Active leisure in Venice: 10 great places and trails you'll reach on foot
April 11, 2025
Venice, known for its picturesque canals and historic architecture, also offers amazing opportunities for active leisure. Contrary to appearances, it is not only a city of gondolas and narrow streets, but also a place where you can enjoy nature, sports and active family time. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of 10 great places and trails to explore on foot while enjoying the charms of this unique city. From peaceful parks to fascinating walking trails, Venice has much more to offer than you might think at first glance. Get ready for an active adventure in the heart of Serenissima!
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Natural oases of tranquility in the heart of Venice
Start our journey by discovering the green corners of Venice, which provide the perfect place for active recreation away from the crowds of tourists.
Passeggiata delle Barene - Campalto is a real gem for nature and active recreation lovers. This scenic walking route, located in the Campalto district, offers unforgettable views of the Venetian Lagoon. With a 4.7-star rating, the site is highly regarded by locals and tourists alike. The route is ideal for walking and biking, and thanks to the sea breeze, even on the hottest days you can find solace here. One reviewer emphasizes: 'A beautiful walkway along the Venetian Lagoon, perfect for walking and cycling, the breeze never fails even on the hottest days. This place offers a real contact with nature and is a great alternative to the crowded streets of downtown Venice.
Not far away, a short drive from the center, is Carpenedo Woods. This historic forest, with a 4.2-star rating, is a true oasis of greenery in an urban landscape. It's worth noting that a special permit is required to enter, which keeps the place pristine. One visitor describes: 'A stone's throw from the city center, there is a preserved corner of relict forest surrounded by woods replanted in the 1990s for its protection. Not to be missed. The forest offers many walking trails, making it ideal for families looking to get in touch with nature.
For those who prefer a more urban setting, Parco delle Rimembranze is an excellent choice. With a 4.6-star rating, this park is prized for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the center. It's the perfect place for a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city. As one visitor notes: 'It's worth coming for a while, having a beer and taking a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.' The park offers beautiful views and is especially appreciated due to the rarity of green spaces in Venice.
Each of these places offers a unique perspective on Venice and its surroundings. Passeggiata delle Barene - Campalto is an ideal spot for those who want to combine physical activity with beautiful views of the lagoon. Carpenedo Woods attracts lovers of wildlife and history, offering a unique forest experience near the city. Parco delle Rimembranze, on the other hand, is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of urban life, ideal for a short relaxation or picnic.
It's worth remembering that availability and conditions can change depending on the season and current regulations. It's always a good idea to check the latest information before visiting, especially in the case of Carpenedo Woods, where an entry permit is required. Regardless of your choice, each of these places offers a unique opportunity for active recreation and exploring the lesser-known sides of Venice.
Exploring Venetian nature and culture
Continuing our tour of Venice's active destinations, we can't leave out some unique attractions that combine nature, culture and opportunities for active recreation.
Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni is a true paradise for nature and active recreation lovers. With a rating of 4.5 stars, the place offers a unique experience of communing with nature in close proximity to Venice. The WWF oasis is famous for its beautiful sand dunes and rich vegetation. As one visitor describes: 'An oasis between the sea, dunes and pine forest that is worth visiting at any time of the year!!!' It's an ideal place for walking and observing local flora and fauna. It is worth noting that the area is of great ecological importance and is protected, which adds to its value.
For those who prefer a more organized tour, the Venice Walking Tour is an excellent option. With a maximum rating of 5 stars, this form of active exploration of the city is extremely popular. Guides like Maria offer not only historical knowledge, but also practical tips on how to make the most of your stay in Venice. One tour participant shared his impressions: 'What a wonderful tour of Venice led by Maria, who was a fount of knowledge. She captured our attention with stories, historical facts, amusing anecdotes and practical advice on how to get the most out of Venice.' This is a great option for families who want to combine physical activity with education.
Parco San Giuliano is another place worth visiting. With a rating of 4.4 stars, this park offers space for a variety of activities. There's a children's playground, plenty of green space and places to walk or rollerblade. One visitor notes, 'An ideal place for walking and recreation. There is somewhere to follow time with friends, go out with the dog or go rollerblading.' The park is particularly appreciated for its ability to provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and its stunning views of the lagoon.
For those looking for a more personalized experience, Venice Outdoors: local tour leaders in Venice offers unique tours. Despite the limited number of reviews, feedback has been very positive. One participant recalls: 'We had a great time hiking in the Dolomites with Alex, an experienced AIGAE guide, after a very interesting, beautiful boat trip with him in the Venice lagoon!' This is a great option for those looking for more advanced trails and outdoor experiences.
Comparing these places, each offers something unique. The Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni is an ideal option for wildlife lovers and quiet walks. The Venice Walking Tour and Venice Outdoors are perfect for those who want to combine physical activity with learning about the city's history and culture. Parco San Giuliano, on the other hand, is a versatile destination, ideal for families with children and those looking for space for a variety of outdoor activities.
It's worth remembering that the availability and conditions at these places can change depending on the season and current regulations. It's always a good idea to check the latest information before visiting, especially for organized tours. Regardless of your choice, each of these places offers a unique opportunity for active recreation and exploring the various facets of Venice.
The undiscovered gems of Venice active recreation
In the final part of our tour of Venice's active corners, we will focus on lesser-known but equally fascinating places that offer unique opportunities for active recreation.
Free Walking tours of Venice are one of the highest rated attractions, with an impressive 4.9 star rating. These free walking tours are a great way to explore the city and stay physically active at the same time. The guides, such as Lucia and Simone, are known for their passion and knowledge of the city. One participant shares his impressions: 'It was a fantastic tour with Lucia. The weather was terrible and we wondered if we wanted to go at all, but I'm glad we did! Lucia is an excellent guide.' These tours are especially recommended for families, as they offer interesting information tailored to different age groups.
Giare, with a 4.5-star rating, is a lesser-known but extremely charming place for walking. The route along the lagoon offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views. As one visitor describes: 'A pleasant walk along the shore of the lagoon, the starting point is the Laguna restaurant. You walk along the wooden houses, called cavane, which serve as a shelter for fishing boats. This is the perfect place for those looking for an authentic Venetian experience away from the tourist crowds.
Parco Laghetti Martellago, despite being a bit farther from the center of Venice, deserves attention with a 4.5-star rating. This park offers a variety of trails for running and biking. One park enthusiast writes: 'A very good park for jogging 👟👟 and biking, lots of long avenues, wide and narrow, dry and wet, hard and soft waterlogged...'. This place is especially appreciated by lovers of nature and active recreation, also offering attractions for children and the opportunity to observe local fauna.
Finally, the Nordic Walking School Team Venezia Serenissima outdoor, despite limited reviews, offers a unique active touring experience. This is a great option for those interested in Nordic walking and wanting to experience Venice from a different perspective.
When comparing these places, each offers something unique. Free Walking tours of Venice are ideal for those who want to combine learning about the city's history and culture with active sightseeing. Giare is an excellent choice for those who want tranquility and authenticity. Parco Laghetti Martellago is a great option for lovers of a variety of outdoor activities, while Nordic Walking School offers a specialized approach to active sightseeing.
It's worth noting that availability and conditions at these locations may vary depending on the season. For Free Walking tours of Venice and Nordic Walking School, advance booking is recommended. Giare and Parco Laghetti Martellago are available year-round, but are best visited in the warmer months for complete comfort.
Each of these places offers a unique perspective on Venice and its surroundings. Whether you choose an organized tour or independent exploration, these lesser-known corners of Venice are sure to provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for active recreation. Remember to always check up-to-date information before your visit and adjust your itinerary to suit your preferences and physical abilities.
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