Cavallino-Treporti, the magic of the sea that meets the lagoon
The Cavallino-Treporti coastline is a thin strip of land suspended between the sea and the lagoon , a peninsula that stretches between Venice and Jesolo like a natural bridge between two worlds. Here the scent of the lagoon mixes with the sea breeze, the landscape features cultivated fields, silent canals, golden beaches and shady pine forests. A fertile land, shaped by man and nature, which preserves a surprising biodiversity and a rarefied atmosphere, at times out of time. Overlooking the Adriatic and embraced by the Venice Lagoon , this 15-kilometer stretch of coast is much more than a simple seaside resort: it is an experience to be enjoyed slowly, on foot, by bike or by boat . It is no surprise that Cavallino-Treporti is now the 5th Italian municipality in terms of tourist influx, more visited even than cities like Bologna, Turin or Verona. Perfect for experiencing in the summer, but capable of surprising even out of season. In this guide we accompany you to discover its wonders: here's what to do and what to see in Cavallino-Treporti.
A Brief History of Cavallino-TreportiBefore telling you everything you can see and do in Cavallino-Treporti, it is useful to know a little about its history and the reason why it has become such a popular tourist destination. Its history is made up of land reclamation, battles and rebirths. A frontier land of hardship, the lagoon and the sea have shaped the landscape and acted as a metronome for the lives of its inhabitants. An important figure in the history of this town in the Venetian area is that of Giovanni Matteo Alberti , a doctor and benefactor who in the nineteenth century dedicated himself completely to the community by promoting education and health in a still rural and marshy area. Over the years, Cavallino-Treporti has gone from being an agricultural and military area to one of the most popular tourist areas in our country , but its roots are not forgotten and the evidence of its past is still clearly visible. Today, Cavallino-Treporti is a must for open-air tourism thanks to the multitude of campsites , glamping , tourist villages and facilities that receive millions of tourists from all over Europe every year. The 5th municipality in Italy for tourist influx , 15 km of coastline and the capital of open-air tourism, this area not only boasts a wide range of record awards, but is appreciated because it is simple, authentic and varied. From the beaches to the lagoon, from sports to relaxation, here you can really do what you want.
What to see in Cavallino-TreportiBetween long and sandy beaches , glimpses of the lagoon , small villages suspended in an ancient past and military architecture, Cavallino-Treporti is a treasure chest full of ancient stories and breathtaking landscapes. Here's what you shouldn't miss if you want to discover the truest side of this place.
The BeachesOne of the first things to see in Cavallino-Treporti are its beaches. Fine, golden sand that gently leads to a calm and safe sea, perfect for families and lovers of relaxation . Behind the beach, natural dunes and a lush pine forest offer the ideal setting for those seeking contact with nature. Each beach, separated by artificial dams, offers all the comforts : sunbeds, umbrellas, kiosks where you can eat or sip a drink, toilets and showers. Some also offer the possibility of renting equipment for water activities such as pedal boats or SUP and others are dog-friendly . All supervised by lifeguards who, watching from above from small houses, ensure the safety of swimmers.
The historic center of TreportiFrom the beach, we move inland to discover the historic center of Treporti: a small lagoon jewel that stands on three small islands - Portosecco, Isola della Chiesa and Saccagnana. The beating heart of the town is the Church of the Santissima Trinità , particularly interesting not only for the nineteenth-century altarpiece that it houses, but also for the two bell towers that stand out on the horizon and from which the epithet "The town of the two bell towers" derives. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the village, let yourself be led towards views that overlook small canals and stop to observe the life that takes place in its main square, where people meet and the moored boats sway gently, lulled by the placid motions of the lagoon.
The LagoonView this post on Instagram
If the Venice Lagoon were a shell, the Cavallino-Treporti stretch would be its pearl. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterpiece made of sandbanks, canals, briccole and bodies of water of varying depths. Here, peace reigns supreme and a rich lagoon fauna gives its best with spectacular flights of herons and flamingos, and carp dives of lagoon fish. Our advice? Walk along the Pordelio road at sunset to see the lagoon wearing its best dress: fiery skies that reflect on bodies of water coloring everything red, orange and, sometimes, purple. An ideal place to discover on foot, by boat, by bike or by kayak to find yourself and regenerate your soul.
