Ah the shining stars! For 10 days beginning the end of August Venice plays host to the film glitterati, mostly European but international films are also considered for the top award of the Golden Lion. Held on the island of the Lido, towards the north end of the lagoon it may pay to take a vaporetto ride out there if you want to catch a glimpse of the more notables. If you don't see any then there's a chance to stretch out on the sandy beach and soak up some sun instead.