Lido

A trip to Venice is simply not complete if one has not been to the Lido. The name originates from Latin and is derived from the word ‘litus’ or beach. Venice’s Lido is a long stretched out sand bar that reaches from Jesolo to Chioggia, and that shields the vulnerable city from the open sea. It was not until the 19th Century however that the Lido was discovered as a tourist location. Since then more and more luxury hotels settled here and turned the Lido with its incredible views over Venice, into a fashionable seaside resort. For centuries the nobles and aristocrats from Europe would meet here to enjoy a few idle weeks in the refined elegance of Venice and to make the most of the summer. During this heyday before the First World War and even between the world wars, a lifestyle and atmosphere existed here for which the Lido is still famous for today. Whoever wishes to gain insight into this time should read the Thomas Mann novel ‘Tod in Venedig’ (Death in Venice), which captured the Lido, its hotels and its inhabitants in world literature. Once a year of course the Lido stands in the spotlight; namely the International Film Festival of Venice is held here annually which particularly in the last few years has increasingly attracted more stars and starlets.

The Lido is the ideal destination if you are travelling with children or if whilst on a trip to Venice you want to walk around without any crowds and really let off some steam. Here at any time of year you can take a long stroll along the beach, collect sea-shells, and then sit down for a coffee or a small glass of wine- as is typical in Venice in one of the many hotels.

In the summer one can of course also bathe in the Adria. Although it is said during carnival time the Venetians will ‘let themselves go’, at other times of year they are somewhat more prude. It is therefore advisable to rent one of the small beach huts or to change in an otherwise shielded manner – the main thing is to remain decent. Even today one can find several 5-star hotels on the Lido; all in all however, this part of Venice- in which cars are allowed to be driven has lost some of its exclusivity.

Tourist Guide Venice

Lido