Between the Adriatic sea and the Venetian lagoon is this town, with its borders decorated by the Piave and the Sile rivers, and the Mort lagoon. A town which is well known for its long beach of soft sand, among the most beautiful beaches in Northern Italy, clear waters and lovely sunsets.
It’s Jesolo, a Venetian city which deserves to be discovered, and that owes its renowned beach to the rocks of the so called “Monti Pallidi” (Pale Mountains), which grains are taken ashore by the sea, from centuries, thus forming a beach of amber sand long about 12,5 km (41000 ft) along the Jesolo Shore.
Is this the only thing that makes Jesolo’s beach famous? No.
Also the many bridges that give a romantic look to this beach, especially at sunset; the efficient and well-equipped seaside establishments, or also the famous international contest of sand sculptures, which here takes place every year.
Jesolo town, though, has not just its beach or the biggest water park in Europe to offer. It is strongly linked to Venice’s history, and was one important strategic place during WWI and WWII, of which one can still find traces in the many German bunkers today became historical monuments.
Taking a longer step back in time, with its Ancient Walls and Saint Mary’s Cathedral, one can get back to the ancient Rome. The cathedral once was among the biggest of the “Serenissima” (the once-was Republic of Venice) only second to San Marco’s Basilica. Badly enough, it was destroyed during WWI, and today a part of the floor, a part of a wall and the bell tower’s base is all that’s left. Not far away and covered in vegetation are the remains of Saint Mauro’s Ancient Church… a shame that those won’t be restored!
Very peculiar is also the small fishermen’s burg of Cortellazzo, where old-times can still be felt, and where one gets touched by the placid beauty of the place, which is surrounded by rushes growing all the way to the sea, spotted by tiny fishing boats which still use the old tools.
Another “must-see” is Natural History Museum, where the life of Venetian lagoon’s nature is told.
Jesolo is the right place to go if you want to discover Venetian lagoon beside Venice, the proper place where to enjoy a day at the beach, and a good starting point for precious journeys in the surroundings, at the discovery of Veneto region.
Sleeping and eating
About the staying I recommend the elegant, modern and bright Hotel Anthony, which overlooks the sea, that also offers the chance to take advantage of a SPA.
And while you’re in Jesolo.. be sure not to miss a plate of “bigoli con le sarde”!
