When the temperature starts heating up, there’s no better place to be than at the beach. And if scientists are right in their predictions that 2016 is going to be even hotter in Italy than 2015 was, we’d seriously consider picking up and moving to the beach for the entire summer. Sipping spritz aperols punctuated by dips to cool off in the Adriatic – that is truly la dolce vita. When Terme Gestioni asked us which Veneto beach we’d choose to hole up for our next Italian beach holiday, we ultimately chose Bibione. Here are just five of the reasons why:
1. 11 Kilometers of Sandy Beach
We’ve got our fair share of beaches here in the Veneto, but the first time we visited Bibione Tim marveled at how huge Bibione’s beach is. Not only is it wide, giving plenty of space between the sections of parasols and the sea, it’s 11.5 kilometers long. Even in the height of the season (read August when all of Italy closes up shop and heads to the beach), you can find a patch of beach all your own.
Bibione has a lighthouse at the very end of it’s beach that is accessible only on foot or on bicycle. Most people won’t make the walk down the beach to the lighthouse, but those that do are rewarded with a free beach and few people.
Bibione is also the first smoke-free beach in Italy when the smoking ban was put in to effect in 2014. The smoking ban stretches from the first row of umbrellas to the seashore for 8 kilometers all the way to the lighthouse at Punta Tagliamento. Though people can still smoke under their umbrellas, the “Breathe the Sea Air” initiative ensures that cigarette butts stay off the beach and non-smokers can enjoy a smoke free environment.
2. La Spiaggia di Pluto
Not only do we like (and need) to cool off when the summer temps soar, but our beach loving pup does too. Italy isn’t exactly known for dog friendly beaches, but Bibione offers up the perfect solution with La Spiaggia di Pluto. This special area of Bibione is just for dogs and their owners with parasols, sunbeds, dog beds and bowls. The dog beach even has a special doggy gelato!
The beach area is cleaned regularly with a doggy safe disinfectant and the dogs are welcome to swim in the water.
La Spiaggia di Pluto is a real find. The only other beach in the Veneto that allows dogs is located at Brussa in the nature reserve and there are no hotels or services nearby. Having access to all that a seaside town has to offer and having a place for our pup to enjoy the sea is a win-win.
Sunset at Bibione Beach
3. Fun in the Sun
We don’t know about you, but we get bored after about an hour of lounging on the beach. We need activities and Bibione offers plenty of them. From a horseback ride on the beach to beach volleyball, there’s plenty to do to keep even adventurers like us entertained.
An excellent jogging path and biking path run parallel to Bibione’s beach, there are cycling trails throughout Bibione’s pinewood forest, and those little pedal boats with slides are loads of fun. Hotels also have amenities for guests like beach ping pong, billiards and more.
Bibione also has an excellent line-up of events from concerts to beach volleyball tournaments all summer long. Though our favorite is always to grab a bottle of chilled rosé and a beach blanket to watch Bibione’s firework shows as the lagoon is lit up in bursts of colors.
Spaghetti alla vongole
4. Seafood and Spritz
Spaghetti alla vongole (spaghetti with clams), fritto misto (fried mixed seafood) and scampi (a type of langoustine) are our favorite seafood dishes that are freshly fished right here out of the North Adriatic. Since the seafood comes from right here in the Veneto, it’s fresh, delicious and inexpensive. You can expect to pay around €12 for a portion.
The refreshing drink of choice in summer in Italy is a Spritz Aperol, invented here in the Veneto in 1919. The distinctively orange drink is a mixture of Prosecco, Aperol and soda water and quenches your thirst on a hot summer day. Just be sure to drink lots of water too, because the dangerous thing about a Spritz is that you quickly forget you’re drinking alcohol.
Photo courtesy of Bibione Terme
5. Terme Gestioni
Though Under the Tuscan Sun would lead us Italy loving travelers to believe the sun always shines in bella Italia, the Veneto is prone to summer thunderstorms. They usually don’t roll in until the late afternoon, but if you do find yourself with a rainy day during your Bibione holiday, head to the Terme Gestioni.
The thermal baths are open year round and have both indoor and outdoor pools with a variety of games, sunbeds, whirlpools and a menu of spa and wellness treatments. They even offer a program for children, so the entire family can enjoy the spa.
Momena says
I like bibione. I really wonderful beach. surely i will visit there next vacation.
Thank u.