Venice might be famous for its winding canals and romantic gondolas, but it’s surprisingly fun to explore by bike—especially if you want to see more than just Saint Mark’s Square. While the city’s historic center isn’t ideal for cycling, the surrounding region and nearby islands shine on two wheels. We love the Venice Countryside Bike Tour for its peaceful routes past historic villas and charming villages, and the Lido Bike Tour for its mix of beaches, film history, and art nouveau architecture. These tours offer authentic glimpses of Venice’s surroundings without the crowds, making cycling a practical and memorable way to experience Italy’s lagoon.
The list below includes a variety of bike experiences: rental options for flexible exploring, guided tours through scenic countryside and historic sites, island rides along salt marshes and beaches, and even specialized birdwatching trips. Whether you prefer a quick half-day ride or a full-day adventure, each offers something unique. Now, let’s dig into the details so you can pick the perfect ride for your Venice visit.
1. Bike rental in Venice
While Venice’s historical center is best explored on foot or by boat, nearby areas like the Veneto region and Riviera del Brenta are perfect for cycling. This flexible rental service offers city bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes, available for one to seven days. Bikes come with locks and lights, and helmets or panniers are available at extra cost. It’s an easy way to extend your Venice experience into the countryside or along scenic cycle paths between Venice and Lake Garda.
What makes this rental appealing is the variety and flexibility—rent for just a day to explore the lagoon, or go longer to take multi-day trips. The bikes are new, with 7 or 21 gearboxes on touring models, and the staff provides info on local itineraries. It’s a practical choice if you want to explore independently at your own pace. The only downside is that riding inside Venice’s historic center isn’t recommended—better to use the bikes for day trips outside the city.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want flexibility, good gear, and the ability to explore the Veneto countryside and beyond on their own schedule.
2. Venice Countryside Bike Tour
This guided half-day tour offers a refreshing escape from Venice’s busy streets. For around $104, you’ll cycle along the Riviera del Brenta, passing historic villas and small villages. The tour includes stops outside Villa Foscari from Palladio and inside Villa Widmann, with options to walk through gardens and learn about local life. You’ll also visit Dolo, a quaint town with a watermill and a typical “bacaro” for a tasting of regional cuisine.
What sets this tour apart is the expert guide—who shares insights into the stories behind the villas and the area’s history. Nearly all reviewers praise the relaxed pace and personalized experience, with some mentioning how the guide even waited for late arrivals. The ride is mostly flat, suitable for most fitness levels, and the small group size makes it intimate and engaging.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a scenic, culturally rich ride with expert commentary. It’s a great way to see the Venetian countryside without the hassle of organizing it yourself.
3. Bike tour with honey and artichockes on Sant’Erasmo island
This four-hour guided trip whisks you to Sant’Erasmo, known as Venice’s “vegetable garden.” For around $168, you’ll explore fields of artichokes, enjoy views of the skyline from a unique vantage point, and taste honey produced locally. The tour begins with a short vaporetto ride through the lagoon, followed by walking and biking around the island’s farms and salt marshes.
What’s special is the focus on local produce and natural beauty—you’ll see the island’s agricultural side, which contrasts sharply with Venice’s urban scenery. The itinerary includes visiting Torre Massimiliana, a 19th-century fort, and biking along lagoon banks. The relaxed pace and rural atmosphere make it suitable for nature lovers and foodies alike. Keep in mind that the waterbus cost isn’t included, so factor that into your budget.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in natural landscapes, local food, and a peaceful break from city crowds.
4. Full Day Venice Bike Rental
For about $15, this full-day rental offers the freedom to explore Venice’s main island and outskirts at your own pace. Bikes include locks and optional child seats, making it family-friendly. With this rental, you can venture beyond the crowded center to see spots like the lagoon dam walls at Murazzi or the historic Fort of St. Andrew, along with Lido beaches.
The key benefit is the flexibility—spend a full day riding through quieter streets, along canals, or out to less-visited neighborhoods. The map and phone support help navigate your route, making it perfect for independent travelers who prefer to set their own pace. The main limitation is that you’ll need to plan your own itinerary, which is part of the fun if you love spontaneous discoveries.
Bottom Line: Great for adaptable travelers who want an affordable, full-day adventure outside the typical tourist routes.
5. Riviera del Brenta Bike Tour
This four-hour guided ride hits the highlights of the Riviera del Brenta, a region dotted with villas and small towns. Starting either from Vigonovo or Dolo, you’ll stop at the Squero Monumentale di Dolo, a historic boatyard, and Villa Widmann, a well-preserved villa with a museum and beautiful gardens.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on the elegant villas built for Venice’s aristocrats, offering a glimpse into their luxurious lifestyle. The relaxed pace and small group setting make for an intimate experience. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the opportunity to see authentic local scenery away from Venice’s crowds.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those with an interest in architecture and history, plus a love for scenic river landscapes.
