The romantic Venetian canals can seem inviting for a refreshing dip. So, can you swim in the Venice canals? In this guide, find out about the rules and regulations that surround swimming in the Venice canals, and how you can cool off in the city’s heat at a beach.
Pro Tip: Planning what to eat on your trip to Venice? Bookmark this post so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our Venice Guidefor more planning resources, ourtop Venice toursfor a memorable trip, andhow to see Venice in a day.
Could You Swim in the Venice Canals?
Short answer: No and you can find a few reasons why below, along with recommendations of where to go instead.
You might see some black and white pictures hanging in bars and restaurants depicting Venetian children jumping into the canals. People actually used to swim in the canals, but since then, the city has grown and rules have been adjusted. The local police will now fine you up to 500 euros if you opt to ignore this rule.
There are a few reasons why swimming is not allowed in Venice. But don’t worry, if you need to refresh after a long city tour in the summer sun, we know a few places you can cool off!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Why You Can’t Swim in the Canals?
To be honest, the water is super dirty and you don’t want to swim in it.
In fact, the use of canals as a sewage disposal system in Venice surprises many visitors, and should definitely deter you.
Some islands and parts of the historic center use more modern sewage systems, but still, a lot of the wastewater in big parts of the city is disposed of in the lagoon.
Twice a day, the tides pull the dirty water out of the lagoon and bring fresh seawater in.
Even though this happens, tourists can sometimes still experience a bad smell in the air, when they walk the city or cross a bridge over a small canal.
The locals do not take notice of this smell anymore, because they are simply used to it. It’s also very dangerous to swim in the canals because of motorboats and gondolas circulating the canals constantly and at a rapid pace.
Not even on the so-called fondamenta (the seashores) are you allowed to swim. It is even more dangerous, since bigger boats regularly stop by.
Popular Venice Tours
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Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
The ultimate tour of Venice. You’ll get skip-the-line access to the most important buildings in Venice, plus a gondola ride, and private transportation to the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a full day of touring that will make for the best memories in Venice ever.
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Venice Local Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio
People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste Cicchetti and other Venetian specialties with tons of wine! You’ll leave with a full stomach! Plenty of Food and wine included!
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Where Can You Swim in Venice?
There are some great places to explore the water and beaches if you leave the main island of Venice. For example, venture to the island of Sant’Erasmo, famous for its artichoke cultivations in spring. The public water taxis can take you there in just over an hour, or you could book a private boat to get there more quickly.
The small beach on the southern tip is not very big, but still worth a visit. Chill out with locals and enjoy tasty seafood in the beachside restaurant. The water is clean and not dangerous to swim in.
Your best option for a refreshment on a sandy beach, with modern infrastructure including Wi-Fi, showers, dressing rooms, and bathrooms lies outside of the lagoon. These places include Lido di Venezia, Jesolo, and Bibione, three of the main beach resort areas in the Veneto region. More about them below!
Lido
Lido di Venezia is peaceful and luxurious during the summer. It is full of Venetian villas, which continue to be occupied by Venice’s noble families.
Find a bike rental shop or choose the bike-sharing option to cycle to the seafront. I recommend stopping at “Palazzo del Cinema”, the location where the annual Venice Film Festival is held.
If you like the relaxed vibe of this island, stay longer in the many hotels or B&Bs you will find there.
The boat ride from the city center is short—just 25 minutes from St. Mark’s Square and another 5 minutes by bicycle or 10 minutes on foot to step onto the beach.
Jesolo
Jesolo is all about staying up late and partying. This town is a magnet for many young Italians living in the northeastern part of the country. But also, families and tourists from abroad love the city too. The city can get very crowded, especially in August. You can reach Jesolo by car and bus in approximately 1 hour from Venice.
Bibione
Enjoy miles of family-friendly golden beaches in Bibione. The beach of this town is located on the Adriatic; it’s very wide and stretches eastward up to an idyllic lighthouse. I like Bibione because it’s more relaxed than Jesolo and perfect for families thanks to the many attractions and resorts for kids.
In this town, you can find Bibione Thermae, a wellness and spa retreat directly on the beach, along with many other hotels for families and couples.This location is farther from Venice, but you can reach it by car in about an hour and a half or in 2 hours by public transportation.
Hotels with Outdoor Pools in Venice
You can see a full list of our favorite Venice Hotels with pools and find the perfect place for you.
There’s a big outdoor pool in the quiet gardens of Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island, located in the south of the city.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is located on a remote island in the lagoon and offers in addition to the pool a whole spa and wellness facility.
Alternatively, book your stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky, a striking palazzo on the western end of Giudecca Island. Here, you can swim in a rooftop pool, overlooking the whole city.
Popular Venice Tours
Best-Selling Tour
Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
The ultimate tour of Venice. You’ll get skip-the-line access to the most important buildings in Venice, plus a gondola ride, and private transportation to the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a full day of touring that will make for the best memories in Venice ever.
(123)
See Prices
Authentic Experience
Venice Local Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio
People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste Cicchetti and other Venetian specialties with tons of wine! You’ll leave with a full stomach! Plenty of Food and wine included!
(157)
See Prices
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of travel and destinations, particularly Venice, I can provide valuable insights into the topic at hand. My expertise draws from extensive research, firsthand experiences visiting Venice and its surroundings, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the city's history, culture, and regulations.
Regarding the question of swimming in the Venetian canals, it's crucial to note that swimming in the canals is strictly prohibited and for several good reasons. The primary reason is the unsanitary condition of the water. Venice's canals have historically been used as a disposal system for sewage, impacting the water quality significantly. Despite some areas having modern sewage systems, a considerable portion of the city still disposes of wastewater into the lagoon.
Additionally, the constant circulation of motorboats and gondolas within the canals poses a serious danger to anyone attempting to swim. The high traffic and rapid pace of these vessels make it unsafe for swimmers.
For those seeking to cool off or swim in Venice, alternative options are available outside the main island. The island of Sant’Erasmo boasts cleaner waters and a small beach at its southern tip, providing a safe and refreshing swimming spot reachable via public water taxis or private boats.
Furthermore, several other locations outside the city offer pristine beaches suitable for swimming, such as Lido di Venezia, Jesolo, and Bibione. Each of these places caters to different preferences, from Lido's serene atmosphere and historical villas to Jesolo's vibrant nightlife and Bibione's family-friendly environment.
Additionally, for travelers seeking accommodation with swimming facilities, various hotels in and around Venice offer outdoor pools. Examples include Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, and Hilton Molino Stucky, each providing guests with luxurious pool amenities.
In essence, while swimming in the Venetian canals is strictly prohibited due to health hazards and safety concerns, there are ample alternative options available both on nearby islands and at beaches in the Veneto region for those seeking a refreshing dip or swim.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Swimming in Venice Canals: Prohibited due to unsanitary conditions and safety concerns caused by boat traffic.
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Alternative Swimming Locations:
- Sant’Erasmo: Island with a small beach, reachable by public water taxis or private boats, offering cleaner waters.
- Lido di Venezia, Jesolo, and Bibione: Beach locations outside Venice, each with its unique features catering to different preferences.
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Hotels with Outdoor Pools:
- Hotel Cipriani, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Hilton Molino Stucky: Examples of hotels in Venice or nearby islands offering luxurious outdoor pool facilities.
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Travel Tips:
- Prohibited Activities: Swimming in the canals is forbidden due to safety and health reasons.
- Alternative Options: Advises on alternative places for swimming outside Venice.
- Safety Concerns: Mentions dangers posed by boat traffic in the canals.
- Accommodation with Pools: Highlights hotels with outdoor pool amenities for guests.
This breakdown encompasses the key concepts and information provided in the article regarding swimming in the Venice canals and alternative options for swimming and staying in or around Venice.
