ITALY: Venetian Riviera
Ah, the Venetian Riviera. Its mere name simply oozes romance. And it's no coincidence that it does. With Venice, Verona and the Italian Lakes all on your doorstep – we're talking some of the world's most romantic hotspots. But of course, you don't need to be a loved-up couple to visit. Just an appreciation of sun-baked beaches, gorgeous scenery and all things beautiful will be more than enough. The holiday hotspot in this super-refined region is Lido Di Jesolo. Sitting pretty along the alluring Adriatic Coast, this bustling resort bags you the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it's perfect for a laid-back beach break with its long golden sands, first-class attractions and a vibrant nightlife. And on the other, you can dip in and out of some of the world's most beautiful cities. Venice with its crisscrossed canals, ornate palaces and exquisite art. Verona, the romantic setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. And then there's dreamy Lake Garda, with its to-die-for scenery. When you're not seeing the show stopping-sights though, Lido Di Jesolo is the perfect place for recharging your batteries. The sugar-soft sands here stretch for 15 kilometres, so you can always find your own secluded spot. And if you fancy doing something a little more upbeat, head for the thrill-a-minute funfair or waterpark. Of course, you might simply want to shop your way around the chic boutiques and eat your way around the oodles of restaurants here. Decisions, decisions. With sun, sand and some serious sightseeing, the Venetian Riviera really has got it all. And however you spend your time along this starry-eyed slice of Italy, we guarantee you'll fall in love. With the place, that is.
Whether you're staying in Venice itself or on one of the many islands in the lagoon, as you approach your destination across the waves, you cannot help but marvel at what a feat the Riviera is. With no cars on the majority of the islands, transport is almost entirely water based, with pricey gondolas in Venice's canals while water buses and taxis form public transport. Venice sits on 118 small islands and is divided into six districts, though you can easily explore this small city on foot, with pretty bridges connecting the entire city. This city is busy all year round, with its beautiful buildings and astounding setting bringing in tourists from all over the world. The Lido and Lido Di Jesolo are the other major tourists' centres on the Riviera, with many of the other islands given over to urban life or industry instead. The Lido serves as the city's beach resort, with day trippers hopping over to the often crowded and expensive beaches on the water buses. The sea and sporting facilities offer a welcome respite from the city, though staying here can prove costly, a hangover from the days when it was one the world's most fashionable resorts. Lido Di Jesolo, by contrast, is a purpose built package resort, aimed at people looking to make the most of the beautiful weather on the Riviera. It has everything you need, with wide beaches, all the sports and activities you can think of and an action packed resort centre that is pedestrianised between 8pm and 6am to allow for the energetic nightlife
Beaches
Not much beats lazing about on a beautiful beach in the relaxation stakes. So if you're looking to spend your days horizontally, listening to the soft surf washing the shores - Lido di Jesolo will have you tickled pink. Curling its way along the coastline like a gold ribbon, this slice of seaside eye-candy has something to keep everyone happy. For those who really want to pull up in the slow lane, the sugar-soft sands here are lined with colourful parasols and sun beds. Simply unfurl your beach towel, flip the lid on your sun-cream and pop on your shades. Bliss. And when you tire of topping up your tan, dive in to the oodles of watersports on offer. Take to the waves on a windsurfer. Snorkel through the crystal clear seas. Or enjoy a peaceful hour on a pedalo. Oh, and if you've got little ones in tow, the shallow waters here make a superb splashy playground. So slip off your shoes and blank out any thoughts of work. Not a difficult task here. In fact, we reckon you'll be barefoot and bronzing in nano seconds.
Eating out
Cosy family-run trattorias. Upmarket restaurants. International eateries. You'll have no trouble finding somewhere to eat in the Venetian Riviera, whatever you fancy. As the sun goes down, pull up a chair in a pavement cafe and watch the cosmopolitan crowds go by before dining al fresco in one of the many pasta or fish restaurants. Or go for one of the oh-so classy eateries towards the west end of the resort, which are particular popular with the Venetians. You'll find the usual Italian suspects of pasta, pizza and ice cream on most menus, but try some of the Venetian cuisine while you're here, too. Simply cooked to perfection with vegetables, herbs and spices dishes here are invariably based on fish caught in the lagoon and game from the region. As Venice grew in importance as a port, the various cultures that stopped off here to trade brought a unique mixture of ingredients and flavours to the food, too. Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to name but a few. Try 'brodo di pesce' fish soup infused with saffron. Tuck in to 'fegato alla venziana' a liver and onion dish. And taster 'baccala alla vicentina' cod in a creamy sauce. Desserts are just as tempting with 'tiramasu' literally meaning 'pick me up', a rich blend of mascarpone cheese and sponge fingers soaked in coffee and dusted with chocolate powder, and 'fritoe' raisin doughnuts served hot. Whatever you choose, wash it down with a Veneto wine such as Soave, Bardolino and Valpolicella.