6. Lido Bike Tour: With a Local on the Island of Cinema
This guided four-and-a-half-hour tour takes you around Lido Island, famous for hosting Venice’s oldest film festival. For $180, you’ll explore beaches, markets, and the 1920s Art Nouveau architecture, all with a local guide. The ride includes scenic breaks at a lighthouse and the old fishing village.
What makes this tour special is the focus on film history and local life, plus the opportunity to see some of the less-visited parts of the island. The route avoids busy roads, riding along canal-side paths and natural reserves. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the relaxed pace, with many noting how it offers a different perspective from crowded city tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a scenic, culturally rich ride with a focus on Venice’s glamorous film heritage.
7. Venice Bike Tour
This two-hour guided tour explores the quieter parts of Venice’s Lido area. For $52, you’ll pedal past Art Nouveau villas, San Nicolò Abbey, and Nicelli Airport, avoiding the crowds of St. Mark’s. The route includes historic sites and ends with time to relax on the local beaches.
What appeals here is the chance to see Venice’s seaside side without the tourist throngs. Reviewers mention that Massimo, the guide, provides a good overview and the ride is flat and accessible. It’s an excellent choice for travelers short on time but wanting to see a different side of Venice.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a quick, informative ride with plenty of beach time afterward.
8. Lio Piccolo: Flamingos & Birdwatching Bike Tour in the Lagoon
This five-hour eco-tour is perfect for bird lovers. For about $182, you travel through wetlands with a small group, spotting flamingos, herons, and wading birds. The tour includes a water bus ride from Venice to Treporti, plus biking through the lagoon’s natural habitat.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to see flamingos — a rare sight in Europe — along with other lagoon wildlife. The cap of eight travelers ensures a peaceful, natural atmosphere. Reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the uniqueness of the birdwatching opportunities, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers willing to combine a bit of travel logistics with birdwatching.
9. By bike on the Liberty Bridge
This two-hour ride from Marghera takes you over the Liberty Bridge to discover the old industrial and maritime zones of Venice. For $46, you’ll cycle along the lagoon, crossing the bridge, and then return to the city on foot. It’s a shorter, more urban-focused experience.
What makes this tour different is the insight into Venice’s industrial past and its modern transition. It’s a good choice for travelers interested in urban exploration and engineering marvels. The reviews mention the guide’s storytelling and the scenic views from the bridge.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Venice’s modern development rather than its historic core.
10. Bike & Palladian Villas: Scenic Ride Along the Brenta from Venice
This nearly five-hour guided adventure combines a scenic boat ride and bike tour, focusing on Palladian villas along the Brenta River. Starting in Venice, the tour visits Villa Foscari (“La Malcontenta”) and Villa Widmann, with expert narration about architecture and history.
What’s special here is the combination of boat and bike, plus the chance to see extraordinary villas and gardens that once housed Venice’s elite. Reviewers mention the relaxed pace and the beauty of riverside landscapes. It’s best suited for those interested in architecture and aristocratic history.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, educational ride perfect for architecture buffs and history enthusiasts.
11. Venice Lido by bike with guide
This two to three-hour guided ride explores Lido Island’s Art Nouveau villas, beaches, and historical sites. For $126, it offers a relaxed, scenic tour with stops at the Faro di San Nicolò lighthouse and the old Lazzaretto Vecchio.
The appeal is in discovering Venetian life away from the tourist hub, with a guide providing context and local stories. Reviewers appreciate the leisurely pace and detailed insights, making it a good introduction for first-timers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a quick yet in-depth look at Venice’s island life.
How to Choose Your Perfect Bike Tour
Choosing the right bike experience depends on your interests, schedule, and fitness level. If you want total flexibility, the full-day bicycle rentals or full-day e-bike are perfect. For a guided cultural experience, the Venice Countryside Bike Tour and Bike & Palladian Villas offer rich stories and scenic beauty. Nature lovers will enjoy the birdwatching tour, while those craving a quick peek at Lido can pick the shorter guided rides.
Keep in mind budget—rentals are usually the most affordable, while guided tours tend to be a bit pricier but include detailed commentary and unique routes. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and bike type.
Final Thoughts
Venice offers a surprising number of bike tours that reveal different facets of this fascinating city and its surroundings. For a leisurely exploration of nearby villas, the Riviera del Brenta Bike Tour and Bike & Palladian Villas are top picks. If you’re after a relaxed ride along the beaches or island scenery, consider the Lido Bike Tour or Venice Lido by bike with guide. For nature lovers, the birdwatching tour offers a rare chance to see flamingos and lagoon wildlife.
No matter your interests, these options show that cycling in Venice isn’t just practical—it’s an inspiring way to see Italy’s lagoon from a different perspective. If you’re eager to pedal off the beaten path, consider booking early, and enjoy all the scenic beauty waiting just outside Venice’s famous waterways.
