Lido is the name of the famous island between the sea and the main part of Venice. It is here that the equally famous Venice Film Festival takes place every year. The wide beach has ensured that there are mostly luxury hotels on the island.
Lido Venice
The Lido di Venezia is actually not much more than an approximately 11 kilometer long sandbank., where about 20 thousand people live. It is the only island in Venice where car traffic is allowed.
Malamocco, the central part of the island, is where the first settlement was built. There also used to be a harbor here. In 1202, thousands of crusaders who did not have enough money to pay for the crossing were detained here by the Venetians.
In 1857, the first stabilimento (“beach concession”) of Europe was built here. This is a typical Italian phenomenon which can be found all along the coast, where people own or rent a piece of beach to set up a bar and a restaurant and rent out beach chairs. In several languages Lido has even become the word for this kind of construction.
It is from the 19th century onwards that Lido got its exclusive status and started to be built with luxury hotels.
Tourist attractions Lido
The Santa Elisabetta Church was built after the Second World War on the central square of the island.
The San Nicolò Church dates back to the 17th century and was once the largest fortress on the island.
The Benedictine Monastery on the island houses the mortal remains of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.
The Jewish cemetery has existed since 1389 and, after a restoration, can also be visited.
There is a lighthouse on the south side of the Lido.
Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival has been held every year in September since 1932. It is the oldest film festival in the world and one of the most important events in the world of cinema. The northern part of the island, where the festival is held, is also the location of the most famous hotels such as the Grand Hotel Excelsior and the Grand Hotel des Bains.
Beaches
Although many of the island’s beaches are privately owned (often by hotels), the part closest to the water (a strip of 9 meters) is always accessible to the general public. There are also some, not very attractive, public beaches. These are not directly in the center and you will have to take a bus from the ferry stop.
Golf
The only golf course in Venice is, not surprisingly, also located on the Lido. This part of the island is called Alberoni and is located on its south side. The course was created in 1930.
Shopping
The biggest shopping street runs right through the island and is called the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta. This street is about 700 meters long and is completely dedicated to tourism, with hotels, restaurants and shops.
Connection Lido – Venice
There is a direct boat connection between the Lido and the main part of the city. From the landing point you can take a bus to the beaches. From the Marco Polo airport it is also possible to go by boat to the island. Private planes can land and take off at the small Nicelli Airport on the Lido di Venezia.