It is known as sun island because of its entirely south-facing 8km beach and the long sunny days and pleasant micro-climate it bestows upon its fortunate visitors.
In the surroundings of Grado it is possible to visit the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia on the island of Barbana or Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and much more.
The Barbana Island is situated at the eastern tip of the lagoon of Grado and features an ancient Marian sanctuary.
A primitive sepulchre was built on the island in the 6th century which, according to tradition, had to preserve a holy image of the Virgin transported in that place by the sea after a storm and which was erected, by order of the Patriarch of Grado Elia (571-588), to thank the Virgin for saving the town of Grado.
A community of Franciscan Friars lives on the island.
Is located 12 km from Grado.
It was an important city during the Roman Empire and then the main center for the spread of Christianity through northern and eastern Europe. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the sheer size of its archeological sites as well as the artistic value of its early Christian mosaics.
Located about 30 km from Grado, is Palmanova, the star-studded city, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Magnificent example of a fortress town, Palmanova has preserved the urban layout given by the Venetians in 1593 almost intact: a polygonal star-shaped plan with nine points, surrounded by walls and a deep moat.
Three monumental gates to access the city that lead directly to the hexagonal Piazza Grande adorned with eleven statues representing the Fortress General Provveditori; the Duomo is overlooked by the Cathedral, dedicated to the Santissimo Redentore and to San Marco, the Palazzo del Provveditore, the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, the Civic Historical Museum and the Military History Museum which houses weapons and war memorabilia from the Venetian period up until to the Second World War.
55 km from Grado.
It a UNESCO heritage site, a beautiful Lombard village full of stories and magic. Visit the medieval temple, the Devil’s Bridge (the name derives from a popular legend).
For a tasty break, don’t forget to savor the Gubana, a typical dessert of the area, sitting in one of the squares of this beautiful village.