Although it's best known as the mainland sister city to Venice, Mestre is nonetheless a worthy tourist stop for travelers to the Veneto region of Italy; Mestre cruises are one of the biggest draws to the area. Read on for a brief overview of the options available to you in this coastal city, home to many of the workers and patrons of Venice.

Local Cruises

Some of the least expensive and best options for Venice cruises actually depart from Mestre. Mestre is located just a short distance from Venice, and you won't waste much time before you arrive in the Venice area. In fact, the cost of the cruise itself will oftentimes make up for the time that you'll spend traveling between Mestre and Venice.

Croatia Cruises

Another one of the most popular options for cruises in Mestre is the ferry set that runs between this Italian city and the coast of Croatia to the southeast. Croatia features beautiful scenery and islands with excellent beaches, and the trip is relatively short (in the area of 3 to 4 hours). This makes for an excellent day cruise that provides you with an unique view of another set of sites.

Western Cruises

Additionally, some cruises that head along the western coast of Italy will leave from Mestre as well. These are perhaps not as ideal as those cruises that begin further west.

Speak with a tourism official or your hotel for more information about cruises in Mestre. Book your trip well in advance, in order to ensure that you have a spot on the boat.