Holidays to the Venetian Riviera

The top attractions of holidays to the Venetian Riviera are its history and culture, and they don't stop at Venice. All across the region you’ll find stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes and some of the best Italian cuisine. In Venice explore St Mark’s Square, feeding the pigeons and watching the many glamorous tourists and locals as they pass. In Mestre and soak up the culture along the pretty streets of the town, or simply relax on the beach at Lido di Jesolo. Whatever you choose to do on your holidays there’s something in this incredible region for you.

Italians are proud of their delicious, world-famous food and after a holiday to the Venetian Riviera you’ll find it easy to see why. Choose from a wide range of pizza and pasta dishes, or opt for delicious meats from local farms, fruit and vegetables, cheeses and delicious seafood caught straight from the Adriatic coast. Venice is a hub for fine dining, while Lido di Jesolo offers a mixture of both Italian and International cuisines. Wine lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, with most of the restaurants serving a range of bottles made in the local Veneto area.

Family holidays to the Venetian Riviera are well catered for, with soft sandy beaches ideal for little ones wanting to paddle. Head to Lido di Jesolo for more lively beach activities where you can watch sandcastle building competitions, join in with beach rugby or make the most of the crystal-clear waters of the sea with windsurfing, sailing and more. The pretty streets of Venice are ideal for children to run about in, or you could hire a gondola and explore the historic city from a different angle. Kids will especially love feeding the pigeons in St Mark’s Square, where they will eat food straight from your hand.

There is plenty of action and adventure to be found on your holidays to the Venetian Riviera, with water sports on offer in the pretty town of Lido di Jesolo, while you could also try gondola rides in Venice or the inflatable playground in Mestre. If you prefer hiking or mountain biking there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local countryside, while those who are comfortable operating a boat should rent their own and explore this stunning area of Italy from a different angle. Go at your own pace, stopping in little villages for meals and finding pretty coves and empty beaches to explore.

Lido di Jesolo is the most famous beach resort along the Venetian Riviera. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see and is full of glamorous Italians, backed by restaurants serving delicious local favourites and fringed by the clear waves of the sea. Book yourself a sun lounger and enjoy Italian dishes, cocktails and cool beers brought straight to you, or spend the day making the most of the many activities and sports in the sea. Head to the east of the beach and watch the sandcastle-making competitions, or join in with beach rugby. Or you could try windsurfing or sailing, as well as a number of other water sports. If you’re looking for people watching opportunities, as well as to just relax with a good book find a spot to the west of the beach and enjoy the peace and quiet backed by tranquil pine forests. For something a little less well known, but equally lovely and conveniently close to Venice, base yourself on Venice Lido. A tranquil beach island, with cheaper accommodation options than other parts of the Venetian Riviera,  it's the spot to indulge your inner beach-bum while being close to major attractions like San Marco. 

Holidays to the Venetian Riviera aren’t well known for their major clubs, pubs and bars, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars which stay open until late where you can try Italian beers and wines, cocktails and international options. Venice has a host of cosy bars where you can while away the evening listening to local bands and live music. Lido di Jesolo is home to a few bars which sit on the beach and offer evening entertainment, perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet evening out. Mestre is the best place for bars and clubs, with plenty on offer as well as wine tours and tastings and some incredible theatre performances.

There is nowhere more romantic for a couples holiday that the Venetian Riviera. Head to Venice for the ultimate in romance as you explore the little rivers of the town by gondola, wander over pretty bridges and through narrow streets. Shop for little gifts, jewellery and clothes in one of the many boutiques in Venice or get to know the history of the town on a guided tour. Stop off in one of the many romantic, candlelit restaurants and enjoy delicious Italian dishes as you watch honeymooning couples and those who are newly engaged pass your window. For some real pampering, Abano Terme is the ultimate in exclusive spa towns. Pretty architecture, some delightful piazzas framed by deluxe restaurants and boutique shops, a tranquil atmosphere, and some of the best hotels spa's in the country, make it a superb base for really special couples holidays.  

You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice on holidays to the Venetian Riviera – it’s almost impossible to fit it all in! Start in Venice with a gondola ride through the pretty canals, before hopping off to wander over narrow bridges, stopping in St Mark’s Square to admire the cathedral. Head to a glass factory and discover this incredible craft, before making the most of the sensational food and wine this area is so famous for. Mestre is home to some incredible cultural sights as well, including the old square, an ancient fort and beautiful Venetian style buildings home to stunning tapestries, furniture and frescos. Everywhere you walk you’ll find something to admire, even the stunning Venice Railway Station is a work of art like no other. And if you prefer to enjoy works of modern as well as historic art there are plenty of art galleries in Mestre just waiting to be explored.