Are There Any Good Beaches Near Venice? A Local’s Complete Guide
When most travelers picture Venice, they imagine gondolas, Renaissance palaces, and labyrinthine canals — not sunbathing and spritzes by the sea. But here’s the surprise: Venice is surrounded by islands and coastlines that boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Italy. Whether you’re dreaming of a cocktail under a cabana or a peaceful swim after your walking tour, there’s a beach near Venice waiting for you.
In this insider guide, we’ll explore the best beaches near Venice, how to reach them, and what locals love most about each one. From the elegant Lido di Venezia to the colorful charm of Caorle and the wild serenity of Cavallino-Treporti, here’s your one-stop guide to la dolce vita — Venetian style.
Before we dive in, read our related stories on non-touristy things to do in Venice and how to plan your perfect Venice itinerary.
🏖️ Why Venice Is a Perfect Base for the Beach
You might not realize it, but Venice sits right beside miles of golden sand. Just beyond the lagoon, barrier islands like Lido, Pellestrina, and Cavallino separate the calm waters of the lagoon from the open Adriatic Sea. Locals often escape here after work — it’s part of everyday Venetian life.
In fact, adding a beach day to your trip offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s narrow streets and marble palaces. It’s your chance to slow down, swim, and enjoy the same seaside rhythm Venetians have loved for over a century.
Pro tip: Visit between May and September for the best weather and warm sea temperatures.
🌴 The Closest Beach: Lido di Venezia
Distance from Venice: 15–20 minutes by vaporetto Best for: Easy access, vintage glamour, bike rides, beach clubs
Just across the lagoon lies Lido di Venezia — Venice’s elegant seaside playground. Once Europe’s first luxury beach resort, the Lido hosted literary icons and Hollywood stars long before Instagram existed. Its Art Nouveau villas, shaded promenades, and calm sandy beaches make it the perfect escape when you’ve had your fill of crowds around St. Mark’s Square.
What to Do
- Rent a bike near the vaporetto stop and cycle along the entire island.
- Visit Alberoni Beach for a wilder, quieter stretch.
- Stop at Blue Moon Beach Club for cocktails and cabanas.
- Stroll along the Lido promenade — a local favorite.
Getting there: Vaporetto Line 1 or 5.1 from San Marco or Piazzale Roma, or a private water taxi.
🌞 Trendy & Lively: Lido di Jesolo
Distance: 1–1.5 hours from Venice Best for: Nightlife, families, watersports
If Lido is vintage chic, Jesolo is modern energy. Think 15 km of golden sand, beach bars, volleyball, and neon nightlife. It’s the Veneto’s summer hotspot — where locals and visitors alike come for swimming by day and dancing by night.
- Head to Jesolo Pineta for fewer crowds and shady pine forests.
- Try cocktails at Laguna Beach Bar right on the sand.
- Visit midweek if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Getting there: Bus from Piazzale Roma (ATVO line) or a private transfer. Combine it with a lagoon stop — see our day trip guide to Murano, Burano, and the Prosecco Hills.
🎨 Family-Friendly & Colorful: Caorle
Distance: 1.5–2 hours Best for: Seaside charm, culture, families
Caorle feels like a seaside painting come to life — pastel houses, a medieval cathedral, and two sandy beaches (Ponente and Levante). It’s often called a “mini Venice,” but with space to breathe and time to stroll.
- Visit the Santuario della Madonna dell’Angelo overlooking the water.
- Walk the Scogliera Viva, a sculpture-filled promenade.
- Dine on seafood risotto at Da Buso or Ristorante Al Faro.
For more on colorful local life, read Hidden Gems of Venice Only Locals Know.
🌾 Quiet & Natural: Cavallino-Treporti
Distance: 1 hour (via ferry + bus) Best for: Nature lovers, cycling, peaceful escapes
Between Jesolo and Punta Sabbioni stretches Cavallino-Treporti — a long peninsula beloved by Venetians for its tranquility. Expect pine forests, clean sand, and gentle waves. It’s also one of Italy’s best areas for eco-camping and glamping by the sea.
- Cycle along the lagoon path to Laguna del Mort — a protected wildlife area.
- Try yoga at Union Lido or stay at Camping Ca’ Savio.
- Enjoy sunset views across the water toward Venice’s skyline.
