When most people think of Venice, they imagine romantic gondola rides, Renaissance art, and maze-like alleys rather than sunbathing and swimming. But surprise—Venice is surrounded by islands and coastlines with some of the most beautiful and historic beaches in Northern Italy. Whether you’re craving a glamorous beach day with cocktails or a tranquil spot to unwind after your walking tour, there’s a beach near Venice calling your name.
In this ultimate local guide, we explore the best beaches near Venice, how to get there, what to expect, and tips only locals share. From the historic Lido di Venezia to vibrant Jesolo, charming Caorle, and wild hidden gems like Cavallino-Treporti, here’s everything you need to know.
🏖️ Table of Contents
- Why Venice Is Actually a Great Base for the Beach
- The Closest Beach: Lido di Venezia
- Trendy & Touristy: Lido di Jesolo
- Family-Friendly & Colorful: Caorle
- Quiet & Natural: Cavallino-Treporti
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Sottomarina (Chioggia)
- Wild and Natural Escapes: Bibione and Beyond
- Are There Sandy Beaches in Venice Itself?
- Swimming in Venice: Is It Allowed?
- How to Plan a Beach Day from Venice
- The Best Beach Clubs & Hotels by the Water
- Tips for Americans Visiting Italian Beaches
- Sustainable & Local: Respect the Coastline
- Bonus: Combine a Beach Day with Wine, Cycling or Culture
- Final Thoughts: La Dolce Vita Near the Lagoon
1. Why Venice Is Actually a Great Base for the Beach
You wouldn’t guess it, but Venice is just a short boat ride away from miles of sandy beaches along the Adriatic Sea. While the floating city itself sits in a lagoon, barrier islands like Lido, Pellestrina, and Cavallino offer real beach escapes—some just 15–20 minutes from Piazza San Marco.
In fact, locals often head to the beach after work in the summer. Whether you’re in Venice for two days or two weeks, adding a beach day to your itinerary can be the perfect way to cool off, slow down, and see a different side of Venetian life.
2. The Closest Beach: Lido di Venezia 🌴
Distance from Venice: 15–20 min by vaporetto
Best for: Easy access, beach clubs, vintage glam, bike rides
The most accessible beach near Venice is on Lido di Venezia, a long narrow island that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It was Italy’s first real seaside resort, made famous by writers like Thomas Mann and celebrities from the Venice Film Festival.
Today, Lido offers a mix of elegant beach clubs, public beaches, laid-back cafes, and Art Nouveau villas. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella for the day or bring your towel and pick a spot on the public stretch of sand.
Local tips:
- Rent a bike near the vaporetto stop and cycle the whole island.
- Visit Alberoni Beach on the south end for a quieter, wilder vibe.
- Book a cabana at Blue Moon Beach Club for a more upscale experience.
How to get there: Vaporetto Line 1 or 5.1 from San Marco or Santa Lucia, or a private water taxi.
3. Trendy & Touristy: Lido di Jesolo 🏄♀️
Distance from Venice: 1–1.5 hours (via bus + walk or private transfer)
Best for: Nightlife, long sandy beaches, families, watersports
Think of Jesolo as Venice’s version of Miami Beach: 15 km of golden sand, beach bars, water parks, and a buzzing nightlife. It’s the go-to summer spot for locals from the Veneto region.
Jesolo is more developed and modern than Lido, with a mix of budget hotels, resorts, and family-friendly activities. You’ll find beach volleyball, windsurfing, kids’ clubs, and lively aperitivo spots.
Local tips:
- Head to Jesolo Pineta (the pine forest side) if you want fewer crowds.
- Try Laguna Beach Bar for cocktails right on the sand.
- Go mid-week to avoid weekend traffic.
How to get there:
- Take a bus from Piazzale Roma (ATVO line), or ask us at Tour Leader Venice for a private transfer or day trip combo.
4. Family-Friendly & Colorful: Caorle 🎨
Distance from Venice: 1.5–2 hours
Best for: Seaside charm, history, colorful houses, sandy beaches
Often called a “mini Venice,” Caorle is a photogenic fishing town with pastel buildings, a medieval cathedral, and two beautiful sandy beaches: Ponente and Levante.
Perfect for couples or families looking for a slower pace and cultural touch, Caorle also has excellent seafood restaurants, beach walks, and even a promenade dotted with carved stones from international artists.
Local tips:
- Visit the Santuario della Madonna dell’Angelo, right by the water.
- Caorle is a great stop if you’re exploring Venetian coastal towns by car.
- Don’t miss the seafood risotto at Ristorante Da Buso.
5. Quiet & Natural: Cavallino-Treporti 🌾
Distance from Venice: 1 hour by ferry + bus
Best for: Nature lovers, campers, quiet beach days
Stretching between Lido di Jesolo and Punta Sabbioni, Cavallino-Treporti is a long peninsula with quiet, uncrowded beaches and a lush, green landscape. It’s a top destination for eco-tourism, cycling, and camping by the sea.
