THE LIDO
Located approximately 20 minutes away from St. Mark’s Square by public water transport, the Lido island is a major component of the Venetian picture. This island is very long and thin and is one of the natural barriers between Venice and the sea.
Once you step foot on this island, the atmosphere is completely different from that in the Serenissima. Cars, buses and any other transportation system on the road are present just like any other place in the world, whereas this does not exist in Venice. Same for the belle epoque style of the houses and buildings, a unique architecture.
The Lido is famous for its beautiful and old fashioned sandy beaches, equipped with small private bungalows, amazing piers as well as bars and restaurants; it is a tradition for Venetians to spend the beginning of the summer there, particularly June and July, commuting daily from Venice and enjoying the best of sun, sea and fantastic ice creams! I did it throughout my childhood and it is always a lovely and unique experience.
The Lido is also famous worldwide for the Mostra del Cinema, which is the Venetian “Oscars” event, the Cinema awards. This takes place every year normally around the first two weeks of September and it is attended by the best stars in the world.
The Lido even has its own international airport for small planes!
CIRCOLO GOLF VENEZIA
If you are a golf player then you must go to the Venice Golf course here at the Lido! Nestled in the most beautiful setting of the island with amazing old trees, birds and incredible sea views.
Strada Vecchia, 1 – 30126 Alberoni
Tel. +39-041-731-333
PLANETARIUM OF VENICE
Lungomare D’Annunzio – Lido Di Venezia
Tel. +39-338-874-9717
Once in the Lido, a visit to the Planetario is recommended. It is the third ranking structure of this kind in Italy for size and features and it realistically reproduces the vault of the heavens in incredible detail. Check their website for the calendar of events.
THE VENETIAN ISLANDS
Beside the Lido, there are many other islands in the Venetian lagoon all of which deserve a visit as their crafts and traditions all form part of the Venetian heritage and history. The list below includes the most relevant places to visit within the islands.
MURANO – THE GLASS MUSEUM
Settore Vetro Antico
Fondamenta Giustinian 8
Tel. +39-041-739-586
Murano is of course the first stop as this is the world famous place for glass. The museum displays the art of the beautiful Venetian glass throughout the centuries. Strongly recommended!
BURANO – MUSEO DEL MERLETTO
Piazza Galuppi 187
Tel. +39-041-730-034
Burano is the island famous for the Merletto, the lace making; this museum displays many such ancient traditions and techniques.
CONVENTO DI SAN FRANCESCO DEL DESERTO
San Francesco del Deserto
Tel. +39-041-528-6863
Located not far from the island of Burano, San Francesco del Deserto is an important Franciscan Convent located on one of the most wonderful islands of the lagoon. I visited it for the first time when I was 12 and it was an unforgettable experience. The quietness and the natural beauty of the place create a magical atmosphere! It is only reachable by private water transport.
TORCELLO – MUSEO DI TORCELLO
Palazzo del Consiglio, Torcello
Tel. +39-041-730-761
The island of Torcello is full of fantastic art; this museum is one of the best examples, as it displays ancient Greek-Roman art, as well as archaeological artefacts from the Paleo-Veneto and Etruscan periods.
TORCELLO – BASILICA AND CAMPANILE OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA DI TORCELLO
Still in Torcello, a visit to the fantastic Basilica, which is the oldest in the lagoon, is a must! It houses some particularly precious mosaics.