyone entertained. For the little ones, there are playgrounds and safe swimming areas. For the adults, beach volleyball courts are available for a fun, active day on the beach.
When it comes to dining, Eraclea Mare doesn’t disappoint. The area boasts plenty of restaurants and cafes, where you can sample local cuisine or enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful sea views.
However, it’s worth noting that nearby Laguna del Mort is a naturist beach. While this area is known for its natural beauty and is a long walk from the main beach of Eraclea Mare, it might not be suitable for families or those looking for a more traditional beach experience.
To reach Eraclea Mare, you can take a bus from Venice or drive. There’s ample parking available near the beach, making it a convenient day trip destination.
Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches Near Venice
8 – Caorle
Caorle, a captivating seaside town just an hour’s drive from Venice, is renowned for its two beaches: Spiaggia di Ponente and Spiaggia di Levante. These beaches, with their golden sands and clear, shallow waters, are perfect for families with young children.
Bau Beach in Caorle is a small beach where dogs are allowed. If you are traveling to Venice with a dog, then this is the place to come to the beach. The water is marked off with a protective net with buoys so your doggo is not in danger of swimming out too far.
Spiaggia di Ponente, the western beach, offers a wide expanse of sand and is known for its stunning sunsets. On the other hand, Spiaggia di Levante, the eastern beach, is the most famous beach for its unique rock formations and the Scogliera Viva, a seafront sculpture park where international artists have transformed the rocks into works of art.
The town of Caorle, sometimes called Little Venice, is a delight to explore. With its colorful fishermen’s houses, the cylindrical bell tower of the Duomo, and the serene Caorle Lagoon, it offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Just a short drive from Caorle, you’ll find Porto Santa Margherita, a modern marina known for its water sports facilities.
To reach Caorle, you can take a bus from Venice or drive. There’s ample parking available near the beach and Porto Santa Margherita, making it a convenient day trip destination.
9 – Sottomarina
Sottomarina, located on the southern edge of the Venetian Lagoon near Chioggia, is a popular beach destination known for its wide expanse of fine, soft sand and the clarity of its waters. The beach here is one of the longest in the region, extending for more than 6 kilometers. It’s a popular spot for both sunbathing and water sports, with facilities for windsurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding.
The town of Sottomarina, with its historic center, modern marina, and variety of restaurants and shops, adds to the appeal. The historic center, characterized by narrow streets and ancient buildings, offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history. The modern marina, on the other hand, is a hub of activity with its array of boats and yachts.
One of the unique features of Sottomarina is the Murazzi, a massive sea wall built in the 18th century to protect the lagoon from the sea. This historic structure is a testament to the town’s long-standing relationship with the sea.
To reach Sottomarina, you can take a bus from Venice or drive. The journey takes about an hour and a half by road. Once you arrive, there’s plenty of parking available near the beach.
More Beaches to Consider
10 – Punta Sabbioni
Punta Sabbioni, situated on the northernmost tip of the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula, is a popular beach destination for both locals and tourists. This beach is known for its wide, sandy shores and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families with children.
The beach offers ample space for sunbathing and building sandcastles, while the calm waters are perfect for swimming and other water sports. As it’s a public beach, it’s free to access, but you’ll need to bring your own beach gear, such as umbrellas and sunbeds.
Punta Sabbioni is also the departure point for ferries to Venice and the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, making it a convenient location for those who want to combine a beach day with some sightseeing.
To reach Punta Sabbioni, you can take a bus from Venice or drive. There’s ample parking available near the beach and the ferry terminal. There are also several campsites nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
11 – La Brussa
La Brussa is a beach located within the Caorle Lagoon nature reserve, known for its untouched natural beauty and tranquility. This beautiful beach, is a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Unlike many other beaches near Venice, La Brussa is not equipped with amenities such as beach clubs or sunbed rentals. Instead, it offers a raw, untouched landscape where you can truly relax and connect with nature.
The beach is surrounded by a lush pine forest, providing a cool shade for those hot summer days. The clear, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, while the wide sandy shore is ideal for sunbathing or a leisurely walk with your dog as it is one of the rare beaches in Venice where they are allowed off leash.
For those traveling by RV, there’s a large parking lot available near the beach. However, please note that overnight camping on the beach is not allowed.
To reach La Brussa, you can drive from Venice. The journey takes about an hour and a half by road. Once you arrive, a short walk through the pine forest will lead you to this peaceful retreat.
12 – Bibione
Bibione is a popular beach resort town located near Venice, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. This beach is known for its clean, golden sands and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families and water sports enthusiasts.
Bibione offers a variety of amenities, including beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports facilities. The town itself is divided into different areas: Lido dei Pini, Bibione Pineda, Bibione Spiaggia, and Lido del Sole, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.
The cityscape of Bibione is characterized by numerous hotels, guest houses, and campsites, providing a total number of beds that is forty times higher than the number of inhabitants. This makes it a bustling hub of activity during the summer season, with tourists coming largely from Germany, Austria, Italy, and Eastern European countries.
Bibione is also known for its commitment to a clean and healthy environment. In fact, it became Italy’s first smoke-free beach in 2014, with a smoking ban imposed on the area between the shore and the first row of beach umbrellas. Since 2019, smoking has been banned on the entire beach, except in designated smoking areas.
To reach Bibione, you can drive from Venice, which takes about an hour and a half. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample parking available near the beach and throughout the small town itself.
Wrapping It Up
From the bustling beach resorts of Lido di Jesolo and Bibione to the tranquil retreats of La Brussa and Spiaggia del Bacan, there’s a beach near Venice to suit every traveler’s taste.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly beach with plenty of amenities, a peaceful spot to unwind away from the crowds, or a vibrant beach club scene, you’ll find it here. And with the stunning Adriatic Sea as your backdrop, you’re guaranteed a beach holiday to remember.
As you plan your trip to Venice, don’t forget to explore these stunning beaches. Each offers a unique slice of Venetian life and a chance to experience Italy’s beach culture at its finest.
For more helpful information to plan your trip to Venice, check out the links below. These articles provide a wealth of information on everything from must-see attractions and local cuisine to insider tips and travel advice.
- Explore Trieste: Essential Resources for Your Visit - August 12, 2024
- The 12 Best Beaches Near Venice: A Comprehensive Guide - March 5, 2024
- [Day Trip] 12 Fun & Quirky Things to Do in Burano, Italy - March 4, 2024