Little LionNorth of Treporti, immersed in the lagoon, there is an ancient lagoon village inhabited by a maximum of ten people. It is the oldest settlement in the entire area and still preserves traces of the Roman era , such as small ruins and mosaics. If in the past it was a thriving commercial port, thanks to its strategic position in the middle of the fishing valleys, today it is a postcard from the past to remind us all that, sometimes, to appreciate the beautiful things that surround us we just have to slow down. Walking or, why not, pedaling here means taking a little trip back in time with the little church and the Boldù palace which, together with the salt pans and the reflections of the water, tell unique stories and provide poetic views. If you are lucky, here, you can also admire some splendid pink flamingos.
Forts of Cavallino-TreportiAre you a history lover and on every trip you take you always try to dedicate some time to visiting places of historical interest? Then you won't get bored here! Among the things to see in Cavallino-Treporti there are also a series of Austro-Hungarian and Italian fortifications dating back to the First World War. The Via dei Forti winds along the entire peninsula, an open-air museum dotted with telemetry towers, batteries such as Vettor Pisani, Amalfi and San Marco, powder magazines and barracks. Sleeping giants that remind us, in a solemn silence, of the tumultuous years that made even this land far from everything and everyone tremble. Among the fortifications, the most important is Forte Treporti , also known as Forte Vecchio and built in the mid-1800s over the ancient remains of a French post, ideal for defending the entrance to the lagoon.
The lighthouses of Cavallino-TreportiIf stories of sea wolves, ships, pirates and lighthouses that act as sentinels of the sea have always fascinated you, then you cannot avoid visiting the two lighthouses on the Cavallino-Treporti coast that silently watch over its waters.
- The Piave Vecchia Lighthouse: located at the mouth of the Sile, this lighthouse is a structure built in 1846 by the Austrians for military purposes. Completely destroyed during the Second World War by German forces, it was rebuilt between 1949 and 1951. Standing 48 metres tall, it is a guide for ships and a testimony to the troubled history of the area. Today it is a point of reference , visible from up to 18 miles away. Its iconic appearance has made it a permanent fixture in the Jesolo skyline despite belonging, in all respects, to the territory of Cavallino-Treporti. The lighthouse cannot be visited as it is within a military area used as the headquarters of the Coast Guard, but nothing stops you from walking on its beach and admiring it up close.
- Punta Sabbioni Lighthouse: a second lighthouse, overlooking the entrance to the Venetian lagoon, is Punta Sabbioni. A colorful sentinel that on one side guides boats heading to Venice, on the other offers spectacular views of the sea especially at dawn and dusk. This lighthouse also cannot be visited inside but you can observe it up close by walking along its promenade.
The last stop on the list of things to see in Cavallino-Treporti is the Convent of Mesole, one of the oldest and most intriguing buildings in this area . Built in the 14th century on the remains of an ancient female monastery, it is a testimony to the rural past intrinsically linked to lagoon life. Spread over two floors with a simple, white façade dominated by a large external fireplace crowned by a quadrangular chimney, it displays a 17th-century oratory to its side. The convent is one of the favorite stops for cycling enthusiasts who travel through these areas on their bikes.
What to do in Cavallino-TreportiIf Cavallino-Treporti is the fifth municipality in Italy for tourist influx, the reason is not only in the things to see but also in the multitude of experiences it has to offer . A holiday here and every day can turn into a different adventure: whether you simply want to relax on the beach, take a boat trip, have fun in a water park and so on and so forth. From dawn to dusk, the coast offers activities for all tastes and for all types of travellers. Here is our selection of things you can do in Cavallino-Treporti.
Relax on the BeachThe first activity that comes to mind is, without a doubt, a good relaxing session on one of the many beaches on the coast. With its shallow seabed and calm waters, it is the perfect solution for those who aspire to a sea with all the comforts, ideal for families with children. Whether you are a lover of equipped beaches or free ones, whether you are in the company of your dog, your family, your friends, there is something for everyone. Not only that, if you are a fan of happy hour on the beach you can find several bathing establishments whose kiosks await 6 pm to put on a DJ set and liven up the golden hour.
