When most people think of a trip to Venice, they immediately picture gondolas gliding down winding canals, the iconic St Mark’s Square, and the breathtaking architecture that defines the heart of the city. While these are undoubtedly captivating, there’s a lesser-known, yet equally charming, destination that should be on every traveller’s radar: Mestre. Just a stone’s throw away from the historic centre of Venice, Mestre offers a unique and immersive experience that complements the Venetian adventure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why you should plan a trip to captivating Mestre.
Ten Reasons to Visit Mestre
- Affordable Accommodation
One of the primary reasons to consider Mestre as your base when visiting Venice is its affordability. Accommodation in Mestre is significantly cheaper than staying within the heart of Venice, which makes it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travellers who still want to experience the magic of Venice without breaking the bank. Mestre boasts a wide range of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options to suit every traveller’s budget.
- Convenient Transportation
Mestre is strategically located on the mainland, connected to Venice by the Liberty Bridge. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for travellers to access the main attractions in Venice. Trains and buses frequently connect Mestre to the historic city centre, making it a breeze to explore the many wonders Venice has to offer.
- Authentic Italian Experience
While Venice is famous for its romantic charm, it can often be overrun by tourists. Mestre offers a more authentic Italian experience, where you can immerse yourself in local life. Visit bustling local markets, savour traditional Italian cuisine, and interact with the welcoming locals who will share their culture and traditions with you.
- Vibrant Local Culture
Mestre has a thriving cultural scene, with numerous events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. These events offer a glimpse into the genuine Italian way of life. Noteworthy festivals include the Carnevale di Mestre, the annual music festival that takes place in the summer, the film festival for emerging filmmakers, and the November Festa della Salute, a celebration centred around Mestre’s Basilica de la Salute to commemorate the end of the plague.
- Less Crowded Attractions
While the heart of Venice is teeming with tourists, Mestre’s attractions are refreshingly uncrowded. Explore historical sites such as the Torre dell’Orologio, a medieval clock tower, or the Teatro Toniolo, a charming 19th-century theatre. Mestre offers a more serene and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of these attractions without the hustle and bustle.
- Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces
Mestre boasts an abundance of parks and green spaces, which are perfect for relaxation or outdoor activities. Parco San Giuliano is a large park with beautiful views of Venice’s skyline. Here, you can rent bikes, have a picnic, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll. The green oases of Mestre offer a wonderful contrast to the stone and water of Venice.
- Culinary Delights
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide, and Mestre is no exception when it comes to culinary delights. You’ll find a diverse range of restaurants and eateries offering delectable Italian dishes. From authentic pizza and pasta to fresh seafood, Mestre’s dining scene will satisfy your taste buds and introduce you to flavours you won’t forget.
- Cultural Landmarks
Exploring Mestre’s cultural landmarks offers an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history and heritage. The Duomo di Mestre, an impressive 18th-century cathedral, showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Nearby, the Piazza Ferretto is a bustling square with shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Easy Access to Nearby Islands
Mestre’s location provides convenient access to several beautiful islands in the Venetian Lagoon – such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello – serving as an excellent starting point for day trips to these enchanting destinations.These islands are known for their unique charm, with Murano renowned for its glassblowing, Burano for its colourful houses, and Torcello for its historical significance.
- A Venice Connection
When you choose to stay in Mestre, you’re not missing out on Venice; you’re enhancing your experience of it. You can spend your days exploring the iconic canals, historic landmarks, and renowned art of Venice, while returning to the comfort and affordability of Mestre at night. It’s the best of both worlds.
Where to Stay
Dimora Mantenelli: A spacious 4-bedroom apartment with a terrace and garden views. Residents enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and oven as well as a flat-screen tv, WiFi and air conditioning.
La Casa del Gondoliere: With such a romantic name, who could resist a stay in this smart Mestre apartment? Equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning, a breakfast terrace and a receptionist brimming with local suggestions, this accommodation could not be more accommodating!
Venice Michelangelo Hotel: Whilst the most popular accommodation in Mestre is the self-catered apartment, there are some hotels that can offer you all the creature comforts. Venice Michelangelo Hotel is centrally located and nestled within a charming garden where guests can relax over a drink.
How to Get There
Getting to Mestre from the UK is easy. British Airways flies direct from Gatwick, Heathrow and London City to Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airport, and there are budget options with easyjet from Luton and Gatwick. Ryanair operates flights to the nearby alternative airport, Venice Treviso from Stansted. You should pre-book your airport transfer to Mestre to ensure a seamless continuation of your journey after you land.
UK to VCE Flight Time: 2 hours
VCE to Mestre Distance: 10 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 20 minutes
Types of Transfer
We strongly recommend that you arrange your Mestre transfer to and from the airport in advance of starting your journey. At Shuttle Direct we offer a range of VCE airport transfer services to accommodate all needs and budgets.
Airport Taxi VCE to Mestre: One of our most popular services is the pre-booked airport taxi, which will meet you as you exit the Arrivals Hall and, on your way home, will drop you at the door for Departures. Our reliable drivers are renowned for their excellent customer service and impeccable timing.
Mestre Transfer by Shuttle Bus: Our shuttle buses offer an exceptionally good value for money airport transfer service. All you need to do is to book your seat in advance and the bus will take you to a centrally located stop in Mestre.
Private Transfer VCE to Mestre: If you’re looking for a touch of luxury to start or end your trip then you should consider our private airport transfer service. You’ll be met by a friendly, professional driver who will deliver you to your destination in one of our high end fleet vehicles.
VCE Airport to Mestre by Minibus Transfer: We understand that when you travel as a group or large family, you want to arrive and depart at the same time in the same vehicle. We provide a minibus service that you can pre-book so that you and your party are transferred to and from the airport in comfort.
Choosing the Right Transfer
With so many options, how do you choose an airport transfer that will work best for you? For most passengers the decision revolves around budget and degree of convenience.
Cost: We pride ourselves on offering good value transfers regardless of the service type you choose. However, for those who need to or want to watch the pennies, we recommend the shuttle bus for maximising your savings. You’ll enjoy the convenience of a bus that collects you at the airport and drives directly to a designated point, at prices that are lower than a taxi.
Convenience: For a little extra expenditure you can book a door-to-door service with one of our airport taxis or private transfers. Your driver will collect you at the airport or at your accommodation and deliver you to your destination in comfort and according to your schedule.
About Shuttle Direct
Looking to kick off your vacation with the utmost ease and relaxation? When you choose Shuttle Direct for your online booking, we handle all the details of your onward travel arrangements. Our amiable local drivers are dedicated to welcoming you and ensuring a seamless journey to your ultimate destination. With a stellar reputation as leaders in the industry, we offer an array of shared and private transfer options, catering to various budgets and travel preferences.
