Visit Grado Italy and Discover the Best Things to Do

Sun, sea, and spritz with a side of Roman history, Grado is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you haven’t been here sooner. Tucked between the Adriatic Sea and the lush wine country of Friuli Venezia Giulia, this laid-back coastal gem blends beach bliss with old-world charm. Think Blue Flag beaches, a maze of cobbled streets in the historic center, and golden-hour dinners with lagoon views. While crowds flock to Venice, savvy travelers head to Grado for something more authentic, an elegant seaside town with an Austro-Hungarian soul and Italian heart. From cycling through salt flats to sipping local whites by the shore, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind. And if Friuli wineries are on your radar (as they should be), Grado makes a perfect launchpad for tasting adventures in the Collio and beyond.

Visit Grado Italy: What to do in town?

Walk in the historic streets of the old town

At the center of Grado’s magic is its centro storico, a charming old town that feels like it was made for slow wandering. Picture narrow cobbled alleys, pastel-colored facades, and quiet corners that echo the town’s Venetian and Austro-Hungarian past. Piazza Biagio Marin is a perfect place to start, surrounded by cozy cafés, seafood trattorias, and little artisan shops where time seems to pause.

Relax on the main beach

If you’re chasing that perfect Italian beach day, Grado delivers. Its main beach, Spiaggia Principale, is a long, golden stretch lined with neat rows of colorful umbrellas, soft sand underfoot, and calm waters ideal for swimming. It proudly flies the Blue Flag, meaning it’s clean, safe, and well-equipped. Looking for something quieter? Grado Pineta offers a more laid-back vibe with shady pines nearby and fewer crowds.

Explore the lagoon on a boat tour

The Grado Lagoon is where the sea slows down and nature takes over. This peaceful maze of canals, sandbanks, and tiny islands is a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone in need of a reset. Rent a boat or hop in a kayak to explore its wild corners, spot herons and flamingos, or glide to Barbana Island, home to a centuries-old Marian sanctuary. Just a few minutes from the lively beach scene, the lagoon offers a whole different vibe, calm, scenic, and effortlessly magical.

Visit the Basilica di Sant’Eufemia

No trip to Grado is complete without stepping into the Basilica di Sant’Eufemia, a true gem of early Christian art. Tucked in the old town, this 6th-century cathedral wows visitors with its intricate floor mosaics, some of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The light filtering through the windows bounces off marble columns, revealing centuries of quiet devotion and craftsmanship. Don’t miss the octagonal baptistery next door and the peaceful atmosphere that still lingers in this sacred space. It’s like walking through a living piece of Roman and Christian history.

Stroll the seafront promenade

Grado’s seafront promenade is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. Lined with palm trees and cozy benches, it’s perfect for an evening stroll as the sun dips into the Adriatic. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Slovenia’s coastline shimmering in the distance. Watch colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor, feel the sea breeze, and let the soft glow of sunset turn your walk into one of those little travel moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Photograph iconic sunset views

The Diga, Grado’s beloved seawall promenade, is the perfect place to end your day. Stretching out into the Adriatic, it offers front-row seats to stunning sunsets, gentle sea breezes, and postcard-worthy views of the coastline, even Slovenia on a clear day. As you walk, you’ll spot Grado’s lighthouse standing proudly at the edge, guiding boats and adding a touch of maritime magic to the scene. Locals love it, tourists fall for it, and poet Biagio Marin once found his muse here.

Visit Grado Italy: What to do around?

Explore the Roman echoes of Aquileia

Only 15 minutes from Grado, Aquileia is like stepping into a Roman time machine, minus the toga. Once a powerful city in the Roman Empire, today it’s a peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with ruins, ancient roads, and one seriously stunning basilica. The floor mosaic at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (not delle Grazie!) is a jaw-dropping masterpiece of early Christian art. It’s the perfect cultural detour from your beach day in Grado, history, art, and quiet charm all in one spot.

Want to dive deeper into Roman history? Visit Aquileia and get your cultural fix just a short drive from the sea.

Wander the star-shaped town of Palmanova

Just 30 minutes inland from Grado, Palmanova is your chance to walk through a real-life star, literally. This fortress town, built by the Republic of Venice, is shaped like a perfect nine-pointed star and was designed to be both beautiful and battle-ready. Today, it’s a quiet spot where you can wander the radial streets, grab a coffee in the massive Piazza Grande, and geek out on Renaissance military design.

Up for a side trip that’s totally out of the ordinary? Visit Palmanova, and step into a star-shaped slice of Italian history.

Step into charm and wine

Imagine sipping elegant Friulian wine in a hilltop castle surrounded by lush vineyards. Welcome to Castello di Buttrio. Just a short drive southeast of Udine, this beautifully restored fortress blends history, hospitality, and hard-core wine passion. You’ll be tasting native grapes like Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Pignolo, and more, all grown on rich Ponca soils that give these wines their signature minerality and freshness. Warm hosts guide you through the estate’s story, from ancient vines to modern winery philosophy, and The Locanda restaurant tucked inside the castle serves up Friulian cuisine with perfect paired vinos.

Good to Know before visiting Grado