If you’re looking for a family-friendly break from Venice or wanting to see how Europeans rock their beach vacations, head to Lido di Venezia, one of the continent’s oldest beach resorts. Once a destination for Europe’s literary elite, it’s now a much more down-to-earth place, though the glamour factor rises about a gazillion notches during the Venice International Film Festival. Nightlife is hopping here during high season, and from the Venice side of the island, evening views of the city are magnificent.
Time Out tip: Since free space on the sand is at a premium here, you’re ahead to rent a lounge chair and umbrella from one of the dozens of stabilimenti lining the beach, where you’ll have access to bathrooms, showers and changing rooms.
Nearby:
Hotel Excelsior: For drinks or dinner with sea views and legendary atmosphere
Circolo Golf Venezia: For saying you teed off in sight of the Lagoon of Venice< br />El Pecador: For burgers and booze vended from out of a vintage London double-decker bus