This is a wonderful along route along the water, easily accessible from San Marco. There are three sections: a spectacular waterfront jaunt along the Riva dei Schiavoni, a tour of the Giardini (biennial gardens), and an optional add-on in the Sant’ Elena, which altogether make for a tour of about 6 km.
Giardini (Wikimedia)
Our route starts at the gothic Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), although if you’re up early you might start with loop or two around St. Mark’s Square. Run west along the Riva dei Schiavoni for 1.5 km (it changes names several times along the way). There are wide paths here, so it’s runnable even when crowded. There are water views to one side, lots of people, shops and restaurants. You’ll pass the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Church of the Pietà, and the Naval History Museum. Enter the grounds of the Giardini della Biennale, public gardens hosting art exhibitions & featuring national pavilions built by famous architects. Continue along the water for another 1k.
For another 1 km, you can run into Sant’ Elena, a quieter area with pleasant paths and trees. Pass the Church and run out on the pier at the boat club for a great view of the Lido. You can retrace your steps, but vary the route a bit by enjoying some of the paths in the Giardini, (use Viale IV Novembre), or sticking along the water, depending on the crowds.
Add-On: For a great 1.5 km add-on (especially during quieter times), do a tour of San Pietro. From the eastern end of the Giardini, take Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi to the monument, then RIGHT on Fondamenta Sant’Anna over to San Pietro to view the Basilica and Gardens. Cross the lagoon on Calle Larga Rosa, then LEFT on Salizada Streta to Fondamenta Sant’Anna and then Via Giuseppe Garibaldi for the return.
This is a wonderful along route along the water, easily accessible from San Marco. There are three sections: a spectacular waterfront jaunt along the Riva dei Schiavoni, a tour of the Giardini (biennial gardens), and an optional add-on in the Sant’ Elena, which altogether make for a tour of about 6 km.
Giardini (Wikimedia)
Our route starts at the gothic Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), although if you’re up early you might start with loop or two around St. Mark’s Square. Run west along the Riva dei Schiavoni for 1.5 km (it changes names several times along the way). There are wide paths here, so it’s runnable even when crowded. There are water views to one side, lots of people, shops and restaurants. You’ll pass the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Church of the Pietà, and the Naval History Museum. Enter the grounds of the Giardini della Biennale, public gardens hosting art exhibitions & featuring national pavilions built by famous architects. Continue along the water for another 1k.
For another 1 km, you can run into Sant’ Elena, a quieter area with pleasant paths and trees. Pass the Church and run out on the pier at the boat club for a great view of the Lido. You can retrace your steps, but vary the route a bit by enjoying some of the paths in the Giardini, (use Viale IV Novembre), or sticking along the water, depending on the crowds.
Add-On: For a great 1.5 km add-on (especially during quieter times), do a tour of San Pietro. From the eastern end of the Giardini, take Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi to the monument, then RIGHT on Fondamenta Sant’Anna over to San Pietro to view the Basilica and Gardens. Cross the lagoon on Calle Larga Rosa, then LEFT on Salizada Streta to Fondamenta Sant’Anna and then Via Giuseppe Garibaldi for the return.
We've scoped out some of the best places to run in Mestre, the gateway into Venice for many. There's San Giuliano Park and some pleasant streets. One CAN run into Venice, on the Ponte della Libertà, 8 km one-way. Go early and take the train back!
Running along the Zatterre offers a relatively short, easy out and back along the water to the Santa Maria della Salute and its marvelous steps. Most of the route is along a wide path.
A relatively seamless 5.3 km out and back in the Cannareggio area, on Venice's north side. Good water views out to Murano. The Fondamente Nuove is wide enough for easy running. Turn around at Torre dell'Arsenale.
One of the best places to run in Venice might be ACROSS from Venice. The waterfront run on the island of Giudecca offers great views of Zaterre and San Marco. 4 km out and back, or 6.5 km with loop of the Sacca Fisola.
Barrier island a 15-minute ferry ride from Venice offers nearly 15 km of running, much of it along the water with separate paths. The beach is also runnable. Good opportunity to uncork away from the hordes in Venice.
A 40-minute ferry ride from Venice to the far northern end of the Venetian Lagoon, the island is known for its brightly colored houses, artists, and lace work. We’ve designed a ‘runseeing’ tour of the main sites of Burano, with a jaunt over to Mazzorbo.
Jesolo is a popular seaside resort town that's officially part of Venice. The signature run is the 11.5 km seaside path. There's also some good running in the commercial center, and along the Via Cristo Re.
A fantastic run on the seaside islands of Chioggia and Sottomarina, located south of Venice and reachable by car or inexpensive ferry. Our route of up to 12 km is on paths along the sea, canals, around a lagoon, and out to San Felice Fort.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
For another 1 km, you can run into Sant’ Elena, a quieter area with pleasant paths and trees. Pass the Church and run out on the pier at the boat club for a great view of the Lido. You can retrace your steps, but vary the route a bit by enjoying some of the paths in the Giardini, (use Viale IV Novembre), or sticking along the water, depending on the crowds.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!