Designer Outlet in Venice, Italy

Nearby Venice at Sunset – Alastair Rae

Just 40 miles from Venice and 21 miles from Marco Polo airport lies an impressive McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and a hidden treat for savvy shoppers.

From afar, Veneto Designer Outlet and its towering Venetian style architecture and elaborate palazzos could be mistaken for a mini Venice or Treviso. However, on closer inspection, visitors will actually find a stylish and spacious setting for 85 designer brands offering up to 70% off. Compared to the prices in the boutiques found in nearby Venice, there are bargains to be enjoyed on womenswear, menswear, sportswear, accessories and luxury home furnishings.

Venice is a city renowned for designer names and designer prices but this little Venice offers a very affordable alternative to the shopping found in the San Marco area. It may not have the canals but it does boast its very own gondola.

Opened in 2008, it is the fourth McArthur Glen outlet to be opened in Italy. With 140 stores, some of the designer labels found here include: Armani, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Fendi, Ferragamo, Jill Sander, La Perla, Prada, Valentino and Versace. For sportswear, labels include Billabong, Nike and Quiksilver. And, if there’s simply too much choice, customers can recruit the help of a personal shopper from €70 per hour. Booking in advance is necessary.

There is a choice of three restaurants.

Getting there:

A private shuttle service runs from Piazzale Rome in Venice to the Veneto Designer Outlet from Monday through to Saturday. The shuttle leaves Venice between 10.30am and 3pm and departs from the outlet between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Bookings must be made prior to 7pm on the day before you wish to visit.

The service costs €35 per person and children under 4 years travel for free. Visit for further information.

If you are traveling by car from Venice, take the A4 in the direction of Triests and exit at San Donà di Piave. From Trieste, take the A4 and use the same exit. There is ample free parking (2000 spaces to be specific).

By train, take the Venezia/Trieste line and exit at San Donà-Jesolo station.

There is also a return bus service from San Donà di Piave which runs every day. They depart from San Donà di Piave bus station from Monday to Saturday at the following times: 9am, 10.35 am, 11.35 am, 4.45 pm, 6.45 pm, 7.50 pm. On Sundays and holidays, they leave at: 2.30pm, 4.15pm, 5.45pm, 6.45pm and 7.50pm.