From the river to the sea and back to the lagoon. The circumnavigation of the Cona peninsula is not only a special experience for bird watchers. You can also feel the magic of this unique bird sanctuary from the water and treat yourself to an unforgettable SUP experience at the same time.

General information Isola della Cola

• Reserve Naturale Foce dell'Isonzo
• Isola della Cona Wikipedia
• Isola della Cona tourist information
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather

Navigation rules

Boats and ships have priority along this route. Because you are paddling in a nature reserve, you should be particularly careful. Behave as quietly as possible and of course avoid littering.

Nature Reserve

The Regional Nature Reserve of the Estuary of the Isonzo, located in the eastern part of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, on the last stretch of the river of the same name, extends over an area belonging to the municipalities of Staranzano, San Canzian d'Isonzo, Fiumicello and Grado and an area of 2,338 hectares (of which 1,154 ha in marine areas).

It was established in 1996 and largely coincides with the SAC / SPA "Estuary of the Isonzo - Isola della Cona" IT3330005. The symbol of the reserve is the curlew.

All recreational, sporting and tourism activities compatible with the protection of fauna, flora, vegetation, soil and water are permitted within the reserve.

However, be sure to follow the regulations in force in nature reserves. Often water sports are prohibited in nature reserves or only possible under very specific conditions.

Keep a sufficient minimum distance to overgrown shore areas, as well as to riparian trees and bird concentrations on the water - if possible more than 100 meters. This is especially true during the breeding season (March 1 to September 30).

When getting in and out of the water, use the designated places where no damage can visibly be done to nature.

Download the current ordinance (Italian) here.

Dangers and risks

The water access on Isonzo River runs vertically downwards from the sandy shore, so that the water surface is about half a meter below the edge of the shore. You only have a limited stand here, especially since the water depth is about as high as 1,5 to 2 m (depending on the water level). When getting on the SUP you should take your time so as not to end up in the water right away.

About two kilometers before the estuary into the sea, the Isonzato flows from the right and into the Isonzo. Motor boats also operate here, going towards the river and the sea and leaving their waves behind. Keep your eyes open and prepare for choppy waters.

On the way back along the east side of the peninsula, you repeatedly paddle over knee-deep water and seagrass carpets at a depth of about one meter. Always keep an eye on the bottom and pay attention to fins and paddle blades. Here you'll find nets stretched on the ground under the water (easily recognizable by the fixing sticks sticking out of the water). Depending on the water level, you can glide over with your fins or you will inevitably get stuck.

Study the satellite image well in advance or always have it on hand, because you can easily get lost along the small waterways through the salt marshes if you want to paddle directly near the shore. Unfortunately, the waterways do not go all the way to the Canale Quarantia, so you inevitably have to paddle out of this basin and bypass it.

The exit is challenging due to its slippery stone slabs. There are also shells in the crevices in between, which can easily cut your skin if you're not careful.

Directions

The best way to reach the Cona peninsula is by car, as no public transport goes here. If you are traveling from Grado, come along the SP 19 via Grado Pineta and Villaggio Primero and drive towards Monfalcone. Immediately after crossing the river Isonzo you could take the narrow dirt road to the right and drive straight ahead for about three kilometers until you arrive at the visitor center. Or you take the route indicated by Google Maps via the SP 19 to the first roundabout after the Isonzo and follow the road signs to the visitor center.

Parking

At the Foce dell' Isonzo visitor car park.

Swimming

The Isonzo River is wonderfully cool and highly recommended on hot days. You get in fast, but getting out of the freshwater can be tricky due to the elevated bank edge. It is better to get off the SUP and cool off in the middle of the river during a short paddle break.

The lagoon on the east shore of the island is partly knee to waist high and filled with warm salt water and you can lie in the water and even swim without hesitation. The further you go towards Monfalcone (i.e. away from Cona's east shore), the more boats cross the path. Only go into the water with the utmost caution and foresight and only if it is absolutely necessary.

Worth seeing

The MU/CA – Museo della Cantieristica di Monfalcone is Italy's only museum dedicated to shipbuilding and presents the importance of shipbuilding for the region in an innovative way.

Since 2005 the World War I theme park (Parco Tematico della Grande Guerra di Monfalcone) can be visited near Monfalcone. On an area of around 4 km², divided into three main areas, various aspects of the 'Great War' are explained to visitors in more detail. Here you find trenches, shelters and other relics of the war. Three different routes lead through the park..

The Museum in the Fortress of Monfalcone (Museo della Rocca di Monfalcone) offers its visitors a paleontological section and a cave section, both of which can be visited free of charge. From the main square (Piazza della Republica) the ascent along the street takes about 15 minutes on foot.

The Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Art was opened in 2002 and is dedicated to contemporary art and promotes regional artists in particular.

Extra Tips

The Foce dell'Isonzo Nature Reserve on the Isola della Cona peninsula is worth a visit, especially in autumn. In addition to the resident birds that live there all year round, countless migratory birds, geese and ducks can also be observed in the nature reserve. The circular route with its vantage points and observation posts is particularly recommended. There is also an informative visitor center. 

Also the bird sanctuary housed in the Foce dell'Isonzo Reserve Alberoni inspires its visitors with a great mix of sports (hiking, SUP, kayaking, cycling), culinary delights and nature experiences. 

Tour

From the footpath at the visitor center of the bird sanctuary downstream to the sea. Via the small canal left into the lagoon and north into the Canale Quarantia up to the exit at the stone slabs.

Length

13 km

Time

2.5 - 3.5 hours

Start and landing

Start on the Isonzo at the end of the beaten path. It is located in the sharp street curve in front of the visitor center (on the right-hand side of the road).

Get out of the water about 600 m north of the visitor center on the access road. There are a number of parking spaces and clearly visible stone slabs on the banks of the Canale Quarantia.

SUP rental

None

Overnight Stay

Finestra sul mare
Via delle Giarrette 109, 34074 Monfalcone
Phone +39 (0)345 571 7092

Al Sol Levante
Via Verteneglio 7, 34073 Fossalòn
Phone +39 (0)431 88169 

Isola della Cona – Riserva naturale Foce dell’Isonzo
Isola della Cona, 34079 Alberone

Gastronomy

Al Pesce d'Oro
Via Dei Bagni Nuova 19, 34074 Monfalcone
Phone +39 (0)481 830206

Osteria Bisiaca
Località Rivalunga 1, 34079 Staranzano
Phone +39 (0)392 084 2598

Arcimboldo
Via Risiera di San Sabba 17, 34075 San Canzian
Phone +39 (0)339 525 5570

River, sea, lagoon and a lot of wildlife

Between Grado and Monfalcone lies the Cona Peninsula, known for its more than three hundred bird species. The natural and protected headland is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The Isola della Cona is also a blessing to paddlers, because the circumnavigation reveals itself as a unique nature experience with a relaxation factor. 

It's about a 25-minute drive from Grado, half of that from Monfalcone, and already the waterways alongside the only access road get hearts beating in advance. 

The access to the circular hiking trail with its observation stands is at the visitor center. The entry ticket only costs 5 € for adults (as of 2021) and you have the choice of walking either the long loop (3 hours) or the short loop (1.5 hours) through the reserve. Visitors should understand a little Italian, since German and English signposts and information boards are few and far between.

However, this is irrelevant for a SUP tour, because we are guided by the water and, if necessary, by the satellite image on our phones. The parking lot in front of the visitor center is large enough and at the last curve before the driveway there is a small footpath through the bushes that leads to the starting point at the Isonzo River. This path is clearly visible on satellite images and is likely to remain there permanently. 

Even with long touring boards, it is quite easy to get through the approximately 15 m long passage, although you should keep an eye out for the thorns of the wild berries, which line the left side of the path in particular. You come to a small sandy clearing and face the Isonzo River, sowly drifting towards the sea. It is quiet here except for the distant chirping of birds and the gentle murmur of water. Since the latter runs a good one meter below the sandy edge of the today, the entrance is a bit steep and should be taken with caution. However, this should not be a major problem for experienced paddlers. If you are looking for a really refreshing way to cool down on hot days, you can dive into the fresh water coming form the Alps before you start the SUP tour.

The river is absolutely deserted here and smooth as glass, a current can hardly be made out. For the next hour you paddle between reed banks and bushes towards the sea. The Isonzo rises as the Soča (Slovenian name) in northwestern Slovenia and makes its way over 140 km to the sea. Every paddle stroke is spot on and the blurry mountain ranges over Trieste and Koper come closer bit by bit. The distant view reaches up to 30 km beyond the mouth of the Isonzo. Over the left river bank I keep watching flocks of birds flying in formation over the nature reserve. On the right, the fields of the Fossalon di Grado region, laid out like rice boards, stretch towards the west. 

About two kilometers from the mouth of the sea, light, long waves start to push in from the sea. The mighty sea presses its water against the comparatively weak river and leads to a pleasant, subliminal swell. You paddle in dry water all the way to the mouth, while the Slovenian coastline becomes more and more visible on the horizon. 

Before you go left into the lagoon and along the narrow boat channel, you have to pause for a moment. The view sweeps across the sea towards Trieste and Koper and back to the sublime Isonzo and the peninsula. Paddlers then continue with a view of the port of Monfalcone. You can leave the fairway to the left to paddle in the knee-to-waist-deep lagoon. The bottom is overgrown with seaweed and the clear salt water reveals all kinds of little fishermen.

