As in all Italian cities, football (calcio) remains the predominant passion among sports fans. The city team, AC Venezia (e-mail: info@veneziacalcio.it; website: www.veneziacalcio.it), was founded back in 1907, but these days its glory days seem behind it as it is languishing in the doldrums of the lower leagues after enjoying a brief flirtation with the top league, Serie A, a few years ago. During the season, the team plays alternate Sunday afternoons at the embarrassingly shabby Pierluigi Penzo stadium, L'Isola Sant'Elena (tel: (041) 238 0711), in the easternmost corner of the city. Tickets cost from €16 and are available at two branches of the Banca Antoniana Popolare Veneta – Campo San Bartolomeo, San Marco, and Strada Nova, Cannaregio.

It is the Lido that attracts the golfers, riders and tennis players, although only the most dedicated of fitness devotees brave the waters of the Adriatic or indeed, like Lord Byron, the even dirtier waters of the Grand Canal.

Fitness Centres: Those concerned with health and wellbeing should head off for a session at Palestra Club Delfino, Zattere (tel: (041) 523 2763; website: www.palestraclubdelfino.com).

Golf: The Golf Club Lido, Via del Forte, Alberoni-Lido (tel: (041) 731 333; website: www.circologolfvenezia.it), is considered one of Italy's top 10 golf courses. Located just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the centre of Venice, it can be reached by vaporetto to the Lido, then bus B to Alberoni. Facilities include three practice greens and an 18-hole course. The club opens daily 0830-1800 (until 2000 in summer) and is accessible to non-members for approximately €55 on weekdays and €70 on weekends.

Tennis: Ten tennis courts are available to non-members at the Tennis Club Cai del Moro, Via Ferruccio Parri 6, on the Lido (tel: (041) 770 801). Players can reach the club by taking the Lido vaporetto and then bus B. Courts are floodlit and open until 2300. Guests pay around €9 per hour and reservations are recommended. A swimming pool and gym are also available at the club.