Why visit the Lido?
The Lido is a 12 km sand bar protecting the lagoon. Unlike the historic centre, it has cars, bikes and wide avenues, plus beaches on its Adriatic side. In summer, Venetians come here to swim; in late August and early September, the Venice Film Festival fills the Palazzo del Cinema and the grand hotels with stars.
Lido beaches
- Free beaches (spiagge libere): Blue Moon at the end of the Gran Viale, San Nicolò to the north and the dunes at Alberoni to the south.
- Beach clubs (stabilimenti) rent cabanas, loungers and umbrellas by the day, with showers and bars.
The best way to explore is by bike: rental shops line the Gran Viale near the vaporetto stop, and a flat ride takes you to Malamocco and Alberoni.
Getting to the Lido
Vaporetto lines 1, 2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6 reach Santa Maria Elisabetta from San Zaccaria, St. Mark's, the station or Fondamente Nove in about 15–40 minutes. The Alilaguna Blue line comes direct from the airport. Drivers can take the car ferry (line 17) from Tronchetto.
Lido hotels are often cheaper than in central Venice, with gardens, pools and the beach on the doorstep.
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Where to stay
Hotels, B&Bs and apartments: staying overnight lets you see Venice without the day crowds.
Hotels on the Lido →Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.