Grado, the golden island

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 seafront Nazario Sauro, you can also enjoy a marvellous view on the Karst, Trieste and the Istrian Coast.

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.
Near the thermal springs there is the Roses’ park to relax under the shadow of the trees; inside the parc, on the seashore, you can enjoy yourself at the Thermal water park.

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

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

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.