Pellestrina is the next island south of the Lido: some 11 km long and, in places, barely wide enough for a road, a row of houses and the sea wall. Its villages — San Pietro in Volta, Portosecco, Sant’Antonio and Pellestrina itself — live from fishing and boatbuilding, and their pastel houses and lagoon quays have hardly changed in decades.
On the sea side runs the Murazzi, the massive Istrian-stone sea walls the Venetian Republic built in the 18th century to protect the lagoon. At the southern tip, the Ca’ Roman reserve looks across to Chioggia.
Top things to do at Pellestrina
Eat fish on the lagoon
Pellestrina is famous for its seafood trattorie, where the catch comes straight off the local boats. Book ahead at weekends, and ask what came in that morning.
Cycle the island
Bring your bike across on the ferry and ride the lagoon road through the villages, returning along the top of the Murazzi.
Continue to Chioggia
Line 11 connects with a boat to Chioggia, the lively fishing town at the south of the lagoon — a great full-day loop from the Lido.
How to get to Pellestrina
- Line 11: an ACTV bus from Santa Maria Elisabetta drives onto the ferry at the Alberoni, crosses to Pellestrina and continues down the island. Allow roughly 45–60 minutes.
- By bike: ride to the Alberoni and take the ferry with your bike.
- By boat tour: a private southern-lagoon tour takes in Pellestrina from the water.
Insider tips
- Check the last boats back: services are less frequent in the evening and in winter.
- The island is very quiet — perfect for a slow day, not for nightlife.
- Pellestrina lies outside the Venice access fee area, like the Lido.
Best tours & tickets for Pellestrina
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Pellestrina:
Private boat tour from €176 Venice: Discover the Southern Venetian Lagoon (Private Tour)
While the crowds head north to Burano, the southern lagoon — between the Lido, Pellestrina and Chioggia — stays wild and nearly empty. A private three-hour boat trip through salt marshes, fishing grounds and abandoned islands.
- The quiet southern lagoon most visitors never see
- Salt marshes, fishing grounds and forgotten islands
- A private boat for your group only
Bike & hike from €118 per group Venice Lido & Alberoni: Bike and Hike Tour
The Lido’s wild south end is its best-kept secret: a fishing village older than Venice, then pinewoods, dunes and an almost empty beach. This small-group outing combines a bike ride with a walk through the Alberoni dunes. Priced per group of up to two.
- Cycle the length of the Lido to Malamocco and Alberoni
- Walk the protected dunes of the Alberoni oasis
- Private-group format for one or two people
