etk401

we will be on our last leg of our trip with 3 days to spend in venice, staying at the baeur hotel. wondering if it is worth it to spend a half day at a beach and if so can someone give us a suggestion?

ira

Hi et,

The Lido is Venice's beach.

You can get there by Vaporetto no. 1

>..if it is worth it to spend a half day at a beach ...<

With only 3 days in one of the world's most glorious cities, it is not what I would do, but don't let my humble opinion influence you.

LoveItaly

Hello etk401, as Ira said the Lido is Venice's beach. I would imagine that once you arrive in Venice you will be so enthralled with this beautiful city that you will not want to take the time away from it to be on a beach for half a day.

I assume that this is your first visit to Venice? Get a good map and after visiting all the important sites do take the time to just wander (getting lost is part of the fun) and go to the out of the way areas. Walking in Venice is a joy. And don't forget to get up early to enjoy Venice before the daytrippers arrive. Late evening is wonderful also.

When you say you will have 3 days do you mean 3 full days or will you be arriving on the 1st day and leaving on the 3rd day? You will lost about half a day arriving or maybe less if you are coming in by train or car. But in any case it does take time to get to your hotel etc. And it takes time to depart Venice also.

I would enjoy Venice first, the major sites and the walking in nontouristy areas and then, and only then, would I consider going to the Lido. That is just my opinion of course.

Wishing you a beautiful trip!

etk401

i am sure you are both correct, i think i was trying to come up with plan b after hearing about the weather in italy in august. not ideal i know but with the kids at sleep away it is our time. the heck with the beach

nytraveler

The beaches at the Lido are dividied into those that are owned by a beach front hotel (fairly nice, not too crowded - and sometimes the hotel will let others use them for a fee) or the public beaches - which if it's hot will resemble sun-baked sardine cans.

Cicerone

Rather than the beach at the Lido, one of my favorite things to do with a “spare” half day in Venice if the weather is nice is to hire a boat and driver and head out Burano and that area. Burano is so charming, much more so than Murano (although you could easily stop at some glass “factories” as well), and you can spend time just out in the lagoon areas or even head out to the Lido area. I have never swum from the boat, but I am sure that could be arranged. Bring a picnic or cold wine and cheese. We usually end with a trip up the Grand Canal and down some smaller canals and back to the hotel. I generally pay between US$80 -100 per hour and IMO it is money well spent. Your hotel could arrange this or you could work this out with any of the private taxi drivers.

rbrazill

I just want to echo the other comments. The public beaches on the Lido are crowded and fairly dirty. The water will certainly never be mistaken for the Caribbean.
I also vote for a trip to Burano. It is a charming small island far from the bustle of San Marco. But you don't have to hire a boat and driver. There are several ferries run to Burano from either San Marco or Lido.

Cicerone

Yes there are ferries, but they are hot and crowded, go only point to point and you have to accomodate yourself to their schedule. You have a lot more flexiblity with your own boat and it is much cooler and more comfortable, esp in August when the ferries are absolutely loaded with tourists.

Tuscanson

If you really want a beach, and some of the posters here think you don't, I'd skip the Venice lido and take a bus from Mestre or the airport to Lido di Jesolo. I recall its about a 40 minute ride.

At Lido di Jesolo, you'll find miles of sandy beaches, hotels, tree-lined streets selling beach community stuff (towels, suntan lotion, cheap knickknacks).

No museums, churches or history of note in the area. Sometimes it is just what weary travelers want, especially on a hot July or August day.