Venice: La Serenissima is famous for its charming canals, great cultural and art scene and elegant Palazzi, which often hides outstanding hotels . If you think these are all the highlights of the lagoon city, you're wrong: the city on the Grand Canal is also perfect for a swimming vacation! By the way, you don't have to jump into the Canal - a refreshing dip is waiting just outside the city, on the offshore coastal strip of the lagoon. The golden, sandy stretch of water can be reached by Vaporetto or by car and is ideal for sun lovers, sports enthusiasts and families. Those who have the possibility to rent a boat can use it to reach the small islands of the lagoon - the two islets of Lazaretto Nuovo and Isola della Rosa, on which the JW Marriott lures with quiet beaches.

The familiar: Lido di Jesolo

Stormy tides like here are rather rare in Jesolo - the sandy beach is famous as a family destination. © Alexandru Ciobu

Where? 30016 Lido di Jesolo, Venice, Italy
Travel time? 45 min. by car

Who doesn't know Lido di Jesolo? The 15-kilometre-long beach very close to Venice attracts with soft sand, great beach bars and lively nightlife. Jesolo is also very popular with families, you should expect that the golden coast is sometimes crowded in summer, especially on weekends.

The wild one: Punta Sabbioni

Especially the red lighthouse at the port of Punta Sabbioni is worth the visit. © Alessio Furlan

Where? Punta Sabbioni, 30013 Venice, Italy
Travel time? 1,5 h by ferry

Especially something for those who prefer to lie in the sun rather than swim: Punta Sabbioni is a port to the west of Cavallino-Treporti. The beaches here are not prepared for tourists, and there are ferries a little further out - but Punta Sabbioni is perfect for a day at the beach without crowds. In any case, the highlight is the red lighthouse, which can be reached via a paved path. 

The charming: Bibione

Turquoise waters and sandy-soft beaches await travelers in Bibione. © Alberto Caliman

Where? 30020 Bibione, Venice, Italy
Travel time? 1,5 h by car

Whether you're heading to Bibione for a sail or just stopping by for a leisurely beach stay, it's worth the trip. Fragrant pines have gathered all around, umbrellas and deck chairs look out from the golden beach to the sea. In Bibione itself, a small, charming coastal town, small boutiques invite you to shop, while restaurants serve dishes with fresh fish and seafood.

The natural one: Cavallino

Cavallino has a nature reserve and is popular with campers. © Shutterstock

Where? Cavallino-Treporti, 30013 Venice, Italy
Travel time? 1,5 h by ferry

Cavallino boasts 15 kilometres of sandy beach - the waves are gentle and the water is clear so that even inexperienced swimmers and families can enjoy the coastline. In addition, Cavallino is home to numerous nature reserves that invite you to go hiking and bird watching. If you want to stay a little longer and enjoy being in the middle of the wilderness, you can stay at one of the many excellent campsites. Restaurants and small beach boutiques await in the towns of Treporti and Ca'Vio.

The classic: Lido di Venezia

Sand, atmosphere and nostalgia: Lido di Venezia established itself as a popular seaside resort in the 19th century. © Uta Scholl

Where? Lido di Venezia, 30126 Venice, Italy
Travel time? 45 min. by ferry

The classic: Lido di Venezia is Venice's public house beach, stretching from Jesolo to Chioggia and separating the lagoon from the open Adriatic. You can get there in less than an hour by ferry, stick your feet in the soft sand and gaze out over the water. For those in the mood for an espresso and a good atmosphere, there are numerous beach clubs. The Grand Hotel des Bains as well as the Grand Hotel Excelsior, which readers will recognize from Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice," and the main town of Lido, where the Venice International Film Festival is held, are located in the north of the spit. 

The multifaceted: Sottomarina

A day at the beach? Sottomarina is about an hour's drive from Venice and perfect for your next beach day. © Shutterstock

Where? Spiaggia di Sottomarina, 61, 30015 Chioggia, Veneto, Italy
Travel time? 1 hour by car

The dreamy coastal town of Sottomarina is an hour's drive from Venice, but it offers a wide variety of activities. In addition to water sports, there is a wide range of entertainment, such as the water park Bagni Europa Acquaparco Idrofollie. Those who prefer a more comfortable atmosphere can rent a sun lounger and get a tan. For a cool drink on hot days, there are numerous beach bars, where you can also get snacks for a small appetite.

Related: Venice Bucket List: 7 things not to miss