The 7 best beaches for swimming in Venice
Are you staying in the City of the Doges and looking to get away from the crowds for a relaxing session? Venice is not only an architectural marvel set on the water, it’s also a coastal destination offering privileged access to magnificent beaches along the Adriatic Sea. From easily accessible urban beaches to more secret wild stretches, discover our selection of the 7 most beautiful beaches for swimming in and around Venice.
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Download1. The beaches of Venice Lido
Accessible in just 10 minutes by vaporetto from Venice city centre, the Lido is the most convenient option for swimming in Venice. This barrier island stretches for 12 kilometres between the ports of San Nicolò and Malamocco, offering an impressive variety of beaches to suit all tastes.
The Lido beaches boast fine golden sand and calm waters protected by natural seawalls, creating an ideal environment for families with children. In contrast to the constant hustle and bustle of the historic centre, these beaches offer a more relaxed atmosphere, particularly outside the period of the Venice International Film Festival.
Among the most popular sections, the Blue Moon beach, located near the vaporetto stop, offers modern facilities but is still very busy. For more peace and quiet, head for the Alberoni or San Nicolò baths, real havens of peace appreciated by connoisseurs. The island of Lido also retains its Belle Époque charm, with Art Nouveau villas and historic palaces lining the beaches.
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2. Sottomarina beach in Chioggia
Located in the picturesque municipality of Chioggia, less than an hour’s drive south of the Venetian lagoon, Sottomarina offers a cost-effective alternative to the more touristy beaches of the region. This family-friendly seaside destination stretches over two kilometres of immaculate fine sand, bordered by a pleasant pedestrian promenade and cycle path.
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Sottomarina beach stands out for its attractive prices: you can expect to pay around €6 per hour for a parasol and €5 for a sunbed, which is considerably less than at the Lido. This affordability, combined with the quality of its infrastructure, makes it a destination of choice for families and budget-conscious travellers.
The atmosphere here is authentically Italian, less internationalised than on the better-known Venetian beaches. Chioggia itself is well worth a visit, with its historic centre nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ for its colourful canals and traditional fish markets.
3. The wild beach of Cavallino-Treporti
For lovers of unspoilt nature, Cavallino-Treporti is one of the most beautiful coastal secrets in the Venetian region. Accessible in an hour by boat from Venice via Punta Sabbioni, this 15-kilometre peninsula offers a unique ecosystem where the Adriatic Sea meets the Venetian lagoon.
The Cavallino-Treporti coastline is characterised by fine golden sand and deep blue crystal-clear waters. The hinterland, made up of natural dunes and ancient pine forests, is home to an exceptional biodiversity that will delight nature lovers. This ecological wealth has earned the region Natura 2000 status.
Unlike the more commercial beaches in the region, Cavallino-Treporti has managed to preserve its wild character. It’s easy to find a place to spread out your towel away from the crowds, with the option of hiring equipment on certain equipped sections. This beach is a haven of peace for those seeking authenticity during their Venetian holiday.
4. Bibione’s lively beach
A veritable institution on the Adriatic coast, Bibione welcomes more than five million visitors every year, making it the second busiest beach in Italy. This popularity is due to its exceptional infrastructure and its commitment to the environment, recognised by numerous certifications, including the prestigious Blue Flag.
Bibione pioneered the first non-smoking area on an Italian beach, demonstrating its commitment to providing a healthy environment for its visitors. The 8 kilometres of beach are fully equipped with a wide range of sporting activities, including beach volleyball, kayaking, beach basketball and even sand rugby. There’s plenty of entertainment from morning to night during the summer season.
To make the most of the facilities, expect to pay around €20 a day to hire a parasol and deckchair. This seaside resort also boasts a renowned spa centre, fed by deep natural mineral springs. Bibione is ideal for families looking for a complete and safe seaside experience.
5. The unspoilt beach of Alberoni
Located at the southern tip of Venice Lido, Alberoni beach is considered one of the most beautiful and peaceful in the entire region. Accessible in an hour by bus or vaporetto from the city centre, this beach offers an exceptional combination of pristine white sand and unspoilt natural surroundings.
