Venice from above. Lido di Venezia. Drone views. The Island of Lido in Venice, Italy. Drone: DJI Air 2S. Venice Lido (Lido di Venezia) is an island, usually just referred to as 'the Lido'. It is the narrow strip of land which separates the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Once just a natural barrier, the Lido is now Venice's seaside. It's also the origin of the word 'lido' as used in the English-speaking world to describe bathing establishments. It was developed as a seaside resort at the beginning of the twentieth century, and has been popular for beach holidays ever since.
The Lido is Venice, yet not Venice. For residents, it's a compromise between the practical mainland and the historic city. The atmosphere on the Lido is very different from Venice: there are leafy residential avenues, roads, cars, cyclists and pavements. Out of season it feels 'normal', with reasonably-priced shops and restaurants, and locals taking their children for walks. There are lovely views over the lagoon to Venice, and in winter and spring you may be lucky enough, on a clear day, to see the snow-capped summits of the Dolomites behind the city's towers and rooftops. As summer approaches, the island's hotels open for the season, streams of beach-goers cross from the lagoon-shore ferry stop, and there are ice-cream shops on every corner. Even if you're not staying on the Lido it makes a good day out, for relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll to admire the 'Liberty-style' architecture.
Staying on the Lido
On the Lido you'll a variety of accommodation, though it tends towards large hotels used to families and groups, rather than romantic hideaways. The decadent elegance of the early twentieth century has almost vanished, but a few of the smart historic hotels offer a taste of stylish nostalgia. The Grande Albergo Ausonia e Hungaria, the most fabulous building on the Gran Viale, has been sympathetically restored while Hotel Excelsior offers a modern-day grand hotel experience in Moorish splendour by the sea. The Lido, luxury hotels excepted, is generally cheaper than Venice, with especially good deals if you avoid the peak summer months. I've stayed at Hotel Atlanta Augustus, in a central but quietly-located historic villa, with reasonable prices. In winter, though, note that many places close, and the boat trip across the lagoon can be quite cold.
Most visitors to the Lido are here for its beaches. Long, wide and sandy, the Adriatic-facing beaches here may not be the most glorious in Italy but they are among the best for miles around, and they satisfy thousands of sun-worshippers every summer. The Lido's beaches are mostly lined with beach huts and sunbeds belonging to hotels or private beach concessions where you can pay for sunbeds. If you don't want to spend money, there is also some free beach - spiaggia libera - where you can turn up with your towel and lie on the ground. The most convenient stretch, although it gets crowded, is at the end of Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, the street that crosses the island from the vaporetto stop. The 'Blue Moon' complex designed by architect Giancarlo De Carlo offers access to the the sand, with a bar, buffet and a shop. There are paying beach facilities here but also expanses of 'free' beach - at the time of writing these are under threat, but you will still find large areas where visitors lay their towels out; ask locally if in doubt.
Many local people and regular visitors head towards the two extremities of the island for free beach or a quieter atmosphere. To the south, among the dunes at Alberoni, is a naturist beach. But for tourists visiting for the day, it's more practical to stay in the popular area near the Gran Viale. To the left as you approach the sea you'll find a couple more beach establishments along Lungomare D'Annunzio including one of the three beaches run by Venezia Spiagge (Blue Moon is another) where you'll find a good range of facilities and a more civilised atmosphere than the free beach. Prices to rent sun-loungers and parasols are quite high, but there are generally discounts if you arrive from 3pm onwards. In the links panel (right) you can click to see the latest prices.
The most important historical monument that is actually visible is in the north of the island, facing over the lagoon. This is the Chiesa di San Nicolò di Lido, a once-important church dating to the eleventh century. For some time the Venetians claimed it housed the body of St. Nicholas, attempting to ignore the much stronger claims of the people of Bari. The building is rather low-key now, although the church's environs come alive once a year for the annual Festa della Sensa, a symbolic marriage ceremony between Venice and the waters.
Info - www.italyheaven.co.uk/veneto/...
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