Here’s what to know about the beaches near Venice.
Is There A Beach Near Venice?
When most people think of Venice, Italy, they picture gondolas, St Mark’s Square and some instagram-worthy gelato.
I know I did. But, of course, if you’re in a lagoon then you’re near the coast. And if you need a beach after exploring the city, you’re in luck. Some of the best beaches near Venice lie just beyond the canals, along the Adriatic Sea. And one destination in particular surprised me: Jesolo.
I cycled there as part of my challenge to ride from Venice to Porec in Croatia, via Slovenia. And while I, perhaps, expected endurance and suffering, instead, at least on this stretch, I found flat, friendly cycle paths and a lively beach resort.
Beyond the hustle and bustle of Venice lies a long stretch of coastline, complete with beach clubs, sun loungers and golden sand.
So here’s what you need to know about heading to the beach and getting off the beaten track in Venice.
Can You Go to the Beach from Venice?
Yes. There are several beaches around Venice, making it easy to spend a day by the sea after sightseeing.
The easiest is probably Venice Lido, officially known as Lido di Venezia, the narrow strip of land that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic. Reachable by vaporetto (or water bus) from San Zaccaria, Santa Lucia station and other ACTV stops, it offers the closest actual beach to the city.
However, Venice Lido isn’t the only option. Other beach towns near Venice include:
- Jesolo
- Bibione
- Sottomarina near Chioggia
- Alberoni, at the souther tip of Venice Lido
Caorle
Each has its own character, from wild beach landscapes to lively beach resorts.
Discovering Jesolo
Jesolo sits east of the lagoon along the Adriatic coastline in the north of Italy. Unlike Venice itself, which revolves around narrow alleys and historic palaces, Jesolo feels unapologetically seaside. It has a long sandy beach, rows of beach umbrellas, bars and restaurants and the kind of atmosphere that encourages you to slow down.
The main beach stretches for around 15 kilometres and has earned Blue Flag status for its clean beach standards. The waters are gently sloping, making it particularly popular with families, as the littlies can wander into the water without fear of a sudden drop off and depth.
So, if your idea of a holiday includes a beach chair, a sunbed and perhaps a sunset stroll along the shore, Jesolo delivers.
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Caribe Bay: A Tropical Escape in Jesolo
Jesolo is also home to one of Europe’s most unusual water attractions.
Formerly known as Aqualandia, Caribe Bay combines water slides, pools and tropical scenery in what many people consider the leading themed park in Italy.
Designed to resemble a Caribbean island, it includes sandy areas, entertainment, family attractions and one of Europe’s highest water slides.
Whether you’re looking for fun or relaxation, Caribe Bay is a great alternative to spending the entire day at the beach.
What is Jesolo Like?
Jesolo is one of Italy’s classic beach resort destinations. During peak season and high season, thousands of Italian and European families arrive to sunbathe, play beach volleyball and enjoy days by the sea.
Despite its popularity, the sheer length of the shoreline means it rarely feels overcrowded.
Along the promenade you’ll find:
- Beach clubs with private beach sections
- Deckchairs and sun loungers for hire
- Volleyball courts and sports areas
- Tennis courts
- Restaurants and ice cream shops
- Evening entertainment
- Deckchairs and sun loungers for hire
Jesolo is one of Italy’s classic beach resort destinations. During peak season and high season, thousands of Italian and European families arrive to sunbathe, play beach volleyball and enjoy days by the sea.
Despite its popularity, the sheer length of the shoreline means it rarely feels overcrowded.
Discover more about when to visit Venice to avoid the crowds here.
More Than Just a Beach
One thing that struck me was how different this side of Veneto felt compared with Venice itself. And that’s not just because one of them has a giant jar of nutella and the other, the Biennale.
Venice was built on trade and on its connection with the sea. The lagoon that protected the Republic of Venice eventually opens onto the Adriatic, and Jesolo forms part of that wider maritime landscape.
It reminded me that Venice isn’t isolated, even though it feels it, sometimes, in our imagination and in Poirot-Branagh movies.
Other Beaches Near Venice
Venice Lido
Lido di Venezia is the closest beach near Venice. Reachable by vaporetti from the historic centre, it combines Belle Époque villas with a broad lido beach and the quieter area around San Nicolò.
Alberoni
At the southern end of Venice Lido lies Alberoni, one of the least crowded beaches in the Venice area. Protected dunes and natural landscapes make it feel far away from the city.
Sottomarina and Chioggia
South of Venice, Sottomarina sits beside Chioggia, often described as a smaller and more authentic version of Venice. This stretch of sand is popular with locals and makes an easy day trip.
Caorle
Caorle combines one of the most beautiful beaches in Veneto with a colourful historic centre and fishing heritage. (There was the option to slip off and see the place on my bike route but I’m afraid my legs didn’t have it in them.)
Bibione
Further east, Bibione offers family-friendly facilities, free parking in some areas and kilometres of coastline.
How to Reach Jesolo from Venice
Don’t worry, you don’t have to cycle. Most visitors travel from Piazzale Roma in Venice to Jesolo by bus. If you’re arriving by train at Santa Lucia station, simply walk to Piazzale Roma and continue from there.
If you’re staying in Venice itself, you can combine the ACTV water bus system with road transport to create an easy beach day.
Travel Tips for Visiting Jesolo
- Visit early in high season to secure the best sunbeds
- Reserve beach clubs in advance during peak season
- Stay for sunset when the crowds begin to disperse
- If you prefer quieter surroundings, head away from the crowds towards the end of the beach
Spend at least a day exploring both Venice and the coast to experience two very different sides of Veneto
So, Sightseeing or Beach Life?
Venice may be famous for canals rather than coastlines, but some of the best beaches near Venice are surprisingly easy to reach.
For me, Jesolo revealed a side of the region I hadn’t expected to find. After days spent among palaces, churches and canals, arriving at a long sandy beach beside the Adriatic felt almost surreal.
So if you visit Venice and suddenly decide you need a beach, don’t assume you’ll have to travel far. The lagoon eventually meets the sea, and Jesolo offers a reminder that Venice has always been connected to both.
More About Travel in Italy
- How to get off the beaten path in Italy with 101 hidden gems
- A first-timer’s guide to the Amalfi Coast
- 31 hidden gems in Tuscany
- How to see Florence in one day
- Why Rimini Old Town deserves your time
- How to get off the beaten path in Venice
- When is the best time to visit Venice to avoid the crowds?
- 21 unusual things to do in Rome to escape the crowds
