Most people associate getting around Venice by either taking a romantic gondola ride on its beautiful canals, floating between islands on the city’s amazing water bus system or by foot, gently strolling through its beautiful cobbled streets. But hiring a bike and cycling around this exquisite historical city is also a great way of viewing some of the cities sites as well as getting some much-needed exercise if you have been visiting the cities incredible restaurants. https://www.exceptionalvillas.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-venice-italy/

There are so many sites to see, and for many of the most popular sites such as St Marks Square, The Doge’s Palace, The Rialto Bridge, The Grand Canal, The Basilica San Marco, and the Campo Santa Margherita, it is simply not possible to cycle. However, there are much lesser-known and lesser trodden parts of the city where it is perfectly possible to cycle or jog. And the best part is that many of these are the hidden treasures of Venice which most tourists are visiting the city don’t get to experience.

One of the most unforgettable things you can do in Venice is to take one of the cities Vaporetto or water buses and head to the close by islands of Pellestrina, The Lido and Guidecca. These islands are equally beautiful to the main Centro historic but are much less crowded and much easier to explore at your leisure. Each of the three islands has paved routes and are completely flat making them perfect for either cycling or jogging.

The island of Giudecca is a short 5-minute boat ride from St Mark’s Square. Some of the most luxurious accommodations in the city are located on the island of Giudecca. The Cipriani is not only Venice’s best hotel, is widely considered to be one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Then right next door is the stunning Villa F Venice. It comprises of 11 luxury apartments and villas set in over 3 acres of private gardens which are the largest in Venice. Villa F is a converted nobleman's palace. If you are looking for the same level of luxury but more space, then check out this site. https://www.exceptionalvillas.com/venice. If you fancy running or walking on Guidecca, take the vaporetto number 2 from Zaccaria station and get off at Zitelle. Then you can run to the Mulino Stacky and back.

The Lido has a location close to the main island of Venice. You can take the water bus from Santa Maria Elisabetta towards Piazzale Bucintoro. The Lido is one of the world’s chicest resorts. You can gaze at the breathtaking scenery as you pedal the full 12 kilometres of the Lido Island. You go from the breakwater at San Nicoletta to the Porto Malamocco. Make sure to bring your swimwear and some towels as you will most likely be tempted to take a dip in the refreshing water as you are cycling along.
Next head north across the Malamocco channel to Pellestrina. The island of Pellestrina is long and narrow. It is about 5 miles long or 8 kilometres. It is a 10-minute ferry ride from The Lido. You can cycle another 11 kilometres from Santa Maria del Mare to the Seawall of Chioggia. The villages here are not frequented by tourists very much and are exceptionally beautiful.

If you don’t have time to leave the mainland but still want to get some exercise, you can take The Schiavoni jogging path. You can leave from St Mark’s Square and go all the way to Giardini di Sant Elena passing by the Biennale. The total distance is 3.4 miles of 5.5 kilometers.

There are several places you can rent bikes. Make sure you do so in advance through a company like Exceptional Villas. They have a full pre-arrival concierge service, and they will be able to recommend which are the best companies to use.

If you prefer not to cycle or jog, then you can still get plenty of exercise exploring Venice on foot. Venice has six main neighbourhoods knows and Sestieri. They are called San Marco, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, and Castello. We recommend exploring each neighbourhood one at a time. However, if you are limited on time and want to explore the highlights stick within the districts of Santa Croce, Castello, and San Marco. You will come across most of the cities top 10 attractions this way.