Grado: Island of the Sun

Grado is a picturesque town located on an island between Venice and Trieste, on the northern Adriatic coast. This island, known as Isola del Sole or Island of the Sun, offers a unique combination of history, sea, and unforgettable experiences.

History

Grado is not just a modern seaside resort. Its history dates back to the Roman Empire when it served as a port for the prosperous inland city of Aquileia. In the 5th century, it became a refuge for refugees fleeing from barbarians and later the seat of the Aquileian patriarchate. At one point, it even held a higher ecclesiastical status than Venice. Remnants of city walls and historical temples are still visible today, adding a unique atmosphere to the place.

Landmarks

History lovers will find their place in Grado. The most significant landmark is the five-nave Basilica of Saint Euphemia with stunning Byzantine mosaics and an iconic angel statue on the tower. Nearby is the early Christian baptistery and the three-nave Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Take a walk through the town. You will also discover remnants of old city walls, historical churches, and unusual artefacts, such as a propeller from a German fighter bomber from World War II.

The centre of Grado is full of narrow streets, romantic squares, and picturesque houses. The area is closed to traffic, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere you can enjoy while strolling among shops, bars, and restaurants.

Gastronomy

The local cuisine is based on fresh seafood and fish, so be sure not to miss the traditional brodetto di pesce – a delicious fish stew.

White Asparagus

Near Grado lies the area of Fossalon, known for growing white asparagus. Thanks to the sandy soil, ideal conditions for its growth are created here, and the harvest takes place from the end of April to the beginning of June. Asparagus plays a key role in local cuisine, especially in dishes like asparagus risotto, asparagus lasagna, or eggs with asparagus.

Two significant events are held here annually: the Fossalon Asparagus Festival on April 25th, celebrating this delicacy, and in May, the Fossalon Asparagus Show, where the best grower in Friuli Venezia Giulia is awarded the prestigious “Silver Sgorbia” prize.

Among the most significant fish specialities of Grado is Bisato in speo – spit-roasted eel, which is skewered on a laurel branch and slowly roasted over a fire for several hours, acquiring a crispy crust and tender meat. Another iconic dish is Boreto a la graisana, a traditional stewed fish with garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and pepper, served with white polenta. This dish has its roots in the poor cuisine of the lagoon fishermen and its history dates back to when Grado functioned as the port of Aquileia. Sardines and anchovies (sardele and sardoni) are also popular, prepared fried, pickled, or baked with just salt and oil. Every summer, the traditional Sardelada festival is held, where visitors can taste fresh fish specialities. Less common but interesting dishes include Sepe sofegae, a variant of stewed squid, and Sguasseto de masurin, stewed wild duck with herbs and onions, served with white polenta or wide pasta pappardelle. This is a winter delicacy.

Spa

Grado is known not only for its history but also for its spa tradition. Since the 19th century, members of the Habsburg court have come here for therapeutic stays, and the town has maintained its spa reputation to this day. Modern wellness centres offer a wide range of treatments, and the water park with pools attracts families with children.

For those who prefer active relaxation, there are many options – from yachting and windsurfing to golf or cycling. You can also take a boat trip to the lagoon and visit the island of Barbana with its monastery, which is a pilgrimage site.

Beaches

Grado boasts a unique microclimate that ensures sunny days all year round. The clean sea, shallow waters, and fine sand make this resort an ideal destination for a family vacation with children. Since the end of the 19th century, Grado has been a sought-after seaside resort and today is one of the oldest tourist resorts in the northern Adriatic.

The beaches stretch for 10 km and are oriented to the south, guaranteeing all-day sunshine. Grado can boast the Blue Flag, which it has received continuously for more than three decades, and the Green Flag, awarded by European paediatricians for a safe environment for children.

A total of 120,000 m² of sandy beaches are divided into four main parts: Grado Pineta, Spiaggia al Bosco, GIT, and Costa Azzurra. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of services – from VIP zones with gazebos, family beaches with playgrounds and animation programs, to dog-friendly beaches. There are bars, restaurants, sports activities on land and in the water, cultural events, and evening concerts.

Grado thus offers the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment, where everyone can create a vacation exactly according to their wishes, far from everyday stress.

Dog Beaches

In Grado, you will find several dog-friendly beaches that offer special services for you and your four-legged friends. Here are some of them:

Spiaggia Lido di Fido
A specially designed beach for dogs and their owners with fine sand. It offers umbrellas, sunbeds, water bowls, and showers for dogs. Dogs are allowed to enter the sea. 

La Spiaggia di Snoopy
A unique beach near the pine forest at Camp Bosco. It provides umbrellas, sunbeds, water bowls, and showers. Dogs are allowed to enter the sea. 

Spiaggia Villaggio Ca’ Laguna
A quiet beach located approximately 2 km from the centre and 1 km from Grado Pineta beach.

Before visiting these beaches, it is recommended to check the current rules and any fees to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Lagoon

Grado boasts one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Mediterranean, stretching over 25 kilometres full of natural wealth. This area is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts and includes two protected nature reserves – Val Cavanata and Isola della Cona, which are easily accessible by bike and ideal for family trips.

You can explore the lagoon with boat trips to Porto Buso or the pilgrimage site on the island of Barbana. A great option is also renting a boat for a private exploration of the untouched nature and crystal-clear waters of Banco d’Orio. Don’t forget to visit the typical fishing huts casoni with reed roofs, which give this landscape a unique character.

Destination

Whether you desire relaxation on the beach, cultural experiences, or sports activities, Grado offers it all. Its unique atmosphere, clean sea, and rich history make it an ideal destination for a summer vacation or an extended weekend.

Transport Accessibility

Grado is easily accessible by car via the A4 Venice-Trieste or A23 Tarvisio-Venezia highways with the Palmanova exit, from where you continue on road 352 for approximately 28 km. If arriving from Trieste, the Redipuglia-Monfalcone Ovest exit is recommended, followed by SR14-SP19. Alternatively, you can use the train, with the nearest stations being Trieste Airport-Ronchi dei Legionari (22 km) and Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado (19 km), from where frequent bus connections to Grado are available. The nearest airport is Trieste Airport (22 km). Travellers can also use boat connections, bus lines, or the Alpe Adria cycle route, which leads from Salzburg.