A day out! A spontaneous decision! We decided to visit the hitherto unexplored town of Grado in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy and on a perfect June day we hit the road in search of adventure.
An hour and a half later we reached L’Isola del Sole, The Sunny Isle, which is the popular name for Grado; which is actually an island connected by a long causeway to the mainland, just south of the windy city of Trieste where James Joyce lived for many years.
Located in the Marano Grado Lagoon, Grado is an extremely popular resort, attracting water-sports enthusiasts, especially wind surfers, who love the clean waters and fresh breezes of the lagoon and the possibility of visiting many of the little islands of which Grado is the principal one, with a population of about 9,000.
Grado is a spa town boasting wide streets dotted with many restaurants. A perfect place for a couple of day trippers like ourselves, who wanted nothing more than to wander around soaking up the atmosphere.
So come and join us on our walk around the town centre and admire the quaint streets where the flat terrain encourages lots of cyclists.
Feel the sunshine on the lungomare where sun-worshippers were soaking up the rays, oblivious to our passing with cameras at the ready.
It was a very relaxing day and I was sorry to leave after a quick visit of just a couple of hours. As we sped home across the causeway, we paused to admire the islands with their little churches and the mountains providing a backdrop on the skyline.
We will definitely return.
Orna O’Reilly
Veneto, Italy
Vino Travels – Pignolo and Schioppettino and Picolit, oh my!
Orna – A Stroll through Grado: The Sunny Isle
The Wining Hour – Friuli Pinot Grigio and Roasted Branzino
Orna O'Reilly: Travelling Italy 
…another place to visit.
Yes indeed Debra. Grado was a lovely surprise. 🙂
What a fantastic place!
It’s quite perfect. The sort of place in which i could happily live,
Windsurfers and bicycles? Sign me up! Thanks for sharing, Orna!
The weather in Grado is, I believe, healthy and bracing. I absolutely loved it.
What a beautiful city and a gorgeous day! Looks like you had a wonderful time. I love exploring Italy through your lens. Thank you so much for sharing Orna!
It was just gorgeous. My first time in Friuli. Looking forward to a follow up visit, hopefully for a bit longer. 🙂
Another lovely day in a beautiful place. Thanks!
janet
Grado is just gorgeous. Loved it. 🙂
What a lovely day! Thanks for sharing so we can travel vicariously through you.
It was a fabulous day….happy to have you travelling alongside….
Looks like a perfect place to bask in the sun and enjoy the outdoor activities
Jennifer, it was just lovely. A perfect seaside town in Friuli. 🙂
I’ve never heard of Grado but it looks wonderful Orna! Will have to add it to the list for 2016!!
I had never heard of Grado until it was mentioned at a dinner one night as a place that was well worth a visit. So, being us, we hopped in the car and went to investigate. Very lovely little town in a beautiful location. Definitely worth adding it to the list.
Don’t all the best suggestions come from conversations over dinner Orna?! Wonderful! 2016’s list is growing nicely!! ;o)
Don’t they indeed! My list is growing too…………..!
We’re going to need a lifetime Orna….but its a challenge I’m up for, aren’t you?! :o)
You bet!
I know we’ll enjoy the ride eh!!!
Love your post! I come from Friuli so I have been to Grado many times. Nice to see bloggers who are featuring this region which has lots to offer. Thank you! Beautiful post!
What a beautiful region of Italy! I just loved Grado and everything about it and I’m delighted you are enjoying the Friuli blogs. 🙂
I adore a great day trip Orna! And it looks like you had a lovely one! Thanks for introducing me to yet another little less traveled spot in Italy!
Thanks Martin. Grado is just perfect for a day trip…..or longer. It would actually be a great place to live; close to all amenities, just an hour from the beautiful city of Trieste and Venice is just down the coast.
I visited Grado last year. Must say of of all the places in Italy I have visited this was certainly the best by far for strolling! Great title, great article and pictures.
Thank you David. Grado is indeed beautiful and stroll-worthy. Glad you enjoyed it. Orna
This certainly looks like a village worth visiting on our next italian tour.
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