Grado: The Sun Island of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

In the heart of the Upper Adriatic, where crystal-clear waters lap a land rich in history and traditions, rises Grado, an authentic pearl of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Affectionately known as the "Sun Island", this charming seaside resort offers its visitors a unique experience, where the charm of the sea harmoniously blends with cultural richness and the beneficial properties of its thermal waters.

With its golden beaches stretching for kilometers, Grado represents one of northern Italy's most beloved seaside destinations. But this ancient Roman island offers much more than a simple beach vacation: it's a journey through history, a dive into the pristine nature of the lagoon, and an oasis of wellness thanks to its renowned thermal baths.

The Charm of Grado's Beaches

Grado's beaches are the true treasure of this sun-kissed island. The main beach, stretching over three kilometers, offers fine, golden sand perfect for families with children thanks to its shallow, safe waters. The Adriatic waters here take on turquoise hues reminiscent of tropical seas, while the sea breeze carries the salty fragrances of the lagoon.

The Costa Azzurra Beach represents the beating heart of Grado's beach life. Equipped with modern and comfortable facilities, it offers all the services needed for a perfect day: from quality dining to water sports, from children's play areas to relaxation corners for adults. The walk along the shoreline, especially at sunset, offers breathtaking panoramas that are etched in the heart.

Free Beaches and Wild Nature

For those who love unspoiled nature, Grado also offers vast areas of free beaches where you can enjoy the sea in complete freedom. The Pineta beach, nestled in a lush pine forest that provides natural shade, is ideal for those seeking more authentic contact with the environment. Here, among the scent of maritime pines and the sound of waves, you can rediscover the pleasure of a slow-paced vacation.

• Shallow waters, ideal for families
• Fine, golden sand
• Well-equipped beach facilities
• Large areas of free beaches
• Natural pine forest for shade

Grado Thermal Baths: Wellness from the Sea

Grado is not just sea and beaches: it's also a renowned thermal resort that boasts a century-old tradition in the wellness field. The Marine Thermal Baths of Grado use seawater and lagoon mud for therapeutic and beauty treatments with exceptional properties.

Grado's thermal waters, rich in mineral salts and trace elements, are particularly suitable for treating respiratory, dermatological, and rheumatic conditions. The treatments, ranging from hydrotherapy to mud therapy, take place in modern and welcoming facilities, where physical wellness combines with mental relaxation.

Thermal Treatments and Services

• Mud therapy with lagoon mud
• Hydrotherapy with seawater
• Inhalations and aerosols for respiratory tract
• Massages and aesthetic treatments
• Wellness paths and spa

The Historic Center: A Dive into History

The historic center of Grado is an architectural jewel that tells over 1,500 years of history. Its origins date back to Roman times, when it was known as "Gradus" for its strategic position. Walking through the narrow, paved streets, you breathe a unique Venetian atmosphere, testimony to centuries of rule by the Serenissima.

The beating heart of the center is Campo dei Patriarchi, where the two most important religious monuments stand: the Basilica of Sant'Eufemia and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie. These ancient buildings, dating back to the 6th century, house priceless early Christian mosaics and represent one of the most important testimonies of Byzantine art in northern Italy.

Architecture and Traditions

The houses in the historic center, with their pastel colors and green shutters, create a picturesque atmosphere that enchants visitors. The narrow, winding alleys, typical of Venetian architecture, suddenly open into charming small squares where historic cafes and artisan shops that keep local traditions alive find their place.

The Lagoon: Natural Paradise

The Grado lagoon is a unique ecosystem, an aquatic world of extraordinary beauty where nature reigns supreme. This particular environment, characterized by channels, salt marshes, and small islands, represents a precious habitat for numerous migratory bird species and fish fauna.

Boat excursions in the lagoon offer an unforgettable experience: navigating through the channels you can discover ancient fishing huts, now transformed into characteristic restaurants where you can taste the authentic flavors of Friulian maritime tradition. The silence of the lagoon, interrupted only by the cry of seagulls and the rustle of boats, creates a magical and relaxing atmosphere.

Lagoon Activities

• Boat excursions through the channels
• Birdwatching in nature reserves
• Sport fishing
• Tastings in traditional huts
• Nature photography

Flavors of the Sea: Grado's Gastronomy

Grado's cuisine is a triumph of marine flavors rooted in the fishing tradition of the Upper Adriatic. Typical dishes enhance the freshness of local fish, prepared according to recipes passed down from generation to generation.

The boreto alla gradese is the city's signature dish: a soup of humble fish cooked simply but skillfully, which captures all the flavor of the sea. Other musts of local gastronomy are sardoni in saor, seppie in tecia and naturally the inevitable frico, a Friulian specialty that here takes on a particular flavor thanks to marine influence.

"In Grado, every meal is a journey into the authentic flavors of the Adriatic, where Friulian maritime tradition expresses itself in its purest and most delicious form."

When to Visit the Sun Island

Grado reveals itself as welcoming in every season, but it's during the summer months that it expresses all its charm. From June to September, mild temperatures and long sunny days make every moment spent on the beach or in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic perfect.

Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for those who prefer quieter tourism, perfect for discovering the beauties of the historic center, enjoying the thermal baths and exploring the lagoon without summer crowds. Even in winter, Grado maintains its particular charm: the thermal baths remain open all year round and the historic center, wrapped in an intimate and collected atmosphere, offers moments of authentic beauty.

The Sun Island awaits you to give you unique emotions, where the crystal-clear sea, millennial history and thermal wellness blend into an unforgettable vacation experience. Grado is not just a destination, it's a way of experiencing the sea in all its most beautiful and authentic facets.