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cielo sereno
Experience
Lido of Venice
The Venice Islands Cycle Route is a path that runs between the islands of Lido and Pellestrina, which lie between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, the most enjoyable way, by bike, to visit these two unique places in the Venetian lagoon.
Just a few minutes’ boat ride from Venice – the city where cycling is forbidden – there is a route that allows you to pedal along the lagoon, enjoying the green landscapes, places steeped in history, passing charming palaces and then stopping to enjoy the peaceful and placid atmosphere of the fishing villages.
The Venice Islands Cycle Route is a path that runs between the islands of Lido and Pellestrina, which lie between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, each about 12 kilometres long. Riding a bicycle is the greenest, most leisurely and enjoyable way to visit these two unique places in the Venetian lagoon.
The cycle path is made up of sections of real cycle path, others of pavement and others where you can cycle along the road without difficulty: the two islands have little traffic and are very safe for cycling.
To begin our cycling tour of the Lido, we set off from the north. Pedalling along the length of the lagoon, you begin in the San Nicolò area, with its Benedictine Church and Monastery and the Jewish Cemetery, as well as an oasis of protected nature and, on the other side, the lighthouse, a perfect spot to take a few photos of the Adriatic Sea.
However, if you enter the central area of the Lido, taking the Granviale Santa Maria Elisabetta you can go in search of the Lido’s Art Nouveau past: first you can admire the distinctive Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungaria, and continue by discovering the numerous villas built in the early 20th century in Venetian Art Nouveau style.
Going the other way, towards the sea, you arrive at the Lungomare Marconi, passing the iconic Hotel Des Bains and the landmarks of the International Film Festival, held every late summer on the Lido di Venezia. First, the Palazzo del Casinò, then the Palazzo del Cinema and finally the majestic Hotel Excelsior, the most luxurious hotel on the island still in operation today.
Heading back along the lagoon, cycling along Via Sandro Gallo (the longest street on the Lido, which runs through almost the entire island), you can stop for a break in the delightful village of Malamocco, a small Venice with alleys, courtyards and canals.
Carrying on southwards, you finally reach the Alberoni area, following a stretch of cycle path along the Murazzi fortresses, the final great work of the Serenissima built to protect the island from the rage of the sea. Another nature reserve can be found here, and lastly, you can catch the Ferry Boat towards Pellestrina.
Pellestrina Island is even more remote than Lido di Venezia, and has an even more unique shape, with a width ranging from 25 metres to one kilometre, and in some places it is so thin that the sea and the lagoon are separated only by the Murazzi fortress.
Perfect for cycling route from the north, from the green resort of Santa Maria del Mare, to the south, to Ca’ Roman, with its wild beach and nature reserve, riding through the island’s only three towns: San Pietro in Volta, Portosecco and Pellestrina. Further into the Ca’ Roman forest, you arrive at the southern tip of Pellestrina, where you will find the lighthouse and can see as far as Chioggia.
It is possible to get to Lido di Venezia with your own bike from the Ferry Boat pier in Mestre/Tronchetto (line 11 or line 17), which also takes cars, or you can rent a bicycle or electric bike directly at Lido near the Santa Maria Elisabetta pier, which is also reached from Venice but by waterbus (lines 1, 5.1, 5.2 and 6 from Piazzale Roma).