The landscape of Alberoni is unique: vast dunes of white sand, centuries-old shady pinewoods and, in the background, a golf course that adds an exclusive dimension to the area. The beach has a special atmosphere, popular with both discerning tourists and Venetians themselves, who consider it their secret beach.
Despite its natural beauty, Alberoni offers quality services, including parasol hire (€8/day) and deckchairs (€5/day), in an unspoilt setting. The exceptional biodiversity of the dunes and pinewoods make it an ideal place to relax and observe nature. Don’t hesitate to discover this pearl during your visit to Venice guided by our audioguides.
6. Lido di Jesolo and its 15 kilometres of beaches
Located less than an hour from Venice, Jesolo rivals Europe’s top seaside resorts thanks to its 15 kilometres of fine golden sandy beaches. This top destination on the Venetian coast boasts one of the longest coastal promenades in Europe, lined with shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Lido di Jesolo captivates with its lively atmosphere and modern facilities. Almost every stretch of beach is equipped with parasols, sun loungers, water parks and water sports centres. There’s no shortage of sports facilities: beach football, tennis, volleyball and miniature golf are all dotted along the coastline.
This seaside resort is particularly renowned for its lively nightlife, with regular parties organised on the beach. Prices range from €14 to €34 per day, depending on the services chosen and the period. Jesolo is ideal for young people and families looking for a dynamic seaside experience with plenty of entertainment.
7. The wild della Brussa beach in Caorle
For an authentic experience far removed from mass tourism, the spiaggia della Brussa, located in the natural oasis of Vallevecchia near Caorle, is one of the last truly wild beaches on the Venetian coast. This 70-hectare natural setting is home to a unique ecosystem and remarkable wildlife.
Access to the beach is from the historic Brussa Castle, through an unspoilt landscape home to deer, hares and many species of birds, including the Royal Gull. This wealth of birdlife attracts many bird-watching enthusiasts, particularly recommended in the early hours of the morning.
The unique charm of this beach lies in its casonis, traditional fishermen’s huts built from reeds, clay, wood and bamboo, which dot the coastline and bear witness to the local maritime history. There’s no modern tourist infrastructure here: just the sand, the sea and a wild, unspoilt coastline. This beach offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking authenticity and contact with nature during their stay in Venice.
In conclusion, the area around Venice offers a remarkable diversity of beaches to suit all types of traveller. From the easily accessible Lido to the wild expanses of Cavallino-Treporti and della Brussa, via the lively resorts of Jesolo and Bibione, each beach has its own personality. Whether you’re looking for the tranquillity of Alberoni, the economy of Sottomarina or the liveliness of Jesolo, these 7 destinations will allow you to combine cultural discovery with seaside pleasures. To make the most of your stay, don’t hesitate to take our audio-guided tour of Venice, which will enable you to discover all the treasures of the Serenissima before heading off to these magnificent beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the nearest beach to the centre of Venice?
Venice’s Lido is undoubtedly the closest beach to the historic centre. A simple 10-minute vaporetto ride (lines 5.1 or 6) from Piazzale Roma or San Marco takes you directly there. This proximity makes it the ideal choice for a relaxing half-day without compromising your cultural programme.
Can you swim for free near Venice?
Yes, several beaches offer free access. On Venice’s Lido, some sections are free, notably near San Nicolò. The beach at Cavallino-Treporti also offers plenty of free space to put your towel down. Even on paid beaches such as Alberoni and Sottomarina, there are always free areas outside the private establishments.
When is the best time to enjoy Venetian beaches?
The bathing season runs from May to September, with an optimum period from June to August when the water temperature reaches 22-24°C. To avoid the crowds while enjoying good conditions, opt for May-June and September. These months offer an excellent compromise between good weather, moderate crowds and more affordable accommodation.
How do you get to the beaches from Venice without a car?
Venetian public transport links all the beaches efficiently. For Lido: vaporetto lines 5.1 and 6. For Jesolo: ATVO bus from Piazzale Roma (1-hour journey). For Cavallino-Treporti: boat to Punta Sabbioni, then local bus. Sottomarina can be reached by bus via Chioggia. These regular connections allow day trips without parking constraints.
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