Venice Holidays

Holidays to the Venice region bring together one of Italy’s most recognisable cities, a unique lagoon landscape and a long Adriatic coastline. It is a varied choice for UK holidaymakers: you can spend your time exploring canals and historic squares, staying in relaxed seaside resorts, or combining both in one trip.

Venice itself is the region’s main draw, with St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and quiet backstreets that are best discovered on foot. Away from the busiest sights, neighbourhoods such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer a more local feel, with small bars serving cicchetti, Venice’s traditional snacks, alongside wine or a spritz. The lagoon islands are also worth time: Murano is known for glassmaking, Burano for its colourful houses and lace heritage, and Torcello for its early churches and peaceful atmosphere.

For a beach-based holiday, the Venetian coast has several well-established resorts. Lido di Venezia offers an easy mix of beach time and city sightseeing, as it sits between the lagoon and the Adriatic. Further along the coast, Jesolo is one of the best-known resorts, with a long sandy beach, plenty of hotels and restaurants, and good access to Venice for day trips. Caorle has a more traditional old town feel, with colourful fishermen’s houses and a seafront promenade. Bibione and Cavallino-Treporti are popular for wide beaches, campsites and a more outdoorsy style of holiday, while Chioggia and nearby Sottomarina offer a working-lagoon atmosphere with seafood restaurants and a broad sandy shore.

Food is a real highlight across the Venice region. Menus often feature fish and seafood from the lagoon and Adriatic, risotto, polenta and simple seasonal dishes. Inland and coastal towns both have trattorias where meals are more relaxed than in the busiest parts of central Venice.

The region suits travellers who want more than a straightforward beach break. Boat trips, island visits, cycling on flatter coastal routes, historic towns, waterfront dining and world-famous art and architecture can all fit into the same holiday. Spring and early autumn are especially pleasant for sightseeing, while summer is best for those planning plenty of beach time.