Seaweed swims here in small carpets on the water surface, so that the fins have to be freed from time to time. If you want to avoid the problem, you have to stay away from the peninsula and paddle in a wide arc towards the Canale Quarantia. As beautiful as it is here in the shallow water, it is well advised to leave this pool in good time so as not to get lost in the salt marshes with their labyrinth of waterways.

The attempt to paddle towards the wild horses on the banks of the Cona finally can cost you about half an hour, as you might come to a dead end in the salt marshes and be forced to paddle back the water maze in order to circumnavigate it afterwards.

On the way to the Canale Quarantia you come close to the town of Monfalcone and the ships docking in front of it. The last two kilometers to the exit of this tour are also quiet, although the canal is suitable for motorized water traffic. Except for a few intact and demolished houses, the banks are uninhabited and left to nature.

The landing is situated approximately 600m north of the visitor center Foce dell'Isonzo along the access road. The large, rectangular stone slabs on the bank in front of the parking lot can be clearly seen on the satellite image. They are also visible from the water after the last bend in the canal - just like the car of my friend who is doing the shuttle for me today. If you can't enjoy this luxury, you have to carry your SUP on foot down to the visitor center.

With or without a shuttle, the Cona Peninsula is well worth the effort. If you still have enough energy after this tour, you should then treat yourself to the island along the footpaths. The animal world, which you can discover up close along the two exploration routes (1.5 & 3 hours) is unique and an unforgettable experience. The Isola della Cona - worth a trip on water and on land.

The post Isola della Cona first appeared on SUP Atlas - Paddle More.

It is still an insider tip in the Julian Alps of northern Italy. The cool and crystal-clear glacial lake leaves no one cold because of its imposing location between steep mountain slopes. Lake Raibl may be small, but the paddling pleasure is great.

General information

• Friuli Venezia Giulia tourist information
• Lago del Predil Wikipedia
• Tarvisio Wikipedia
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather

Navigation rules

In principle, you only have to watch out for bathers and other paddlers near the shore. The north shore is where you need to be most careful, as this is where the most people are. To the middle of the lake you usually have free travel.

Dangers and risks

When the water level is low, you are inevitably confronted with many sharp stones on the shore, which is why it is best to wear sturdy shoes with thick soles. In addition, the ground is loamy and slippery in many places. In order to avoid the low water level and its side effects, it is best to enter #lagodelpredil in the search bar on Instagram and look at the current photos and water levels,.

Around the middle of the day there can be quite strong south or north winds, which make paddling more strenuous. However, high waves or dangerous currents are not to be expected.

The banks are mostly shallow (depending on the water level), if you paddle too close to them, fins can get stuck.

Likewise, a relatively large number of bathers can be expected, especially on the beaches in the north and south of the lake, around the islands and around the small delta of the Canale Malga (below the Cascata Fiorino waterfall). Keep distance! 

Directions

Coming from Tarvisio there is only one access road to Lago del Predil. Take the SS 54 south to Cave del Predil and follow the signs towards Sella Nevea. After the former mining village of Cave del Predil, turn right onto the SP 76 in direction of Sella Nevea and park either shortly afterwards at the north car park (left after 170 m) or at one of the other car parks along the west bank.

Coming from Slovenia you drive through the overwhelming mountain landscape of the Triglav National Park and over the Predil Pass down to the lake. This route takes you past the remarkable war fortresses of Forte del Lago Predil (Fort Predel) and Batteria di Sella Predil. Beware of the heavy traffic: cars, motorcycles, cyclists!

Parking

The most popular parking lot at Chalet al Lago, which is always packed on nice days, lies on the north shore of the lake. If the gravel parking lot is full, there is little space for preparing the SUPs. Then it is best to inflate the boards on the bank and put the fins on there.

Around the southern beach there is also a relatively large parking lot.

Other small parking lots along the west bank can be found here:

Punto Panoramico sul Lago del Predil

Zsuzsa’s Panorama

Forte del Lago Predil

Viewpoint over the south beach

Viewpoint in direction of Sella Nevea

All parking is free.

Swimming

As a mountain lake, Lago del Predil is of course a bit cooler than other bathing lakes. However, the water is still pleasant in summer and offers a subtle cooling without hypothermia. Since the lake is easily accessible from all sides via the circular hiking trail, you can get into the water from anywhere. However, if the water level is too low, the banks are often slippery and loamy, and the lake doesn't look that romantic either.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been a public bathing beach since 2022, which also had the advantage that the operators took care of the safety of bathers and local environmental protection.

Worth seeing

Around the lake and the Predil Pass there are countless historically significant sites and exhibits to visit: Notable are the Battery Predilpass, the Forte del Lago Predil (Fort Predel) including the French burial site, but also the military artefacts in the Canale Malga area or along the SP 76 south of the lake.