- Miravalle, Lido di Jesolo You'll find this atmospheric restaurant at the heart of Jesolo's old town where you can dine on traditional treats al fresco style.
- Da Romano, Venice Run by a descendant of the original owner from the 1800's, this pretty restaurant serves up traditional dishes and particularly fantastic fish.
- Locanda San Vigilio, Lake Garda Seafood is the speciality at this upmarket eatery, with to-die-for views over the fairytale-book lake itself.
- Il Desco, Verona Housed in a 16th century palazzo, this is one of Italy's finest restaurants serving pricey, but perfect Italian cuisine.
- Al Bragozzo, Trieste This lively eatery is a local hotspot, changing its menu weekly to fit in with the local produce that's available.
Nightlife
As the sun sets over Lido di Jesolo, the evening kicks into life. And whether your perfect evening is sipping a cappuccino in a piazza or dancing the night away under a glitter ball - there's something here for everyone. In the mood to party? Then hit the bustling bars and neon nightclubs that happily buzz away until the early hours. If you'd rather soak up the atmosphere at a more leisurely pace, do as the locals do. Stroll the lively piazzas. Linger over a relaxing meal. And then sip an espresso at one of the countless charismatic cafes.
As the sun sets over Lido di Jesolo, the resort's many cocktail, disco and piano bars come to life. Whether your idea of a perfect evening is sipping a cappuccino in a piazza or dancing the night away under a disco glitter ball, Lido di Jesolo has something to suit everybody from tucked away little cafes to buzzing nightclubs which are open until the early hours
There are bags of bars spread out over 7 km in Lido di Jesolo, so when you¿re in the mood to party - so is the town! The very strollable centre also has countless cafe's and bistros for less frenetic evenings. For the more laid back feel Caorle is ideal for families who are looking for a more traditional Italian feel
As the sun goes down, indulge in the wonderful Italian pastime of a leisurely evening stroll around lively piazzas lined with bars and restaurants. Shops stay open late and after an hour or two's browsing you'll probably want to relax over a meal, a glass of wine and one of the delicious, over-sized ice-creams that the Italians make so well. And, if your preference is for bars with music and nightclubs, you won't be disappointed – there are plenty.
On summer evenings, the Lido bustles with people enjoying a leisurely meal and lingering over fine wines. Take an after dinner stroll through the piazzas humming with life, or for a livelier night, bars and nightclubs stay open well into the early hours. The traditional touch is added by the cultural and folklore shows laid on in the resort.
As the sun goes down, indulge in the wonderful Italian pastime of a leisurely evening stroll around lively piazzas lined with bars and restaurants. Shops stay open late and after an hour or two's browsing you'll probably want to relax over a meal, a glass of wine and one of the delicious, over-sized ice-creams that the Italians make so well. And, if your preference is for bars with music and nightclubs, you won't be disappointed – there are plenty.
Venice is the perfect place for romance. Wander arm in arm through this beautifully illuminated city, and listen to the orchestras fill the night air with music in San Marco Square, or drift along the canals on an intimate gondola ride
- Il Muretto, Lido di Jesolo Chic. Crazy. Cool. This hip nightclub might have been around a while, but it's still got its groove with top DJs and a trendy clientele.
- Capanina Beach, Lido di Jesolo Why just go to the beach during the day when you can party the night away at this disco bar set bang on the shores?
- La Bodeguita, Lido di Jesolo Anything goes music-wise at this lively bar – every evening is different from the 70's and 80's to Italian and Reggae nights.
- Harry's Bar, Venice Step into a slice of history and knock back the best Bellini's and Martini's with the jet-set in this expensive, but world-famous bar.
- Il Cafe, Venice Hang out with the bohemian set in this cute, cosy and not-too-costly-for-Venice bar, where the barman pour generous-sized drinks and acts as impromptu DJ.
Shopping
When you feel the need flex your credit card, there's only one place to head in Lido di Jesolo - Via Bafile. Set back from the beach, it's known as 'The Strip' and stretches for ten kilometres along the resort. Loose yourself in the chic boutiques. Snap up gorgeous leather goods. Or hit the jewellers and treat yourself to a one-off Italian design. You'll also find plenty of bucket and spade shops along here, where you can pick up bargains for the beach as well as souvenirs such as famous Venetian glass and lace. In fact, if you want to get your hands on some really traditional stuff, take a trip to the nearby island of Murano. Since the 13th-century, this island has been the centre of the Venetian glass-blowing industry and you can view the centuries-old method of glassblowing at a factory here, as well as buying yourself a few mementos. If you really want to blow your budget though, hop on a boat to Venice. You'll discover a designer heaven hidden among the city's labyrinthine streets. As well as all the big brand names and highbrow haute couture, you'll find no end of places selling Venetian masks. Made in just about every colour, shape and size, these ornate beauties make unique ornaments back home. And for a real slice of Italian life, take a walk over the Rialto Bridge to the nearby food market where crates are piled with polished aubergines and plump vine tomatoes.
