Grado, Coastal commune in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Grado sits on an island and peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, linked to the mainland by a causeway between Venice and Trieste. The center features narrow lanes lined with colorful houses, small squares, and cafés, while several sandy beaches run along the coast.
The settlement became important in 452 after Christ when people from nearby Aquileia fled from the advancing Huns under Attila. A patriarchate developed here in the early Middle Ages, later moved to Venice.
The name comes from the Latin ad gradus, referring to old landing stages, and many residents still work as fishermen in the lagoon. Small boats are moored outside the fishermen's houses, and fresh catch is sold in the morning along the quays.
The old center can be explored on foot, and most beaches are within comfortable reach from the center. From spring to autumn, visitors find open restaurants and shops, while many businesses close during winter.
The lagoon includes 30 islands and two nature reserves where waterbirds nest and rare plants grow. Boat trips pass through protected channels where fishermen still lay their nets by hand.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