The town of Tarvisio is located only ten kilometers north of the lake and invites you to stroll and enjoy its friendly town center. At the famous market you find Italian fashion (always negotiate prices!), around the main square - Piazza Unità - visitors discover nice bars and restaurants. For many holidaymakers from the north, Tarvisio is the first small highlight on their way south.

The village Cave del Predil (also called Raibl) is unfortunately not a special feast for the eyes, but it is still worth visiting the military museum and the geomineral park. You learn more about the lead and zinc mining that was carried out here and at the same time you support the local economy.

Extra Tips

There are many different hiking trails around the lake - some quite easy, others challenging. Worth mentioning is the 5.5 km long circular hiking trail around the lake. It is mostly flat and can be easily mastered by everyone. However, it is more strenuous to conquer Monte Lussari near Tarvisio.

Although they are almost too small to paddle, they are still beautiful and relaxing: the two Fusine-Lakes (Laghi di Fusine) are located a few kilometers south-east of Tarvisio and are in a diverse hiking area. The AlpeAdria Trail which is famous from many postcards.

The No Borders Music Festival has been held annually since the 1990s. The concerts were first held in Tarvisio's main square (Piazza Unità), but for a few years now they have been held at the Fusine Lakes.

In Tarvisio you can also join a guided forest bathing experience and relax in nature.

You can also come to the lake if you happen to be in the neighboring Slovenian Triglav National Park. Coming from Bovec, with the transfer in the minibus already included, you can take part in a guided SUP tour. If you want to try something new, just book a SUP yoga session instead.

Golfers will find a unique natural setting between the mountains on the course of the Senza Confini Golf Club. Since 2013, you can enjoy teeing off and dining here in the Italian-Austrian-Slovenian border triangle.

Tour

From the north bank to the west bank and around the lake.

Length

3.2 km

Time

1 hour

Start and landing

On the north shore at Chalet al Lago.

SUP rental

None

Overnight Stay

Affittacamere Buon Riposo
Largo Mazzini 4/A, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)338 767 4416

Casa il Tiglio
Località Rutte Piccolo 20, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)351 262 2438

Hotel Rosengarten
Via Bamberga 3, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)428 66 88 32

Hotel Canin
Via Carinzia 7, 33010 Sella Nevea

Predel House
Strmec na Predelu 15, 5231 Log pod Mangartom (Slovenien)

Gastronomy

Locanda del Minatore
Largo Giuseppe Mazzini 4, Cave del Predil, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)338 767 4416

Tschurwald
Via Roma 8, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)428 40534

Bar Trattoria Miramonti
Via Dante Alighieri 73, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)347 543 0340

L’Altro Gusto Restaurant & Bar
Via Armando Diaz 20, 33018 Tarvisio
Phone +39 (0)428 644223

Tizio E Caio
Via Roma 53, 33018 Tarvisio

Paddling experience on the former glacial lake

For many people living in the south of Austria on the border with Italy, Tarvisio is the first port of call if you occasionally want to experience a little Italian flair. For travelers passing through, the small town near the border is often the first point of contact on the way to more southern destinations.

Only about ten kilometers south of Tarvisio, the Lago del Predil (also called Lake Raibl) covers an area of one square kilometer and enchants everyone who travels the winding access road through the Tarvisian hinterland. The road leads through the former mining town of Cave del Predil, whose mine was closed in 1991 and has been lying fallow as a ruin ever since. After the Lago del Predil, the SS 54 continues on over the Predil Pass only to lead into the Slovenian Triglav National Park. It is an extremely popular route among cyclists and motorcyclists, so expect a lot of traffic.

You notice that not only on the street, but also in the parking lot in front of the Chalet al Lago on the northern shore of the lake. On nice days, it is fully occupied relatively early, but there is a constant coming and going here, so that parking spaces usually become free again and again. However, it is still quite narrow for pumping up the boards. Unfortunately, there are no more water sports rentals since 2022.

If you want to paddle here, you have to bring your own equipment or take part in a guided SUP tour. Once the preparations have been made, it only takes a few steps down to the lake and there it is best to first take in the overwhelming view, which was also captured in romantic paintings as early as the 19th century.

On all sides the rocky and forested slopes of the Julian Alps cascade down to the banks. One feels comfortably enclosed in a turquoise-blue-green landscape with dazzling white pebble beaches. The second largest natural lake in Friuli is approx. 30 m deep and was probably created as a glacial lake in a former moraine. It is only a matter of time before this natural idyll is no longer an insider tip.

But for now we don't worry about that, as we discuss our route on the beach and put on the fins. First we paddle to the right and along the western bank against the light southerly wind. Next to us, a local swimming club seems to have just finished its morning training and there are already a number of sunbathers frolicking on the shallow pebble beaches. While the lake is popular, the shores aren't crowded thanks to limited parking.

