Punta Sabbioni

Punta Sabbioni is the tip of the Cavallino peninsula, at the point where the Venetian Riviera meets the lagoon -- and it is the door to Venice.

Boats leave from here for San Marco in about 35 minutes, and for Burano, Murano and Torcello. For the several million people who holiday on this coast, this pier is how they see Venice.

It is also the outer edge of the lagoon's defences, in two senses: the coastal batteries built to protect Venice a century ago stand on the peninsula behind it, and the modern MOSE flood barriers are installed at the inlet in front.

Leaving the car here and taking the boat is exactly the right thing to do: Venice has spent decades trying to reduce vehicle arrivals, and this is the cheapest and fastest alternative from this coast.

Venice charges a day-visitor access fee on certain dates. Check before travelling and book if it applies -- it is straightforward if you plan for it.

The lagoon side of the peninsula is salt marsh and fishing valley, sensitive and quiet. Explore it by bicycle or on foot on the marked routes, not by motorboat.

The dune fragments on the seaward side are fenced; stay off them.

The point is a transport hub rather than a sight: a large car park, a bus terminus and the ferry pier.

Boats run frequently to San Marco (around 35 minutes) and, seasonally, to Burano, Murano and Torcello. Tickets are the standard Venice public transport fares; day and multi-day passes are usually better value than singles.

Buses connect it to Jesolo, Cavallino and Venice Piazzale Roma. There is a very large paid car park, which is what most visitors use -- leaving the car here and taking the boat is the cheapest sensible way to reach Venice from this coast.

The pier and terminal are level and accessible, and the boats have step-free boarding, though it is worth checking which service you are on.

Allow the whole day if you are going to Venice; the point itself takes twenty minutes.