From M Dean of Leeds, July 2004

Only a Vaporetto ride from Venice: Punta Sabbioni

The Marina di Venezia at Punta Sabbioni is a well-kept secret because few people know just how easy it is to get to from the airport and how close it is to Venice. It is perfect for families and couples alike wishing to combine the culture of Venice with a holiday set in a vast nature park and alongside the Adriatic with a pristine beach, which was only 100 metres from our holiday home.

The one thing you just don’t need if visiting Venice is a car – flying was by far the best option for us, and surprisingly easy to arrange. My wife and I grabbed low cost flights with Jet2 from Leeds Bradford, all the low cost operators fly direct to Venice Marco Polo airport. Then at the airport we purchased Water Bus (Vaporetto) Line Aliguna tickets to Lido de Venezia. They cost about 9 Euros each. Then we switched to the Punta Sabbioni boat (www.actv.it).

If you’re feeling really flush or are in a group you could take private water taxi directly to Punta Sabbioni.

We arrived late afternoon in July and had a wonderful journey across the Lagoon to the Lido – it was the perfect evening approach to see Venice for the first time. The Vaporetto are a great way to get about, go into Venice and to explore the islands.

Including flight and transfers we arrived at the parc within 5 hours from leaving Leeds.

Upon arriving, the Marina de Venezia staff were extremely helpful and put us and our luggage on a buggy and escorted us to the Eurocamp office. The Eurocamp staff were great, and our holiday home had great pitch with lots of shade and was very close to the beach.

The parc itself is big and has lots of activities, with huge pools, and good entertainment for kids. There is also a very well stocked supermarket and shops, as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars.

My Tips & Ideas

At Punta Sabbioni there is plenty of transport, with a combined terminal for the Vaporetto, taxis and land bus service. From here you can grab the half hourly bus to the parc (5 minute drive) or take a regular taxi if travelling very early or later in the evening.

Go to Venice early on the Vaporetto – watch Venice and the Venetians wake up. Have the buffet breakfast on the rooftop restaurant of the Danielle Hotel, and you won’t need to eat again for the rest of the day!

Wander the streets and canals and take in the wonderful and unique city – buy fresh fruit and pizza to picnic – look for the wine warehouse where you can buy wine from the cask and fill your own empty water bottles

Visit the Annual Sand Sculptures in Lido de Jessolo during July – a big time world event attracting artists from all over the world… just look at our photos!