The Lido, not more than a strip of sand, is symbolic of the best beach resorts of Venice. The two words – ‘Venice’ and ‘resorts’ – are enough to explain the unbelievable fame that this strip of land has acquired.
The first bathing facility in the whole of Europe was set up here and it is from that time onwards that Lido became the hub of tourists. The enigma of Venice provided it the charm it required to lure in customers and its own geographical setting and beauty was enough to keep them trapped.
Though a part of Venice, Lido is completely different from it. It is a more modern and continental neighbourhood. The only monument found on this ‘Golden Island’ is also modern and unlike those of Venice.
The Film Festival, the Grand Hotel des Bains, the Venice Casino and the Grand Hotel Excelsior are the most important attractions of the Lido. These are the great settlements that made Lido what it is today. Much of the Adriatic side of the island belongs to hotels and resorts and shops and stalls. The renowned Excelsior and the Des Bains feature the private beaches while the northern and the southern half of the island feature the public beaches.
The island today is so famous that its name ‘Lido’ features in a number of places all around the world. It is used to describe a particular type of swimming pool it is used in decks etc.
All in all if you ever decide to visit Venice don’t forget to take out a day for this island set in its heart!
