Venice is a surprisingly green city: its historic centre is scattered with public parks – precious and unexpected spaces to be enjoyed, like the Napoleonic Gardens and the Biennale, the Royal Gardens and the Papadopoli Gardens, ideal for a rest and refreshment – and historic gardens belonging to institutions and museums. More info in the Map for refreshment areas.
Do not miss the visit to the Mystical Garden of the Barefoot Carmelites, near Santa Lucia railway station; the gardens and cloisters of San Francesco della Vigna, in Castello; the garden and cloisters of the Redentore, in Giudecca; the park and the cloisters of San Giorgio Maggiore; the garden and the cloister of the monastery of San Lazzaro degli Armeni: places of meditation and peace, surrounded by greenery. The garden of Palazzetto Bru-Zane can be visited when the premise is open to the public for concerts and events. Walk down the garden of Ca ‘Rezzonico and enjoy a unique glimpse of the Grand Canal from the garden of Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti. Unusual is The Nasher Sculpture Garden where works works from the permanent collections are exhibited and the back garden of Carlo Scarpa in the Querini Stampalia Foundation. In the mainland visit the Parks and the Woods of Mestre, following the itineraries in perfect harmony with the environment.
If you’re interested in visiting the oasis, dunes and the pine forest of San Nicolò and the wetlands of Santa Maria del Mare, nothing better than the cycling path along the coast of Lido and Pellestrina, arrinvg by vaporetto ACTV. Remember that bicycles are forbidden (even when only lead by hand) in Venice city centre
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the gardens and parks of the Riviera del Brenta villas, the boxwood hedges labyrinth of Villa Pisani, the park of Villa Venier Contarini or Villa Widman or Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta.