Aeroporto Nicelli: history, charm, and views over the Venice Lagoon

If you’re planning a trip to Venice or love discovering lesser-known places rich in history and atmosphere, Aeroporto Giovanni Nicelli, on the Lido di Venezia, is a hidden gem well worth your attention. This small historic airport is not just a hub for private aviation, but a unique cultural and architectural landmark set right in the heart of the lagoon.

The origins: when Nicelli became a pioneer of Italian aviation

Aeroporto Nicelli is deeply connected to the early days of aviation in Italy. As early as 1911, the skies above Venice were crossed by one of the first airplanes ever seen in the city, astonishing locals and visitors alike. During World War I, starting in 1915, the nearby Forte di San Nicolò area was used for military flights.

In 1926, engineer Renato Morandi transformed the military airfield into a fully operational civilian airport, making it Italy’s first commercial airport. From here departed a historic passenger flight to Vienna, operated by Transadriatica, marking a milestone in European air travel.

The elegant passenger terminal was inaugurated in 1935, designed in a refined rationalist style and decorated with artworks celebrating the spirit of flight. For decades, Nicelli was Venice’s main airport, until commercial air traffic gradually moved to Tessera in the 1960s (today’s Marco Polo Airport).

Aeroporto Nicelli today: private flights, elegance, and culture

Today, Aeroporto Nicelli operates primarily as an airport for general and private aviation, welcoming small planes and light jets from all over Europe. Its beautifully preserved 1930s architecture was carefully restored between the late 1990s and early 2000s, maintaining the original terraces, interiors, and timeless atmosphere.

Its charm has not gone unnoticed: in 2014, the BBC listed Nicelli among the most beautiful airports in the world, praising the unforgettable experience of landing or taking off surrounded by water, greenery, and history.

Dining with a view: the airport restaurant

One of the highlights of Aeroporto Nicelli is its elegant on-site restaurant, Ristorante Nicelli (also known as Fly Restaurant). Open not only to pilots and passengers but also to visitors, it’s a fantastic place for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed aperitivo.

The menu focuses on Venetian and Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, all served in a refined yet welcoming setting. The real star, however, is the view: from the terrace you can watch small aircraft taxi and take off on the grassy runway, with the shimmering lagoon as a backdrop. At sunset, the scenery becomes truly magical.

Why visit Aeroporto Nicelli during your stay in Venice

Even if you’re not flying in or out, visiting Aeroporto Nicelli offers a rare chance to experience a different side of Venice—one made of aviation history, elegant architecture, and peaceful lagoon landscapes. It’s a perfect stop while exploring the Lido, especially if paired with a meal at the restaurant or a quiet walk nearby.

And for those who want to admire Venice from the water after seeing it from the sky, you can complete the experience by joining one of my private boat tours in the Venetian Lagoon. Cruising through hidden canals and open waters offers a perspective just as unforgettable as landing at Nicelli—an authentic way to discover Venice beyond the usual routes.