A guide to things to do in the Venetian Riviera

Basking on the beaches

Lido di Jesolo is a purpose-built beach resort, which means 16 kilometres of sandy beach to relax on, lined with sunloungers, bars and restaurants. Try your hand at sea-view minigolf, paddle in the calm water or simply sit back and enjoy the sun with a cocktail on this extensive stretch of Blue Flag-awarded golden sand.

Further along the coast you’ll find the beaches of Bibione, surrounded by fragrant pine forests and offering clean sands and clear waters. As with Lido di Jesolo, there are plenty of sunloungers here to unwind on and an assortment of cafes nearby serving the kind of ice creams that Italy holidays are known for.

Under and over the sea

If you’re hoping to scuba or snorkel on your holiday, then you’re heading to the right place. The Blue Flag coast of Lido di Jesolo offers watersports galore, meaning you can zip around on a jet ski one day and scuba dive to spot Adriatic sea creatures the next.

At the eastern end of the beach you can sign up for sailing lessons, or try your hand at windsurfing, but if you’re looking for something a little less fast-paced then grab a snorkel and take it slow in the shallows. The clear waters make it easy to spot fish and sea anemones as you go, ideal for enjoying a gentle aquatic adventure.

Visit Aqualandia

During the summer months, Aqualandia opens its doors to offer whirlpool lagoons, spiral slides and everything else you could ask for in a waterpark – from wave machines to pirate ships.

There are shallow areas for smaller children and sizeable slides for those with a head for heights. Plus the park offers a variety of dining options to keep you and the little ones fed and watered throughout the day.

Situated less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Lido di Jesolo, Aqualandia is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a great family day out in the sun.

The true Venetian experience

When thinking of the Venetian Riviera, most people think of Venice. Even if you’re not staying in the beautiful city, plentiful transport connections mean you can get here easily by car, train or boat from the rest of the Venetian Riviera.

Venice itself has no roads, only rivers, so spend a day exploring the famous canals by gondola, admiring scenic views and sampling delicious food along the way. Visit historic sites like St Mark’s Basilica to see the Byzantine mosaics, and sail under the Rialto bridge before visiting the gothic architectural wonder, Doge’s Palace.

Often thought of as one of the most romantic places in the world, a day out in Venice will leave you with no doubt as to why.

History abounds

Of course, you don’t have to go to Venice to see history. Around Lido di Jesolo and Bibione you’ll find museums such as Museo Storico Militare Vidotto – a military museum with exhibitions of tanks and weapons – and a natural history museum that houses stuffed sharks and dinosaur displays.