If you love slow travel and outdoor life, you’ll also enjoy our post on Venice’s hidden lagoon tours.
🌊 Off-the-Beaten-Path: Sottomarina & Chioggia
Distance: 1.5–2 hours Best for: Long beach walks, vintage charm, great seafood
Locals call Chioggia “Little Venice,” and its beachside twin Sottomarina offers a throwback to classic Italian summers. Expect long promenades, pastel umbrellas, and deliciously affordable seafood.
- Combine a morning in Chioggia’s fish market with an afternoon on the sand.
- Have lunch at El Gato or Granso Stanco — both local favorites.
- Visit in September for the Festa del Pesce seafood festival.
Pair it with our story on how locals live full-time in Venice for a deeper glimpse of lagoon life.
🏞️ Wild Escapes: Bibione, Eraclea & Isola Verde
Distance: 2–2.5 hours by car Best for: Off-grid travelers, thermal spas, unspoiled nature
If you’re ready to venture farther, the beaches of Bibione, Eraclea Mare, and Isola Verde deliver peace, pine trees, and postcard sunsets. Bibione even has thermal baths — ideal for relaxation after long days exploring Venice’s bridges.
Tip: Bring insect repellent if walking near dunes or wetlands, and travel by car or private transfer for flexibility.
🏖️ Are There Sandy Beaches in Venice Itself?
Not really. Venice’s center floats on wooden piles, surrounded by canals and mudflats — no open beach in sight. But hop on a vaporetto, and within 20 minutes you’ll have sand between your toes. Lido is your best bet for that instant escape.
For more nearby getaways, see our neighborhood guide to Venice.
🏊 Swimming in Venice: Is It Allowed?
Swimming in Venice’s canals is not allowed — and it’s unsafe due to boat traffic and water quality. Locals head to the outer lagoon or the Adriatic side, where the water is clear and inviting. For a safe dip, go to Alberoni, Cavallino, or Jesolo.
🧺 Planning Your Perfect Beach Day
Here’s how Venetians do it:
- Take a morning vaporetto or ferry.
- Find your favorite beach club or shady pine tree.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch and a glass of chilled Prosecco.
- Swim, nap, and linger for sunset aperitivo.
Need inspiration? Check out Venice on a Budget for clever, affordable beach-day tips.
🏨 Best Beach Clubs & Hotels by the Water
- Blue Moon Beach (Lido): Chic, convenient, and perfect for people-watching.
- Laguna Beach Bar (Jesolo): Aperitivo with sand between your toes.
- Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido: Old-school glamour from the film-festival days.
- Union Lido (Cavallino): Yoga, wellness, and seaside calm.
- Camping Ca’ Savio (Cavallino): Glamping meets Adriatic adventure.
🇺🇸 Tips for American Travelers
- Most beaches are private — rent a lettino (sunbed) and ombrellone (umbrella).
- Topless sunbathing is accepted in some areas but not universal.
- Carry cash; beach kiosks often don’t take cards.
- Public showers may require coins.
- Always clean up — Italian beaches take sustainability seriously.
For cultural do’s and don’ts, read Dress Code & Social Customs in Venice.
🌍 Sustainable Travel: Protecting the Coastline
Venice’s fragile lagoon depends on balance. Respect the coast by avoiding single-use plastics, staying on marked trails, and choosing eco-friendly options like bikes or electric boats.
If you love nature-based experiences, explore our insights on local life and sustainability in Venice.
🚴 Bonus: Combine the Beach with Culture or Wine
- Lido: Add a visit to the Venice Film Festival site or an Art Nouveau walking tour.
- Caorle: Combine with a stop in Bassano del Grappa.
- Cavallino: Bike the lagoon route and photograph wild herons.
- Sottomarina: Pair your beach day with a boat tour of the southern lagoon.
- Prosecco Hills: Combine sea air with bubbles — read Explore the Prosecco Hills.
☀️ Final Thoughts: La Dolce Vita by the Lagoon
So, are there good beaches near Venice? Absolutely — and they come with history, character, and the soft hum of the Adriatic. From elegant Lido to untamed Cavallino, you’re never far from sunshine and sea breeze.
Next time you’re in Venice, pack your swimsuit alongside your camera. Because here, la dolce vita isn’t just in the canals — it’s waiting by the water’s edge.