Kayaking ExcursionsView this post on Instagram
One of the most beautiful experiences is paddling through canals, sandbanks and fishing valleys to discover a silent and suggestive lagoon. There are several establishments that offer kayak rental by the hour to discover the lagoon independently. However, our advice is to participate in a guided excursion with experts who organize different experiences, each more interesting than the other, such as an aperitif in a kayak, night kayaking, at sunset or at dawn. A fun way to combine sport and nature , immersed in the unique context of a true lagoon poem.
Rent a boatAnother thing to do in Cavallino-Treporti is to rent a boat and go on a day trip either in the lagoon , to discover the sandbanks and its canals, or in the open sea for a dip in the deep, dark blue sea. No obligatory destination, just the scent of the sea, the wind in your hair and a unique feeling of freedom.
Take day trips in the surrounding areaCavallino-Treporti is an excellent base for discovering the nearby locations . From here, many excursions depart to the islands of the northern lagoon of Venice. You can visit the colorful Burano , with its iconic houses and its authentic soul; discover the ancient art of glass blowing born on the island of Murano or discover the legends of the silent Torcello , with its Devil's Bridge and Attila's throne. If one day you decide to do something even different, you can go to Punta Sabbioni and take a ferry that in a few minutes will take you to Venice or its lively Lido.
Take a bike ride on Europe's longest cycle pathWith more than 40 km of cycle paths that wind through pine forests, countryside, embankments and the lagoon, Cavallino-Treporti is a paradise for cycle tourism lovers . But the real gem is the new cycle path on the water, the longest in Europe . A road designed for bicycles completely cantilevered over the Venetian lagoon that extends for 7 kilometers along the Pordelio canal and offers breathtaking views to anyone who decides to ride it. Yet another attraction that justifies the 5th place in the list of the most visited municipalities in Italy .
Dine in one of its farmhousesWe are in Italy, can we avoid dedicating a paragraph to the culinary tradition of a place? Obviously not. Here among the things to do in Cavallino-Treporti we have also included the experience of trying the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants and agritourisms in the area . There are some fabulous ones immersed like lone wolves in the lagoon, others more lively on the beach and others still in the village. As for the location, you really are spoiled for choice, while as for what to eat, well, here too there is no joking: dishes from the land, the sea or the lagoon, any palate can find satisfaction.
Participate in the many beach events held in the summerCavallino-Treporti is an area that has much to offer regardless of the season in which you visit, but summer is the season in which some of the most interesting events take place . Here are some events not to be missed for an evening of entertainment.
- Sand and Sound: a music festival on the sand held in June , with stations located along the 15 kilometers of coastline where artists and bands of all kinds perform. From jazz to rock, from samba to Italian singer-songwriters, fun is guaranteed here.
- Ferragosto: on Ferragosto, all of Cavallino-Treporti comes alive with private and non-private beach parties, live concerts, DJ sets, theater shows and more. We recommend that you visit the official sites of the area to discover the program if you find yourself here on August 15th.
- Beach On Fire: this event is usually held at the end of August and is one of the longest fireworks displays in the world . From Punta Sabbioni to Faro Piave Vecchia, synchronized fireworks will illuminate and color the night to begin to say goodbye (reluctantly) to summer.
If you want to shake up your relaxing holiday in Cavallino-Treporti and change pace for an evening , Lido di Jesolo is the perfect place. Just a few minutes away, it offers a lively, frenetic and urban atmosphere; a parallel universe made of lights, music and movement. Six kilometres of pedestrian island , one of the longest in Europe , dotted with trendy clubs, shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, discos and shop windows lit up until late at night. People come here to experience the Jesolo nightlife in all its nuances: having an aperitif on the terrace, dining outdoors with the background music of DJ sets, dancing until late or simply strolling along Via Bafile , the beating heart of the city, where every evening you can breathe a lively energy. An experience that adds a pinch of energy to the tranquility of Cavallino-Treporti, perfect for those who love alternating relaxation and nightlife.
Things to do in Cavallino-Treporti if you travel with childrenAre you on holiday with your family and are you wondering what alternative you could do to entertain your children by giving them experiences that they will carry in their hearts forever? Cavallino-Treporti has the answer for you too. Here are two things to do in Cavallino-Treporti for you and your children.
Go to the Caribe Bay amusement parkView this post on Instagram
