GRADO

The Golden Island and the Second Rome

Grado, the "Golden Island", stands in a picturesque lagoon amidst a maize of small islands. It is worth to visit mostly during food and wine events. Discover then, the natural beauty spot with two nature reserves.

Venetian charm
Grado, joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, has a graceful Venetian style historic town centre where you can wander through the alleyways and squares flanked by picturesquely cluttered fishermen's houses: a charming world of its own where time seems to have stopped.
In the wonderful setting of "Campo dei Patriarchi" in the "old city" you can admire the early Christian buildings such as the Basilica dedicated to Santa Eufemia, from which top stands the statue of the Angel San Michele (called "Anzolo" and symbol of the city), the Baptistery and the Lapidarium. Moreover, there, you can visit the Basilica dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the oldest of Grado.

The central Biagio Marin Square is dedicated to the famous local poet: there you can also find the remains of the old and imponent Basilica della Corte.
The hystorical centre belongs to pedestrians that can peacefully discover the most important features of the Golden Island.
Walking along the Lungomare (seafront) Nazario Sauro, you can also enjoy a marvellous view on the Karst, Trieste and the Istrian Coast.

A beach like an elegant lounge
A very relaxing fine-sanded beach, classed as an environmentally protected "Bandiera Blu" beach for many years now. In Grado you will find good quality service with an emphasis on comfort and safety for children, who can play for hours in the shallow, clean and always calm water. Play areas and baby-sitting services available.
Discount of 20% on beach packages at Grado (G.I.T.Tourist facilities) with FVG Card.

The thermal springs of the Hapsburgs
Up to the beginning of the 19th century, the Hapsburg aristocracy used to come here to bathe and use the excellent seaside thermal springs. The thermal spring facilities have recently been renovated, with the addition of new beauty care areas offering a host of treatment programs, from thalassotherapy to the prevention of premature skin aging.
Discounts of 25% on the entry to the swimming pool and sauna and discounts of 30% on aesthetic and beauty treatments at the Spas of Grado with FVG Card.

Land and water sports
Beautiful walks, the cool shade of maritime pines and spectacular sunsets.
Sports include beach volleyball, basketball and football, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and canoeing. There is also a scenic 18-hole golf course right next to the sea.

Nature reserves
A birdwatcher's paradise reachable by cycle track: the Valle Cavanata and Foce dell'Isonzo nature reserves, where all you can here are the calls of thousands of birds and the rustling of reeds in the wind.

Brilliantly coloured boat procession
On the first Sunday of July every year there is a picturesque festival in Grado known as the Perdòn di Barbana, in which a procession of boats decorated with flowers, garlands and flags sails to the Marian sanctuary on the island of Barbana in a votive ritual dating back 800 years.

A fisherman's life
Fishing has always been the means of subsistence for the people of this area, and the reed huts or casoni, that the fisherman used to shelter in, can still be seen all over the lagoon. Fish cooking is based on time-honoured traditions, the most famous local dish being the boreto a la graisàna.