When most travelers think of Venice, they imagine winding canals, Gothic architecture, gondolas, and tight alleyways. But only a few adventurous souls discover that just a short vaporetto ride from Piazza San Marco lies a completely different world: vast open spaces, golden beaches, wild dunes, and one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in Italy.
Welcome to Alberoni, the southernmost district of the Lido of Venice—an unspoiled natural paradise, home to endangered wildlife, sun-bleached shorelines, and a golf course once played by European royals and Hollywood legends. It’s where the lagoon meets the Adriatic in its most raw, pristine form.
In this guide, we’ll explore every corner of Alberoni and introduce you to the Venice Lido Golf Club, an 18-hole dreamscape hidden between pine trees and sandbanks. Whether you’re a nature lover, a golfer, or a curious traveler looking to experience Venice far from the crowds, Alberoni is the answer.
📍 Where Is Alberoni?
Alberoni is located at the very southern tip of Lido di Venezia, about 11 kilometers from Venice’s historic center. It’s named after the Via degli Alberoni, a tree-lined road that cuts through pine forests and sand dunes on the way to the Adriatic.
Unlike the more urbanized northern Lido—home to the Venice Film Festival, historic hotels, and Art Nouveau villas—Alberoni is wild and tranquil, a mix of natural reserve, uncrowded beaches, and eco-conscious living.
It’s one of the best-kept secrets of the Venetian Lagoon—and for good reason.
🌿 Alberoni: Venice’s Wild Side
A Natural Sanctuary
Alberoni is home to the Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni, a protected area of more than 160 hectares of sand dunes, maritime pines, and Mediterranean scrub. It’s one of the most important dune ecosystems in Northern Italy.
Here you can spot:
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Sea lilies and juniper bushes
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Wild orchids (seasonal)
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Herds of wild rabbits
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Migrating birds such as herons, egrets, and flamingos
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Occasionally, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), which nest along these shores
The area is crisscrossed by walking trails, wooden boardwalks, and cycling paths, making it perfect for a slow, immersive nature walk or ride.
It’s peaceful, raw, and deeply meditative—completely removed from the bustle of Venice.
🏖️ The Beach at Alberoni: Untouched, Unfiltered, Unforgettable
If you’re tired of Venice’s touristy areas and crowded beaches, Alberoni Beach will feel like a revelation.
What to Expect:
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Soft golden sand stretching for kilometers
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No high-rise buildings, umbrellas, or music blasting
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Free access—this is a public beach
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Plenty of space, even in August
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Windswept dunes you can explore respectfully
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A natural pier where locals fish and couples walk at sunset
The beach is also known for its surf-friendly waves and attracts local kitesurfers and windsurfers.
At the far southern tip, the murazzi (large marble sea walls built in the 18th century) rise up like ancient guardians, offering a dramatic backdrop to the shoreline.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Alberoni
There aren’t many restaurants here—and that’s part of the charm. But what’s available is authentic, seasonal, and rooted in the land and sea.
1. Locanda da Scarso
An old-school Venetian trattoria that’s been around since 1929. Tucked under trees near the beach, it serves:
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Spaghetti alle vongole (clams)
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Bigoli in salsa (anchovy pasta)
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Fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood)
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House-made desserts and simple wines
It’s rustic, honest, and much-loved by locals.
2. Albergo Ca’ del Moro – Wine Retreat
This elegant eco-resort just steps from the golf course offers a modern twist on Venetian cuisine, a refined wine list, and outdoor seating surrounded by gardens.
It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or aperitivo after a long day in the dunes or on the course.
⛳ The Venice Lido Golf Club: Play Where Royalty Teed Off
Yes, Venice has a golf course. And not just any golf course—one of the oldest and most prestigious in Italy.
Founded in 1928, the Circolo Golf Venezia is a par 72, 18-hole course designed in British style, nestled between the sea and the lagoon.
Quick Facts:
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Designer: Cruickshank & Ferrier (British architects)
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Par: 72
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Length: 6,199 meters
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Season: Open year-round
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Clubhouse: Historic villa with restaurant and lounge
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Dress Code: Formal (no jeans or sneakers)
This isn’t a place for rowdy bachelor parties. It’s refined, serene, and steeped in tradition.
Who Played Here?