The entire shoreline is surrounded by a white-green band - the white pebbles lie by the water, just behind them mostly green grass or lush forests. In principle, you can get to the water on all sides to let your soul dangle. As passionate paddlers and enthusiastic mountaineers, we immediately fall in love with this phenomenal natural spectacle of tropical water colors between the strong and saturated colors of the mountains and forests around us.

Small tree trunks and wooden sticks occasionally swim in the crystal-clear water, while the sun's rays are reflected in a star shape. Although the road (SP 76) runs right above us, we hardly notice it - after all, the trees skilfully shield the view and engine noise.

Near the small creek delta of the Canale Malga, which rises on the mountain Raibler Aibl, we discover exhibited war equipment guarding over the lake. The entire area resembles an open-air museum with its military and mining relics. Worth mentioning in this respect is the entire town of Cave del Predil, the old buildings on the north-eastern shore of the lake, the Batteria di Sella Predil and the Forte del Lago Predil. All of these relics are indebted to the rich history of this region, which has also been the subject of various military claims. What was once Austro-Hungarian and hotly contested during the World Wars is now Italian territory.

Meanwhile we paddle towards the extensive beaches on the south of the lake. Here you should not paddle too close to the bank, because the water entrances are shallow and you could get stuck in them. Although there are a few small parking spaces along the SP 76 on the west bank, the bank sections are completely natural. The crystal-clear water tempts you to jump in and is pleasantly warm in midsummer despite the mountainous location.

After a short break, we continue to the canyon on the south-east bank and from there back via the east bank. No matter where you are on the lake, there are imposing mountain formations everywhere, such as the five pinnacles of the Cinque Punte (1909 m) in the north or the steep rock faces of the Cima del Lago (2125 m) in the south.

However, before we land again under the Chalet al Lago and end this small but nice tour of the lake, there is one last highlight to experience:

Depending on the water level, there are one or two islets on the northern shore that are just waiting to be circumnavigated. The larger one is wooded and particularly popular with bathers. The smaller one, on the other hand, consists only of rock with an overlying layer of grass. If the water level is right, you can either paddle between the two islands or just go around the larger one.

If the lake is really full to the brim, the smaller island is completely covered by the water. But you have to be lucky, because the water level varies constantly. If you want to be on the safe side, simply enter #lagodelpredil in the search bar on Instagram and you can view the latest featured images of the lake. From my own experience I can say that July usually offers extremely good chances for experiencing a full lake.

In the area of the islands there is also the outflow of the lake (Rio del Lago), which only drains the crystal-clear water in the direction of Tarvisio when the water level is high. At the end of our leisurely tour, we let ourselves drift in the water and enjoy the wonderful cooling off at air temperatures above 30° C.

After that you either stay right here and continue enjoying this place on the terrace of the little inn above, or you drive down to Tarvisio to treat yourself to a crispy pizza. Ciao! A presto al lago!

The post Lago del Predil (Lake Raibl) first appeared on SUP Atlas - Paddle More.

Grado's many faces can be explored not only on foot, but also on the water. The busy yet cozy town life is gradually giving way to the deserted and quiet lagoon. We treat ourselves to a small pilgrimage tour to the monastery island of Barbana.

General information

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

Navigation rules

Even if this area is sometimes much quieter (in terms of boat traffic) than other lagoons in the upper Adriatic, we recommend staying away from the middle of the waterways to keep a safe distance to boats and ships.
In urban areas, always paddle on the side as there can be a lot of boat traffic.

Dangers and risks

The Canale della Schiusa you will encounter heavy boat traffic, which is why paddlers should not necessarily go in the middle of the canal. In front of the monastery island Barbana as well as in the fairway across the lagoon, there is also lively boat and ship traffic. Paddle on its side and on sight!

At the Isola Le Cove you have to bend down and duck your head to paddle under the car bridge.

Away from the marked fairway, the lagoon is at most waist-high, in most cases you can just glide through the water with your fins. So always keep an eye on the water as well as on the bottom and adjust your paddling style accordingly. If the bottom is too close, stand further forward on your board so that the fins are pressed less deep into the water.

Directions

Many roads lead to Grado. The starting point of this tour can easily be reached by car either coming from the north via Strada Regionale SR 352 across the Lagoon or coming from the east via Via Monfalcone SP 19.

Trains do not go to Grado, but to Cervignano, a small town on the mainland, 18 km north. From there you have to take a regional bus to Grado and walk a few minutes from the bus station on Piazza V. Carpaccio to the starting point of the SUP tour.

There are also always cheap private rideshares and national busses.

Parking

In Grado there are a lot of parking spaces, especially on Isola della Schiusa, many of them free (white markings). The free parking spaces under the pine trees along the canal bank on the Riva della Serenissima are very popular and hard to get hold of during the high season.

