It is, of course, the location that makes the city and the absence of cars and the preponderance of canals gives it a unique feel. It can be romantic, as one mingles with the pigeons in massive St Mark’s Square or glides along a quiet canal on a gondola.

A great maritime power until the 16th century, ruling whole swathes of the former Roman Empire and dominating the Mediterranean, Venice is a living museum, its rich blend of Byzantine, Renaissance and Gothic architecture framing a labyrinth of canals and waterways, narrow lanes, alleys and quiet corners. Justifiably popular, each year it attracts around 10 million visitors undeterred by the steamy summers and damp, chilly winters, accommodating them in a city area measuring just 2½ mls from E to W and 1¾ mls from N to S. The most popular sights are clustered round St Mark's Square, though in the height of summer its grandeur is often lost beneath a sea of people and pigeons. However, Venice manages to retain a serene charm - aided by the fact that no motorised transport is allowed (apart from the vaporetti or water buses) - and it is easy to escape the crowds, with photo opportunities around every corner. VENICE LIDO - built around a long, sandy beach - is used by many travellers as an escape from the relative confinement of Venice while remaining within easy distance of its sights; the resort has a slower pace of life but sees the unwelcome return of traffic (and its noise). Measuring 500 yds from SE to NW and stretching for 7½ mls SW to NE, the main tourist development is located along the broad shopping avenue, Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, which links the Venice water-bus terminal with the beach. 2 mls from the centre is the casino which hosts the annual film festival, while the rest of the island is given over to woodland and well-spaced residential mansions.

Primarily middle- to upmarket lovers of art, architecture and history. Budget travellers can get by (just about) on short stays, whilst Lido is clearly upmarket. Favourite choice for honeymoons and romantic weekends. Not a destination for families with young children.

Expensive, with high demand all year round. The full range, from hostels to some of the world's premier luxury establishments, although middlemarket options predominate; mainly 4- and 5-star establishments in Venice Lido. The San Marco district has the largest concentration of accommodation and there's also a sizeable cluster by the railway station. The majority of hotels are housed in characterful old buildings.

Venice Lido is 15 mins by boat across San Marco's basin, then a short bus trip or 15 mins on foot. The - usually crowded - beach stretches for 5 mls along the SE of the island, boasts clean, very find sand, and is backed by an unbroken row of hotels. Much of the beach is segmented into private sections belonging to adjacent properties but public stretches do exist; the water is generally considered to be polluted. Plenty of beach amenities: deck chairs, loungers, sun umbrellas and changing cabins plus a choice of beachfront restaurants, bars and cafes. Water sports include windsurfing.

A full range, from top designer boutiques to numerous markets. The main commercial area is in the San Polo district, where a string of popular shopping streets connect Campo San Polo with the Rialto Bridge. Many fashionable stores around St Mark's Square, and a good selection of stores along key walkways. Some specialist retailers in quieter, outlying areas. Upmarket boutiques and speciality shops in Lido. Glassware and lace are local specialities, together with masks. Most goods are relatively pricey.

Daytime: leisurely walks and boat tours to take in the many fine monuments and buildings, among them St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the adjacent Bridge of Sighs, the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the Ca' d'Oro (a former palace); breathtaking city views from the Campanile tower; numerous museums - many located in the arty Dorsoduro district - from art to natural history, notably the Peggy Guggenheim collection (Modernist art) and the Accademia Gallery (one of Europe's best art collections); beach activities and water sports on Lido. Several annual festivals such as the Regatta (early Sept), February Carnival (when traditional masks are worn) and the Biannual International Arts Exhibition. Nightlife: not known for loud or lively evenings, the emphasis here is on cultural entertainment with theatre and classical music performances; the best bars are in the Cannaregio and Dorsoduro districts, some with live music; a handful of discos, though the better clubs are out of town; casino; cinema (though few English-language films) with an international film festival in late summer. Venice Lido offers a few bars on Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, otherwise hotel-based options.

Generally more expensive than most other Italian cities, though the quality and quantities are not always as good. The top, pricey establishments are mainly around St Mark's Square. Many traditional trattorias in the San Polo and Dorsoduro districts. Plenty of food stands and cafes for quick snacks. Venice Lido restaurants are nearly all based in hotels. Plenty of familiar fare (pastas and risottos) with seafood a local speciality; pastries are a local treat. Regional cuisine makes use of spices and exotic flavours, a legacy of its lucrative trade with the East centuries ago.

Vaporetti (water buses) stop at various points along the main canals, and serve some of the larger islands in the lagoon and even the airport; tickets can be purchased in advance from tobacconists or offices at some landing stations; 24-hr and 3-day tickets are available. Water taxis can negotiate some of the narrower canals (faster but pricey). A frequent bus service operates around the Lido area. Gondola rides (one of Venice's most enduring tourist traditions) are better value when shared among a group. The railway station serves regional towns, major cities and some international destinations. There is a multistorey car park on the outskirts for arrivals by road.

Half day: all manner of boat trips and walking tours. Full day: many islands across the lagoon, including Murano (centre of glass-blowing industry) and Burano (lace making). 2 days: nature parks of the Po delta and beaches along the Adriatic; historic towns such as Verona, Vicenza, Feltre and Treviso; Eastern Dolomites for hiking and skiing; Euganean Hills for spa towns and medieval villages.

In NE Italy, at the very of top of the Adriatic coast. 250 mls N of Rome. 130 mls NE of Florence. 100 mls W of Trieste. 65 mls E of Verona. 5 mls from Marco Polo airport. Venice Lido is 2 mls from Venice by boat, 3 mls from the mainland by boat and 14 mls by motorboat or bus and ferry from Venice airport.

The greater Venice area occupies 118 flat islands within a large, protected lagoon that extends across 40 mls of coast. The city itself is on a canal-bisected island in the lagoon, connected to the mainland by a 3-ml-long road and rail causeway. Venice Lido occupies one of 2 elongated islands lying across the entrance to the lagoon.

Website: www.govenice.com

Airport : Marco Polo
Airport Code: VCE
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs