Distant views, history, culture and unique SUP spots. The lagoon around Grado, together with the enchanting port town itself, offers a wide range of well-being and wonderful gastronomy. This excursion destination, which is particularly popular among Austrians, not only exudes its charm in summer, but is also worth a visit all year round.

General information Grado

• Grado Wikipedia
• Grado tourist information
• Friuli Venezia Giulia tourist information
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather

Paddleboarding

Grado's lagoon is like an endless playground for paddleboarders. If you stick to the marked waterways you can, for example, head to the monestary island Barbana.The whole area is full of canals and islands, which are mostly used for agriculture. How about a day trip to Lignano and back?

About eighteen kilometers separate these two holiday resorts if you want to explore them on the shortest route by SUP (you would have to drive at least 70 km by car). West of Grado, on the other hand, you will find pure nature if you want to paddle around the bird and animal sanctuary Foce dell’Isonzo. Naturally, the tourist beaches in Grado are much less interesting to paddle than the entire surrounding area.

Swimming

As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the nobility are said to have been drawn to Grado to enjoy the pleasant climate and maritime nature. Grado and Grado Pineta together have about 4 km of beaches. The beaches Costa Azzurra and Grado Pineta are free. However, the main beach, Spiaggia Principale, is chargeable. However, there are spots on the beach that are suitable for all needs: VIP area, sports facilities and mother-child areas. East of Grado Pineta another 4.5 km of beach (mainly without infrastructure) run to the mouth of the Canale Primero. Here you can experience sand and water in seclusion, far away from mass tourism.

Worth seeing

North of Grado lies the monastery island called Barbana. It is probably the highlight for all SUP tours in the region. The origin of the chruch Santuario di Barbana probably lies in the 6th century. Every first Sunday in July, the small island is the scene of the Perdon de Barbana procession.

In the center is the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia, which was consecrated in 579 AD and has celebrated services and continued its activity uninterrupted ever since. In the adjacent lapidarium you can marvel at sculptural and epigraphic fragments from the Castrum of Grado.

Next to the town hall you'll find the local music house which dates back to the 6th century. The outside view is unique and delightful. Inside, the house shines as a modern exhibition space.

The National Archaeological Museum in Aquileia shows unique excavation finds but also many exhibits from private collections. The collection of portraits and the mosaics from various Roman eras are particularly worth mentioning.

Those interested in Italian wines can also visit a small winery near Aquileia, taste some local wines and learn more about the turbulent history of the region.

Extra Tips

The Grado Song Festival takes place every March in the Palazzo dei Congressi. The format, which has been held since 1946, is dedicated to dialectal music and is a platform for established and emerging artists.

Every July jazz fans can listen to national and international jazz music between avant-garde and tradition. The small but high quality Grado Jazz Festival can certainly compete with international jazz festivals.

Grado's seafront promenade Lungomare Nazario Sauro connects the beaches to the east and west of the town. The 'diga' is worth a walk at any time of the day and is another haven of peace in this friendly holiday destination.

Grado's lagoon offers unique nature experiences and can be explored through various tourism providers.

The impressive Cona Island at the Isonzo River estuary is considered by many to be the best birdwatching destination in the country. The nature reserve has a visitor center and offers guided tours. Also, the peninsula is a gorgeous paddling territory all year round.  

Overnight Stay

Oche Selvatiche Boutique Hotel
Via Luseo 1, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 878918

Hotel Residence San Remo
Viale Italia 5, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 876318

Villa Carlotta Grado
4 Via A. Volta, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)348 769 9980

Sunrise Rooms
Via Pola 10, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 876371

Antica Casa Labres
Via al Mare 5, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 82507

Campeggio Al Bosco
Strada della Rotta 4, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 80485

Gastronomy

Ostaria De Filomena
Via Gradenigo 7, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)338 304 5450

La Ciacolada
Via Giuseppe Caprin 35, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)431 090165

Pineta Beach
Viale dell'Orione, 34073 Grado Pineta
Phone +39 (0)331 347 262

Restaurant Hotel Aquila Nera
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5, 33051 Aquileia
Phone +39 (0)431 91045

Ristorante Corallo
Via Beligna 3, 33051 Aquileia
Phone +39 (0)431 918763