Just behind the first roundabout (after crossing the lagoon via SR 352) there is a large parking lot between Via Luigi Rizzo and Via Egidio Grego. 

Daily fees are generally 5 €/day anywhere in the city. One euro per hour can be expected (as of 2021).

Tour

From the Canale della Schiusa to the island of Le Cove and from there across the lagoon to the island of Barbana. From there in a direct line and past the Valle del Moro over the lagoon back to the Canale della Schiusa.

Length

8.5 km

Time

2 – 2.5 hours

Start and landing

At the staircase to the Canale della Schiusa at the roundabout between Via Alessandor Manzoni and Riva S. Scaramuzzo. 

SUP rental

ASD Kite Life Grado
Via delle Pleiadi 1, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)347 4896077

From the sun island to the monastery island

The situation is a bit unclear: on the one hand we were told that paddling along the sea coast and the island Isola della Schiusa is not allowed, on the other hand we see paddlers on the water again and again. So we dare the experiment to paddle from Grado to the monastery island of Barbana on our SUPs.

At the roundabout on Via Scaramuzza there is an easily accessible staircase to the Canale della Schiusa and thus the perfect start for our paddling tour from the sun island (Grado's psydonym) to the monastery island.

The canal, which is up to 30 meters wide, is lined on both sides by hundreds of boat moorings and is correspondingly busy, but there is still enough space to swerve. Boats and small ships are also not allowed to go fast here anyway and their waves stay modest.

With perfect summer weather we paddle our touring boards under footbridges decorated with flowers and go to the island of Le Cove 500 m away. The town's cemetery is also located there, but you can hardly see it from the water. At its eastern end, Le Cove seems to be cut off, as an artificial canal of about 200 m leads to the left and directly into the lagoon.

Here we stop for a drink and a break from the blistering afternoon heat and let the water float us out into the lagoon, where a knee-deep pool covered with seaweed awaits us. In a number of places you can therefore not completely pierce the water with the paddle blade, instead you have to constantly monitor the ground. But you can dismount at any time and take great photos standing in the water.

From this channel through the Le Cove it is two kilometers to the monastery island and as soon as you are out of the canal you paddle to the right with the Santuario di Barbana in sight. From here the church tower and the dome of the nave are clearly visible between the trees on the island. There are no boats here, no waves - just silence and our lively conversations.

The clouds are moving over the lagoon and provide a pleasant coolness on what has been a stiflingly hot midsummer day so far. As one of the most famous pilgrimage churches in Italy, the island of Barbana is a popular destination, so it is not surprising that the water traffic in front of the Santuario di Barbana is quite strong. is quite strong.

We use a few quiet minutes and complete the last few meters in the fairway to the landing stage without boat waves. The calm doesn't last long and as soon as the next boats come by it becomes difficult to position our boards next to each other for a selfie. Since swimwear is not welcome on the property in front of the church anyway, we don't land and after a few snapshots we head back home.

This initially leads us along the fairway in the direction of Grado, but we quickly realize that it would make more sense to paddle back across the lagoon in a direct line. This way we could save distance, time and energy. At the first opportunity we turn left after 800 m and find ourselves in the shallow lagoon.

Surprisingly, the plan works (the lagoon can be paddled) and we orientate ourselves over the next two kilometers by the church tower of the Basilica of Santa Eufemia, it towers prominently over the roofs of the sunny island of Grado. If we keep slightly to the left of it, we should be back at the Isola della Schiusa and from then on would only have to paddle along its bank to the right into the canal until we reach the initial entry again. In the meantime, music can be heard from the city across to us on the water. Rehearsals for tonight's concert of the Grado Jazz Festival in the Parco delle Rose Arena seem to be in full swing.

The last kilometer to the exit at the roundabout is a bit bumpy again, but that in no way diminishes the beautiful impressions we were able to enjoy during the last two hours.

We are back on the sun island, back in civilization, so to speak, and we are already looking forward to a hearty dinner in the winding streets of Grado. We all deserve it.

The post From Grado to Barbana first appeared on SUP Atlas - Paddle More.

There is one location each in Lignano Pineta and Lignano Riviera on the beach.

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General information Lignano

• Citta di Lignano Sabbiadoro
• Lignano Wikipedia
• Lignano tourist information
• Friuli Venezia Giulia tourist information
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather

Paddleboarding

For paddlers who like to cover longer distances on the water, Lignano has a great mix of river, canal, lagoon and sea. Mainly because Lignano has no waterways with a north-south orientation, small circuits are not possible. If you don't want to circle the entire peninsula in one goyou'll have to look for shorter tours with the same route back and forth.

The leisurely flowing Tagliamento River is easy to paddle even against the direction of flow. The same is true for its canal, the Canale Tagliamento running through Lignano's hinterland. The Laguna di Marano, located north of the city, offers a large area of waterways, although you should stick to the marked fairway to avoid getting stuck in the shallow lagoon turf. Of course you can also have fun SUPing along the eight kilometer long beach.