You won’t find flashy clubs here—just peaceful dunes, pine forests, and clear water. Great for solo travelers, couples, or anyone looking to escape the tourist scene.
Local tips:
- Rent a bike and ride along the Laguna del Mort, a natural wildlife area.
- Stay at one of the beach glamping resorts for a unique experience.
- Best reached with ferry from Lido or Punta Sabbioni.
6. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Sottomarina (Chioggia) 🌊
Distance from Venice: 1.5–2 hours
Best for: Long beach walks, retro charm, seafood
Sottomarina is the beachside extension of Chioggia, a traditional fishing town that looks like a mini-Venice without the crowds. Sottomarina offers 4 km of sand, gentle waves, and a retro Italian beach town vibe.
Popular with locals and families, it’s not as trendy as Jesolo but offers a relaxing and affordable beach day.
Local tips:
- Pair a beach day with a visit to Chioggia’s fish market and canals.
- Stop for lunch at El Gato, a beachfront seafood trattoria.
- Combine with a boat tour of the southern lagoon.
7. Wild Escapes: Bibione, Eraclea, and Isola Verde 🏞️
Distance from Venice: 2–2.5 hours by car or transfer
Best for: Off-grid travelers, thermal spas, unspoiled nature
If you’re up for a slightly longer adventure, beaches like Bibione, Eraclea Mare, and Isola Verde offer wild landscapes, pine forests, and a much slower pace of life. Bibione even has thermal springs, and is ideal for longer summer stays or road trips.
Local tips:
- Bring bug spray if you’re heading into pine woods or marshy areas.
- These beaches are more remote—ideal for reading, relaxing, or digital detox.
- Best reached by car (ask us about private transport options from Venice).
8. Are There Sandy Beaches in Venice Itself?
Not exactly. The city of Venice sits in a lagoon with mudflats, canals, and docks, not beaches. You can sunbathe along the Zattere or Fondamenta Nove if you’re desperate, but if you want sand, waves, and a real beach vibe, head to Lido or beyond.
9. Can You Swim in Venice?
Technically, swimming in the canals of central Venice is prohibited, especially around San Marco and the Grand Canal. It’s also not safe due to boat traffic and water quality. Locals and visitors go to Lido or other beaches for a proper swim.
However, you can swim in the lagoon outskirts, like Alberoni or Sant’Erasmo, and of course, anywhere on the open Adriatic side.
10. How to Plan a Beach Day from Venice
Here’s a sample itinerary:
- 9:00 AM: Vaporetto or bus to Lido or Jesolo
- 10:00 AM: Settle at a beach club or public beach
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a beachside trattoria or bar
- 2:00 PM: Swim, read, nap, repeat
- 5:00 PM: Aperitivo by the sea
- 6:30 PM: Return to Venice in time for dinner or sunset gondola ride
Need help organizing it? At Tour Leader Venice, we offer custom beach days and private boat transfers for those wanting to add a bit of luxury.
11. Best Beach Clubs and Hotels
- 🏖️ Blue Moon Beach (Lido) – chic, easy to reach
- 🍹 Laguna Beach Bar (Jesolo) – lively and colorful
- 🏨 Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido – classic glamour
- 🧘♀️ Union Lido (Cavallino) – spa, yoga, beach access
- 🏕️ Camping Ca’ Savio (Cavallino) – glamping by the sea
12. Tips for Americans Visiting Italian Beaches
- 🪑 Many beaches are private. Rent a sunbed (“lettino”) and umbrella (“ombrellone”) early.
- 👙 Topless sunbathing is common in some areas but not everywhere.
- 🍉 Bring snacks, but always clean up—Italy fines for littering.
- 💶 Most places are cash-friendly, especially beach kiosks.
- 🚿 Showers may be coin-operated.
13. Sustainable Travel: Protect the Lagoon
Venice’s coastlines are beautiful but fragile. Help preserve them by:
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Staying on marked paths in dune areas
- Supporting local vendors over big chains
- Choosing electric transport where possible
14. Beach Day + More: Combo Ideas
- Lido + Art Deco walk + Film Festival sites
- Caorle + seafood lunch + local market stroll
- Jesolo + Waterpark + nightlife
- Cavallino + bike ride + nature photography
- Sottomarina + Chioggia boat tour + canal-side dinner
Ask us at Tour Leader Venice to organize private experiences or group beach escapes tailored to your interests.
15. Final Thoughts: La Dolce Vita Near the Lagoon
So, are there good beaches near Venice? The answer is a resounding yes—and they come with history, glamor, or wild beauty. Whether you’re escaping the crowds of Piazza San Marco or looking for a perfect family day, the Adriatic coast offers something for everyone.
Just remember: you don’t have to go far to feel far away.
☀️ Want us to plan your perfect beach day from Venice? Visit Tour Leader Venice and let us take care of the details—you just pack the sunscreen.
