Around 5 p.m. the atmosphere is decidedly local as professionally dressed Lido residents funnel back home from work across the lagoon. Many of the local bars and eateries have that "where everybody knows your name" family feel, lending an insider's view to life on Lido. Residents embrace, chat enthusiastically and watch each other's children.
'''The Lido''' is the beach of Venice. This island shelters the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, and is famous for its Movie Festival which is held every year between the end of August and the first week of September. In 1920 it was the most important beach in Italy, due to its aristocratic atmosphere (still present today). Here Thomas Mann wrote '''A Death in Venice''' and it was shot in Visconti's 1972 movie (inspired by the book). Some of the scenes of '''The English Patient''' were shot here as well (inside The Hotel Des Bains, one of the most important buildings, erected in Liberty Style). A scene from Casino Royale (Daniel Craig, 2006) was shot here as well.
Get in
If already in Venice, take an ACTV waterbus/vaporetto [http://www.actv.it/english/home.php], which takes about 10 minutes. Venice travel cards are valid to/from Venice, but not to/from the airport as it is run by a different company. If staying on Lido a travel card is worth the investment. Avoid "rush hour" times of day such as early morning and late afternoon when many residents and children are crowding the platform. Also, be careful to avoid local vaporetto's which are designated "for residents only."
See
Attend the annual film festival[http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/], the oldest of its kind. Make your reservations early as the island is small and hotels fill up. Many celebrities attend this annual event, so have your camera ready.
Do
Enjoy the beach and the sea. Most of the beach is privately owned by the various hotels, so if you are staying at a hotel that does not offer beach access, you'll have to use the public beach (at the end of the Gran Viale, most central), which is very nice but a bit crowded.
Rent a bike from one of the numerous shops at the Gran Viale and explore the island.
Partake in golf and tennis, as Lido is more about relaxed leisure than frantic tourist activities.
Stroll along the quiet, shaded streets, people watch and window shop.
Buy
Murano glassware, jewelry and art seem to be the items of choice throughout Venice. Lots of beachware is available on Lido, so don't worry if you've forgotten your flip flops.
Eat
Gelatos from numerous venders - try to find the infamous Maxi-Coni in the evenings.
'''Trattoria Andri, Via Lepanto 21, Seafood'''
Serves local Venetian seafood delicacies such as squid in ink over polenta (not as bad as it sounds), shrimp scampi and octopus, among other more common dishes. Water is served in Murano glass vases. Inside, pictures of celebrities who've eaten here line the walls, such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. Dine on the terrace, nice ambience. Locals seem to prefer this place.
Drink
The Bellini is a mixture of Prosecco (local sparkling wine) and peach juice. Sweet and refreshing. Created at Harry's Bar across the lagoon but popular all over Venice, including Lido.
Sleep
'''Hotel Villa Albertina''', Via Vallaresso 1a - 30126 Venice Lido ph +39-041 5260879 fax +39-041 5260883 [http://www.villalbertina.com]. An aristocratic building managed in a personalized and familiar way. The hotel is located only 20 minutes from St. Mark Square.
'''Hotel Villa Beatrice''', Via dei Villini 4, 30011 Venice Lido tel +39 041.731072 fax +39 041.5266101 [http://www.hotelbeatrice.com/en/index.htm]. Hotel Villa Beatrice is one of the most original charm hotels in the Lido of Venice, the perfect place for those that want a holiday in a relaxing hotel that encompasses nature, art and culture.
'''Hotel Panorama''', Piazzale S.M. Elisabetta - 30126 Venice Lido tel. +39-041.2760486 Fax +39-041.2769805 e-mail info@hpanorama.com [http://www.hpanorama.com/index_en.htm]. Hotel Panorama is an affordable and small yet charming hotel situated across the lagoon from Venice. It is easily reachable on foot from the waterbus, offering beautiful vistas along with the nearby shopping and dining districts of Lido.
Albergo Quattro Fontane. ia Quattro Fontane, 16 - Venice Lido. LAQuattrofontane@ila-chateau.com. uro: from 200. ttp://www.ila-chateau.com/quattrof/. Escape the crowds of Venice and stay in this 4-star haven of tranquility, near a splendid beach yet only minutes by vaporetto from St Marks Square.
Get out
Around the Venetian lagoon are other smaller islands, which have since been deserted but are worth a visit. There is also the Lido, which is a long narrow island with more modern buildings, hosting a youth hostel and a hotel.
Venice— The main island.
Murano— Nearby island with typical glass
Burano— Nearby island with typical textiles and painted houses.
San Lazzaro— Nearby island with Armenian monastery and impressive art collection, some world class pieces.
Mestre— Mestre is the mainland, but still part of Venice.
Jesolo— Mesolo is one of the most important beaches in Italy, just 45' from Venice by car or by boat (ferry from Treporti to Venice).