Lido is a great place to relax and take a break from the hordes of tourists crowding the historical heart of the city
Lido di Venezia is a thin sandbar stretching for twelve kilometres that has protected the historical heart of Venice from the Adriatic Sea, pirates and naval invasions for more than a thousand years. Beyond its natural practicality, it also has an endearing side and was at one point one of the most iconic landmarks in the ‘golden age of film’ – it is still linked to cinema through its hosting of the Venice International Film Festival, the oldest and still one of the biggest film festivals in the world.
Taking place every year between the end of August and the beginning of September, the festival attracts many big stars and visitors, but the island has a lot more to offer, especially in the warmer months (from mid-May to mid-September). Located only a 15-minute boat journey from the famous Saint Mark’s Square, Lido is a great place to relax and take a break from the hordes of tourists crowding the historical heart of the city. Wonderful Art Deco architecture, pleasant cycles along the 18th-century Murazzi (an impressive defensive system against the sea), sandy beaches (awarded once again, now for nine consecutive years, with a Blue Flag Award), a protected natural reserve and a beautiful golf course all make a trip to Lido very worthwhile.
ROMAN TIMES
Inhabited since Roman times, Lido was one of the first settlements within the Venetian Lagoon. Malamocco, at the south end of the island, was in fact the capital of La Serenissima from 742 to 811, after which it was decided to move it to Rialto over more protected lands. Lido – San Nicolò specifically, on the northern side of the island – has been for centuries the setting of the Sposalizio del Mare (Marriage of the Sea), a beautiful ancient ceremony that dates back to the year 1000.
