Via Lepanto, 30100 Lido, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy (June 2025)

Lido of Venice

Stretching like a slender ribbon between the open Adriatic Sea and the quiet waters of the Venetian Lagoon, the Lido of Venice offers a distinctive introduction to one of Italy’s most intriguing coastal landscapes. Neither fully urban nor entirely natural, the Lido occupies a unique position in the Venetian imagination, blending refined seaside leisure with layers of history, culture, and understated elegance. For centuries it has served as Venice’s window to the sea, a place where the rhythms of tides and tourism meet in a setting that feels both relaxed and quietly sophisticated.

Unlike the dense maze of canals and stone palazzi that define central Venice, the Lido presents a more open and spacious character. Tree lined avenues, gardens, and wide streets give the island an atmosphere that feels almost continental, a contrast that surprises many first time visitors. This sense of openness has long made the Lido a retreat from the intensity of the historic centre, offering space to breathe while remaining deeply connected to Venice’s cultural life. Vaporetto boats glide across the lagoon in minutes, reinforcing the idea that the Lido is not separate from Venice, but rather an essential extension of it.

The island’s identity is closely tied to its beaches, which stretch for miles along the Adriatic coast. These sands have attracted visitors since the nineteenth century, when the Lido emerged as one of Europe’s earliest and most fashionable seaside resorts. Aristocrats, writers, and artists came seeking fresh air and sea bathing, helping to establish the tradition of elegant beach culture that still defines the island today. Rows of wooden beach cabins, neatly arranged umbrellas, and long promenades evoke a sense of continuity with the past, where leisure was cultivated with grace and attention to detail.

Architecture on the Lido reflects its golden age of tourism, particularly through its Liberty style buildings, Italy’s interpretation of Art Nouveau. Grand hotels and villas, with their decorative facades and refined proportions, tell stories of a time when travel was an event and destinations were designed to impress. Among these landmarks, the Hotel Excelsior stands as a symbol of the Lido’s glamour, its Moorish inspired design overlooking the sea like a stage set for elegance and spectacle. Even today, walking through these areas feels like stepping into a quieter chapter of European cultural history.

Modern fame, however, has ensured that the Lido remains firmly rooted in the present. Each year it becomes the international spotlight of cinema during the Venice Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. Red carpets, premieres, and global media attention transform the island, briefly infusing its calm streets with excitement and celebrity. This annual event reinforces the Lido’s role as a cultural bridge, linking artistic tradition with contemporary creativity while preserving an atmosphere that never feels overwhelming.

Beyond beaches and festivals, the Lido offers a more intimate side of Venetian life. Residential neighbourhoods reveal everyday routines shaped by water and weather, where bicycles replace boats and local cafes serve long standing communities. Parks and quieter stretches of shoreline invite reflection, while views across the lagoon provide constant reminders of Venice’s fragile beauty. Sunsets here are particularly striking, as light shifts across water and sand, blending the natural and the urban into a single, luminous horizon.

As an introduction to Venice, the Lido offers a perspective that is both complementary and revealing. It highlights Venice’s relationship with the sea, its history of hospitality, and its ability to reinvent itself without losing its essence. The island does not compete with Venice’s monuments or museums, but instead frames them, offering context and contrast. To begin a journey here is to understand Venice not only as a city of canals and art, but as a living environment shaped by leisure, culture, and the enduring pull of the sea.

Peschici is a picturesque town located in the Apulia region of south-eastern Italy, perched dramatically atop the cliffs of the Gargano promontory. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Peschici is known for its stunning panoramic views, whitewashed houses, and charming historic centre. The town’s unique position, blending rugged natural beauty with architectural elegance, has made it one of the most celebrated destinations along the Gargano coast. Its combination of history, culture, and seaside charm makes Peschici a captivating place to explore.

The origins of Peschici trace back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited by Italic tribes and later influenced by Greek and Roman settlers. Throughout its history, the town has been shaped by its strategic location on the Gargano promontory, which provided natural defenses and a vantage point over the Adriatic. In the Middle Ages, Peschici became a fortified settlement, with walls and watchtowers constructed to protect against pirate raids and invaders. The remains of these fortifications are still visible today, offering insight into the town’s historical significance and resilience.

The historic centre of Peschici is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colourful shutters and terracotta roofs. Small squares open onto panoramic viewpoints, where the Adriatic stretches endlessly toward the horizon. The layout of the town reflects its medieval past, designed to provide both defence and shelter, while creating a picturesque environment that invites exploration. Walking through the historic centre, visitors encounter churches, small chapels, and elegant palaces, each reflecting centuries of architectural evolution and cultural influences.

One of Peschici’s most prominent landmarks is the Norman-Swabian Castle, perched at the highest point of the town. Originally constructed during the Norman period, the castle served as a defensive fortress and a symbol of authority. Today, it offers breath-taking views of the coastline and surrounding countryside, providing a striking vantage point for photography and observation. The castle and the town’s other historical sites reflect Peschici’s role as a key settlement in the Gargano region and its ability to adapt to changing historical circumstances.

The natural environment surrounding Peschici is integral to its appeal. The town is part of the Gargano National Park, an area known for its forests, mountains, and coastal landscapes. Olive groves, vineyards, and pine woods surround the town, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature. The coastline features a series of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches that attract both locals and visitors seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. The clear waters of the Adriatic are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sailing, making Peschici a popular destination for summer tourism.

Local culture in Peschici is deeply connected to the traditions of Apulia. Religious festivals, folk celebrations, and seasonal markets provide insight into the town’s communal life and heritage. One notable celebration is the Feast of Saint Elia, the town’s patron saint, which features processions, music, and communal gatherings. These events highlight the importance of social bonds, family, and shared customs in shaping the character of Peschici.

Cuisine in Peschici is a reflection of both the land and the sea. Traditional dishes emphasize fresh, local ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and durum wheat pasta. Simple preparations bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients, creating meals that are both satisfying and memorable. Local specialties such as grilled fish, orecchiette pasta, and seafood stews provide visitors with an authentic taste of the region, connecting gastronomy to the broader cultural and environmental context.

Peschici also benefits from its accessibility and location. The town is well connected to other destinations along the Gargano coast, including Vieste and Monte Sant’Angelo, allowing visitors to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Despite its growing popularity as a tourist destination, Peschici has retained its traditional charm, offering an intimate and authentic experience that contrasts with the larger, more commercialized coastal resorts.

Peschici is a town where history, landscape, and culture converge. Its medieval streets, dramatic cliffs, and sunlit Adriatic views create a sense of timeless beauty, while its festivals, cuisine, and community life provide a window into Apulian traditions. Peschici invites visitors to explore slowly, to appreciate both its architectural heritage and its natural surroundings, and to experience a side of Italy that is authentic, vibrant, and enduring. The town stands as a remarkable example of how history, culture, and nature can coexist in harmony, offering a memorable introduction to the charm and diversity of southern Italy.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via della Libertà to Via Alessandro Bettoni
Approximately 1.16 km – 0.72 miles

Walk starts in Via della Libertà – Via Trento – Via Cesare Battisti – Piazza Nazario Sauro – Vicolo Porto – Chiesa San Martiri,Piazza SS Martrtiri – Via Trieste – Via Pio Battocletti – Vicolo Porto – Piazza Nazario Sauro – Via Cesare Battisti – Via Alessandro Bettoni – Lungolago – Marina di Bogliaco, Via Alessandro Bettoni