Swimming

There are a variety of bathing opportunities along the 8 km long sandy beach around the peninsula. Dog owners can enjoy the warm water with their four-legged friends on Doggy Beach in the east, while to the west (Lignano Riviera and Pineta) you can also find a number of quiet berths. The infrastructure is top-notch and if you get here early, you can find a parking space almost everywhere.

Worth seeing

With over 1000 animals from 150 different species, the Parco Zoo Punta Verde is a popular tourist spot. In addition to the animals, there are also numerous tropical plants that can be admired from March to October.

The small Faro Rosso is an insider tip for many Lignano vacationers. The small but fine lighthouse, which is enthroned on a wooden pier, can be visited at any time of the day and you can take unique souvenir photos. It is particularly recommended to explore it as part of a bike tour.

The medieval Church of Santa Maria del Mare stood in the village of Bavazzano by the Tagliamento River until the 1960s and was removed from there to be reinstalled in Lignano.

Extra Tips

At the annual Lignano SUP Marathon you can paddle the 23 km long circuit around the city alone or in teams and become part of an elite circle.

In the Aquasplash water park you'll enjoy countless slides, wave pools and whirlpools. In addition to the water action it also offers plenty of relaxation areas.

The Parco Junior kids can drive the DiscoBoat as well as Formula 1 cars and experience breathtaking special effects in the 5D cinema. Admission is free from May to September, you pay for the individual attractions with tokens. For the sake of the children, the entire park is non-smoking.

The impressive Marano Lagoon is known as a scenically unique area with a rare ecosystem. Not only the rare animal species and its swamp vegetation, but also the fishing settlements with their picturesque fishing huts (Casoni) made of reeds are worth a detour.

Overnight Stay

Marina Azzurra Resort
Via Casa Bianca / Via San Martino, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone +39 (0)31 430144

Hotel Europe
Lungomare Trieste 90, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone +39 (0)431 71204

Hotel Old River
Viale Adriatico 8, Riviera, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone: +39 (0)431 428534

Camping Village Pino Mare
Lungomare Riccardo Riva 15, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone +39 (0)431 424425

Beach House Riviera
23 Viale dell’Industria, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro

Gastronomy

Pizzeria Ristorante Sanremo
Corso delle Nazioni 60, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone +39 (0)431 428447

Al Cason
Corso Dei Continenti 167, 33054 Lignano Riviera
Phone +39 (0)431 423029

Casa Ippolito
Viale Aprilia Marittima 23, 33053 Aprilia Marittima
Phone +39 (0)431 377091

Al Piccolo Cason
Via Friuli 32, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro
Phone +39 (0)431 377653

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Grado's lagoon gives us the possibility to paddle on lonely waterways to one of Italy's most famous pilgrimage sites while gazing at the Alps. Far away from the tourist infrastructure, entertaining hours of meditative paddling and a monastery completely surrounded by water await us.

General information

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

Navigation rules

Even if this area is sometimes much quieter (in terms of boat traffic) than other lagoons in the upper Adriatic, we recommend staying away from the middle of the waterways to keep a safe distance to boats and ships.

Dangers and risks

The start at the Hotel Oche Selvatiche goes over a small embankment, which is covered by bushes and some thorns towards the water. However, there are some paths, which lead to the water. In a pinch, a path has to be trampled out first (but usually this shouldn't be necessary).

The small rocks on the shore are slippery, so be careful. It is best to put each SUP in the water by two people.

Around the island Barbana there is sometimes brisk boat traffic (motor boats). Keep to the side but be careful not to be pushed out of the waterway into the shallow water by boat waves. When in doubt, it is best to cross the waves on your knees.

Always paddle around Barbana with a view of the bottom of the lagoon, as the water level is very low.

At the back of the monastery (eastern shore of the island) flat rock formations can appear directly under the board (depending on the line of travel). It is best to stand slightly towards the nose of the SUP when circling the island so that the fins are a little higher and do not drag on the ground. Slow pace is advisable here anyway.

Directions

Many roads lead to Grado. The easiest way to get to the starting point of this SUP tour is by car, either from the northwest via Strada Regionale SR 352 across the lagoon or coming from the northeast via Via Monfalcone SP 19.

Trains do not go to Grado, but to Cervignano, a small town on the mainland, 18 km north. From there you have to take a regional bus to Grado and walk a few minutes from the bus station on Piazza V. Carpaccio to the starting point of the SUP tour.

There are also always cheap private rideshares and national busses.

Parking

In front of the Hotel Oche Selvatiche and at the end of the gravel road there is a parking lot. We asked the hotel staff if we could park our car here and got the nod. However, it doesn't hurt if you kindly ask for permission yourself. To get into the water you have to look for a suitable path over the small enbankment.

