Venice is a popular city in Italy that is visited by many tourists every year for its famous culture and history worldwide. Anyone who loves swimming can visit this floating city and practice different water sports with their family and friends.
In this article, you will learn why Venice is one of the best places to swim in Europe and discover everything you need to know to get the best experience possible when you arrive at this place.
Where to swim in Venice?
You can only swim in various places in Venice, including public beaches and swimming spots available to everyone in different parts of the city.
Currently, there are 35 beaches, 48 hotels, many different resorts all across Venice where you can go swimming and have an incredible time.
Each place has its advantages and can give you a unique experience no matter where you decide to go during your trip.
If you go to the beaches in Venice, you can find restaurants, bars, and live bands playing music every month. If you go to other swimming spots, you will get amazing landscapes and scenic tours around the Venice lagoon.
Here are 5 places you must check out if you want to enjoy swimming in Venice:
- Lazaretto Nuovo
- Punta Sabbioni
- Isola della Certosa
- Spiaggia del Bacan, Sant’Erasmo
- Alberoni Beach in Lido
Read Also: Can You Swim In The Amazon River? (Dangers + Wonders)
Where you’re not allowed to swim in Venice & why?
You are not allowed to swim in the Venice canals and other stretches of water in residential areas around the city. Swimming in this area is illegal, and it is strictly prohibited by the local authorities, whether you are a tourist or someone living in this place.
This restriction is in place because the water from the Venice canals is not suitable for swimming since everyone in the city uses it as a disposal system for all the sewage in their homes.
That is why you shouldn’t try to swim in the Venice canal and only go to places like the beach or other swimming spots available in the city.
Are Venice canals Salty?
Yes, the water in the Venice canals is salty, and it is composed of a mixture of seawater from the ocean and freshwater from the rivers near the city.
All of the seawater comes from the Adriatic sea and the freshwater comes from 11 tributaries which end up in the Venetian Lagoon running across the Venice canals.
How deep are Venice Canals?
The Venice canals have different depths depending on the location and the tide, going from less than one foot up to seven feet in the smaller canals.
All the canals that come closer to the Venetian lagoon have a higher depth than this, reaching from 16 feet to 164 feet maximum.
However, when the tide rises, the depth of the Venice canals increases significantly and can go up a few feet very quickly.
Are there sharks in Venice canals?
Yes, there have been cases of sharks getting spotted in the Venice canals swimming in and out of the city and scaring people unaware of these situations.
Several species have been found over the last few years, including bull sharks, great white sharks, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and others.
This is one of the main reasons why you need to avoid swimming in the Venice canals when you come and visit the floating city.
Accidents and Casualties in the Venice Canals
Over the past few years, there has been a couple of accidents and casualties in the Venice canals due to boat collisions and people drinking too much near the waterways.
These accidents cause the mayor of the city to create new safety regulations to protect the people in Venice and avoid casualties in the future.
Thankfully, there have only been a few casualties over the last two decades, and since the government prevents anyone from bathing in the canals, there are no drownings from people swimming in these areas of the city.
Is it expensive to swim in Venice?
Yes, swimming in Venice is relatively expensive in comparison with other destinations when we include all the costs of the trip. I think beautiful & luxurious places in Italy like Venice and Lake Como tend to sit on the expensive side of the table.
When it comes to the accommodation, you can pay from $40 to $180 every day on average, depending on where you choose to stay. For food and drinks, you will spend around $20 to $60 in different restaurants small shops around the city.
You can also practice and enjoy different water sports in Venice by going on private tours and paying $80 or more for the day.
In these private tours, you will have access to all the equipment you need and learn from a certified expert on each sport.
What does Venice look like Under the water?
Venice has many sank boats, old businesses different historical infrastructures underwater due to the multiple floods in the city over the last few years.
Because of these floods, part of the city has been submerging under the water, and now people can see what was left underneath the surface while they navigate over the Venice canals.
Rules, Laws, & Tips to follow to swim in Venice?
There are various rules you need to follow when swimming in Venice to avoid problems with the police and having an unpleasant time during your trip.
The most important rule is to not swim in the Venice canals under any circumstance since it is against the law and will make the police fine you with 350 euros or more.
The police will also ban you from that place following the urban banning order from DASPO on your first offense.
You also have to remember to wear clothes after swimming since it is prohibited to walk around the city with a swimsuit or bare-chested. You can only do this at the beach or in a swimming spot open to the public.
Is there Any Pollution or Contamination in the Venice Canals?
Yes, there has been pollution in the waters of the Venice canals from 1920 until today, even though 80% of the contamination was treated with new technology and modern purification plants.
Also, the sewage system of the Venice canals can’t keep up with the demand of its citizens with the use of synthetic chemicals like detergents which do not degrade quickly over time.
All of this pollution comes to the canal from the nearby rivers and lakes that enter through the Venice lagoon, especially in areas like the Po valley, one of the most polluted zones within Europe.
However, the government and its people are working to prevent the pollution of the Venice canal and avoid potential risks of contamination from cruise ships and other places around the city.
What type of activities you can enjoy in Venice including water sports?
There are many activities you can enjoy in Venice with your family and friends, including boat tours around the city, canoeing, during the day, windsurfing at the beach, and traveling the Venice canal by gondola.
You can also do other activities in Venice like visiting churches and cathedrals like the Saint Mark Basilica, going kayaking with other people, assisting to live concerts, paddling across the canal, practicing parasailing, and more.
However, the best time to do all these activities is between May and October, when the water temperature is not cold or freezing. Going to Venice during this time will allow you to make the most of your trip and have a great time.
Michael is heavily inclined towards traveling to natural places and documenting cultures/people from different parts of the world. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. He has good research skills, and that’s why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. He also has the vision to travel the whole world and share it with all readers of Outdoor Favor.