Over the decades, the course has hosted:
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King Leopold of Belgium
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The Duke of Windsor
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Henry Ford II
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Sean Connery (a regular during his Venice visits)
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Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni, who preferred lunch at the clubhouse
Its prestige comes not only from its exclusivity and design but from its breathtaking setting—where your swing carries over ancient pine forests, glimpses of sand dunes, and the shimmer of the lagoon.
🎯 Why Play Golf Here?
1. Historic Prestige
It’s one of Italy’s original golf courses, modeled after classic British links and steeped in nearly a century of history.
2. Nature Everywhere
Forget concrete bunkers. Here, you’ll play among pine trees, wild birds, and lagoon views. It’s quiet, fresh, and truly immersed in nature.
3. Convenient Access from Venice
You can leave your hotel near St. Mark’s at 9 a.m. and be teeing off at 10 a.m. with ease. We organize private transfers (land or boat) for a smooth door-to-clubhouse experience.
4. Non-Golfers Welcome
Traveling with someone who doesn’t golf? No problem. While you play, they can enjoy:
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A nature walk through the dunes
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A beach morning at Alberoni
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A spa treatment or yoga session at Ca’ del Moro
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A bike ride down the Lido
We can build a full day experience around your round of golf—making everyone happy.
🧭 How to Reach Alberoni and the Golf Club
From Venice
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Step 1: Vaporetto to Lido S.M.E. (Line 1, 5.1, or 6)
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Step 2: Bus Line 11 or a taxi to Alberoni or Golf Venezia (15–20 minutes)
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Step 3: Optional golf cart or shuttle for final stretch
We also offer private water taxi service from central Venice to the Alberoni pier or golf entrance (weather dependent).
By Car (From Mainland)
Take the ferry from Tronchetto to Lido with your vehicle. Then drive south along the Lido to the club. Parking is available onsite.
📅 Best Times to Visit
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Spring (April–June): Flowers in bloom, perfect temperatures
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Fall (September–October): Less crowded, ideal for golf and walking
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Summer (July–August): Great for the beach, but hotter and more crowded
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Winter: Quiet, crisp air—lovely for nature lovers and relaxed rounds
🧳 What to Bring
For golfers:
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Collared shirt, golf shoes, clubs (rentals available)
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Sunblock and water in summer
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Layered clothing in shoulder seasons
For nature lovers:
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Hiking shoes or sandals
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A good camera or phone for birdwatching
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Binoculars (optional)
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Picnic supplies if you want a DIY lunch on the beach
🧡 Our Favorite Day at Alberoni (And How You Can Book It)
At Tour Leader Venice, we’ve designed a private full-day experience in Alberoni that combines the best of land, sea, and sport. Here’s what it looks like:
“Alberoni Escape” Sample Itinerary:
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9:00 AM – Private water taxi from Venice to Lido or Alberoni pier
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9:45 AM – Coffee and local pastry at Ca’ del Moro
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10:30 AM – 18 holes at the Venice Golf Club (or beach + walk for companions)
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1:30 PM – Lunch at Locanda da Scarso (or picnic on the dunes)
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3:00 PM – WWF dune reserve walk with local naturalist
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5:00 PM – Aperitivo at the Alberoni jetty, with spritz and Adriatic views
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6:00 PM – Return to Venice, refreshed and transformed
We handle all logistics—bookings, golf tee times, transfers, and special access—so you can just enjoy.
🌊 Alberoni Is More Than a Beach… It’s a State of Mind
In a city known for its drama and density, Alberoni is the antidote.
It’s wild but peaceful. Sporty but meditative. Luxurious but grounded. It reminds us that Venice isn’t just a museum of the past—it’s a living, breathing archipelago of contrasting experiences.
So come to Alberoni. Take your shoes off. Breathe in the sea air. Watch the rabbits hop across the dunes. Play a round of golf that feels like a walk through a nature reserve.
And when you return to Venice that evening—sun-kissed, satisfied, maybe a little tired—you’ll carry a secret with you that few tourists ever discover.
📞 Ready to Experience the Other Side of Venice?
Contact Tour Leader Venice today to book your private Alberoni and Golf Club experience. Whether you’re a solo golfer, a honeymooning couple, or a family of explorers, we’ll tailor every detail to make it unforgettable.
🎯 Book Now | Golf • Nature • Seaside Escape • Authentic Venice