Italy may not be the first place to spring to mind when planning an affordable sun-sea-and-sand holiday, but it has a hidden gem that I am recommending as this summer’s top spot for families on a budget. Tucked away in north-east Italy near Venice is the sunny purpose-built beach resort of Lido di Jesolo – an area dubbed the “Venetian Riviera” by tour operators.
This friendly beach town is shaped by tourism, so you can be sure that everything is very clean, safe and well-organised. Not only this, but Lido di Jesolo has plenty to keep the little ones, as well as mum and dad, happy and content for a good week or so.
Check out our guide to family fun in Lido di Jesolo here!
Here are my top 3 reasons that families will adore this friendly resort:
Purpose-Built Resort
Travelling with little ones in a foreign country can be stressful, but Lido di Jesolo is a purpose-built resort that is designed with tourists in mind (making it quite unlike anywhere else in Italy).
There is one main street that stretches alongside the 10 miles of sandy beach (more than enough to find a pleasant spot!) where you will find a plethora of restaurants, shops, snack bars, ice-cream parlours and everything else you could possibly need.
The beaches have rows and rows of sunbeds making it easy to find a spot each day, plus there are lots of handy showers onsite. The first-aid points and constant supervision by lifeguards ensure that the area is very safe, which I know is a priority for young families. In addition to this, Lido di Jesolo has mini-golf, climbing frames, amusement arcades and plenty more to keep you all occupied!
Beaches
The beaches are the main attraction here and it is easy to see why. The enormous stretch of inviting yellow dolomite sand is divided into sections (or stabilimenti if you want to impress anyone!).
The private beaches are (usually) owned by the hotels and may require an entrance fee depending on the property. These private beaches are kept clean and tidy, plus you also benefit from open showers, toilets and changing cabins. There are snack bars serving drinks, ice creams, sandwiches and more at convenient intervals along the sand – this means that you don’t have to leave the beach the entire day! The sense of comfort and luxury you get here is well worth the fee, in my humble opinion.
Lido di Jesolo does feature a free public beach (spiagga labira), which can be found near Piazza Brescia. It is certainly worth checking out to save some pennies and for a change of scenery, but it is not as clean as the private beaches and does not feature lifeguards, so you may want to stop the kids from swimming here.
Exhibitions & Shows
It is not just the gorgeous climate and alluring beaches as far as the eye can see that I am recommending Lido di Jesolo this summer (but it certainly is a huge part of it!). It also boasts fantastic shows, exhibitions and activities that are perfect for those travelling with youngsters.
I recommend the fun pirate-themed “Jolly Roger” shoreline cruises for a swashbuckling adventure, as well as the Aqualandia theme park which the kids will love (ideal on a hot day!). They hold an annual sand-sculpture festival in June/July which is supposed to be good fun, whilst in August there is the Italian festival of Ferragosto where they celebrate with a magical firework display on the beach. Also in August is their annual airshow with their version of the Red Arrows – the Frecce Tricolori. Plenty of family fun to be had!
How to Get to There
Another great reason to visit this part of the world is that you get to fly into the breathtaking city of Venice! There are daily flights to Venice Marco Polo (VCE) Airport from Gatwick made by a handful of budget carriers, including British Airways, Monarch and easyJet. The flight only takes 2 hours, so you will touch down before you know it.
Instead of facing lengthy queues for a taxi upon arrival in The Floating City, pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer and a local driver will be waiting for you at the airport. The drive to Lido di Jesolo takes around 40 minutes and you will be delivered to the door of your hotel. Speaking of hotels…
Where to Stay:
Hotel Loreley – Hotel Loreley has its own private beach with free use of sun loungers and umbrellas, plus you get a hearty complimentary breakfast each morning – this ensures that it is excellent value for money. You are also conveniently located near the restaurants, shops and other attractions. The rooms are bright, modern, air-conditioned and come with a furnished balcony overlooking the beach. It also features a restaurant that serves up great Italian cuisine and a range of other dishes. In terms of location and value for money, it is hard to top this hotel.
Hotel Danubio – Hotel Danubio also has its own private beach with free use of parasols, deck chairs and sun loungers. The hotel has an Italian restaurant where you can enjoy lovely views from the terrace with your complimentary breakfast each morning. The simple yet spacious rooms have air-con, a television, ensuite bathrooms and most have a balcony. You are in the heart of the town between the Piazza Brescia and Piazza Mazzini squares, but you will find that you rarely need to leave the hotel!
Hotel Vienna – This property has stylish rooms with LCD TVs, refined black furniture, parquet flooring, private bathrooms and a balcony. Hotel Vienna also has its own private and well-maintained beach, plus you are located on the resort’s main street near the shops and eateries. You can also get tasty food in the onsite restaurant, which serves a breakfast buffet each morning. Previous guests have commented on the modern rooms and the helpfulness of the staff around the hotel.
About Shuttle Direct:
Travelling with youngsters can be stressful, particularly when arranging transportation in a foreign city. Eliminate the stress of transfers by booking a private transfer with Shuttle Direct, one of Europe’s most respected transfer providers.
Our simple booking form makes it quick and easy to arrange to be picked up at the airport and dropped at your hotel, so book now and leave the rest to us.
