Beach towns close to Venice "Iain" writes I'm looking for an attractive and authentic beach town - preferably somewhere within an hour or so of Venice. Can you help? Tim Jepson, Italy expert, replies Have a look at Caorle, around 35 miles (55km) northeast of Venice, on the vast curve of the coast as it swings round towards Trieste. It's not too big, has lots of charm, and a very broad sandy beach. Anne Hanley, Italy expert, replies The beaches within spitting distance of Venice tend to be big, brash and elbow-to-elbow deck chairs. You could, however, really go out on a limb, with a Venice beach holiday. Bypass the main city and instead strike off across the lagoon to the Lido di Venezia island/sand bar (below). You'll be able to find accommodation from which you can access the low-key beaches around Alberoni, at the far south of the Lido.