Italy's Lido Coast

by L. P. Seglias
IS there anywhere "new" in Europe, for summer (and winter) holidays? Yes, of course, quite a selection. There is for example, Italy's "Lido Coast," a series of wonderful sandy beaches stretching from Venice to Trieste—Jesolo, Sottomarina Caorle, Bibione, Lignano, and the ancient city of Grado.
Not many years ago this was a rather neglected area of coast. Then Lido di Jesolo developed as a, tourist resort, and the others quickly followed. Previously, too, being in the far corner of Italy a long tiring rail journey was involved. Now with a new airport on the mainland at Venice, and regular flights from London by both BEA and Alitalia, the Lido Coast is "no distance."
My own preference is for Bibione. Here is a beautiful modern resort where only a few years ago was a neglected and uncultivated stretch of coast. Attractive residences and villas, as well as great modem hotels of all grades, make up
this new resort together with good tree-lined roads and numerous shops and cafes.
I often wonder why it is that Europeans are able to make their modem buildings so attractive — so much better than our own ugly "matchboxes."
If there is anywhere in Europe where sun-shine can safely be guaranteed it is surely here, and never was the term "safe bathing" more well deserved. A wonderful golden sandy beach some two miles long and a hundred yards wide leads gently to a clear warm sea, and the lovely Adriatic being slightly more salty than elsewhere has an additional buoyancy. It is a veritable paradise for children on both sand and sea.
The most attractive of the many available excursions is of course to Venice. This remarkable city is unique in the world and is a definite "must." The wonderful Basilica of the Doges—that "bible in stone" —was erected in the fourth century as a suitable shrine for the tomb of St. Mark.
The rough stone coffin holding the evangelist's bones can be seen in the high altar, while a side chapel holds the tomb of St. Isidore.
Not far from St. Mark's stands the church of San Zaccharia, which preserves the shrine of St. Zachary. The mummified body of St. John the Baptist's father was examined and verified a few years ago. One of the greatest of venetian saints is St. Laurence Giustiniani, whose body rests over the high altar of Venice's former cathedral, S. Pietro in Castello.
Venice holds quite a number of other shrines as well, but don't forget, that not far away stands the town of Padua whose great treasure is the body of "II Santo"—there is no need to name him as everyone knows who he is!
Another "star" excursion from these Lido resorts takes you into the Dolomites, to Cortina d'Ampezzo. Other excursions visit Trieste, and even Opatija in Jugoslavia.
Italy's Lido Coast is ideal for family holidays, for its beaches of golden sand and safe bathing are grand for children, and the kids are welcomed by the hotels, too. What's more, most hotels provide deck chairs and beach sunshades free!