Tour

Head north from the Hotel Oche Selvatiche and zigzag around the Valle Panera towards the monastery island of Barbana in a star-shaped manner. Once around the island and south of Valle Panera back to the start.

Length

10.5 km

Time

2.5 - 3 hours

Start and landing

At the Hotel Oche Selvatiche on the shore of the lagoon.

SUP rental

ASD Kite Life Grado
Via delle Pleiadi 1, 34073 Grado
Phone +39 (0)347 4896077

Island hopping in Grado's Lagoon

In Grado's tourist office we were told that you could only paddle the stretch between the town's two beaches (although paddlers can also be seen on the beaches). For this reason, a more exciting destination is needed and Grado's Lagoon is just right for us. This seemingly endless expanse of water is broken up by dozens of larger but also tiny islands, some of which are also built on and lushly overgrown. A lot of destinations can be approached here along the marked waterways.

Dating from the 6th century, the pilgrimage church on the small island of Barbana can also be seen from Grado or its access road to the mainland as it is still clearly visible from a distance of 3 km. Today, however, we want to explore them up close.

To do this, we drive by car from Grado taking the Via Monfalcone and passing by Grado Pineta and after that by the Golf Club Grado. Immediately after the golf club you go over a bridge at the end of which a gravel path leads to the Hotel Oche Selvatiche on the left. We are allowed to park here and enter the lagoon over the small embankment directly from the gravel path. Although getting started is a bit difficult because of the bushes and the slippery stones on the shore, it cannot take away the anticipation of this 11 km long tour.

Between the Canale Zemole and the Canale di Primero lies an approximately star-shaped landscape with a diameter of two kilometers - the Valle Panera, a mixture of reed landscape and mainland, which is penetrated by countless small canals. Every 400 to 500 m the coastline makes a sharp change in direction, so that a vague star shape can be made out when viewed from above. We want to circumnavigate it and briefly go for a spin towards the Santuario di Barbana located southwest of the Valle Panera.

Here in the canals, far away from the sea, the water has little current and waves are only made by the motor boats, which pass by at regular intervals. That's why we recommend paddling within the marked boat routes in the fairway, because only then will you be sure to find sufficiently deep water.

We start at the Hotel Oche Selvatiche, turning right and heading north. The panorama here is simply unique: Mediterranean lagoon landscape in front of us with seabirds and fish jumping out of the water in front of our boards. In the hazy background the Carnic as well as the Julian Alps rise and round off the diverse Alpe-Adria Region. Although everything can only be reached by water, there are small farm buildings, fishing barracks and boat docks everywhere on the small islands of the lagoon. The (casoni) are cute and worth seeing. Many are covered with thatch and usually serve as farm buildings, but sometimes also as lovely weekend cottages.

The 90 km² lagoon is considered one of the best-preserved wetlands in the Mediterranean and is fascinating, among other things, due to its constantly changing play of colors. Every time of year, but also every time of day, is characterized by unique color combinations of water and flora. For this reason alone, the lagoon is always worth a trip, because its face is constantly changing.

The circuit is a lot of fun because you never know what's around the next bend and it's never straight ahead for long. After the first right-hand bend behind the hotel, there is a left-hand bend with a smaller fork in the road to the right. Follow the signs (Venezia/Trieste) to the left in the direction of Venice and after about 2.3 km you will come to another fork in the road. You can already see the church tower of Barbana on the left behind the small houses on the horizon.

Here too, first turn left, paddle through between the boat docks, and then immediately right into the canal, which leads directly to Barbana. Since the monastery island is now constantly in our field of vision, we only have to follow the marked fairway. This last kilometer is quickly overcome and we land at the boat dock in front of the monastery. Traffic is heavy as the church is one of the most popular pilgrimage churches in Italy. There are already a few canoes and a SUP on the shore - so we are definitely not alone here.

Circumnavigating the Franciscan monastery, off the official access route, we come across shallow but quite navigable water. According to legend, the origin of the pilgrimage church dates back to the year 582 when a storm flood set in and the islands began to form. A statue of Mary was washed ashore near the huts of the hermits Barbanus and Tarilessus. In gratitude that the storm had spared Grado, the officiating Patriarch of Aquileia commissioned the construction of a church building. Barbanus, his monks and their successors took care of the Marian sanctuary that was washed ashore for centuries.

After circumnavigating the island, we head back north along the channel and we now paddle to the right at the boat docks and cottages we passed earlier in order to zigzag back to the starting point by the hotel. The last kilometer leads past the Golf Club Grado., which is known for its maritime atmosphere. It would be interesting to know how many golf balls have already gotten buried in the mud under our boards. We'll never find out but will definitely come back here as the lagoon still has many beautiful faces to explore.

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