A tiny island in the lagoon of Grado.

Explore the natural beauty of Grado Lagoon

Hire a boat or a kayak to get on the water and see a natural wonder filled with birds and beautiful plants and traditional fishing huts.

One of many islands in Grado Lagoon, with traditional casoni fishing huts in the background. – © F.giusto / Wikimedia

A regular ferry service takes visitors to the islands on the lagoon. – © PromoTurismoFVG

The casoni are the fishermen’s huts with their characteristic thatched roofs. – © Fabrice Gallina

The picturesque lagoon that lies between Aquileia and Grado is a vast ecosystem between the coastal plain and the sea. It’s a world of small islands and canals that are a joy to explore on the water.

The best way to see the lagoon of Grado is to hire a boat or a kayak for a quiet exploration of this precious microcosm guarded by the casoni, the fishermen’s huts with their characteristic thatched roofs. This natural habitat has a very delicate balance and is protected by two nature reserves: the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, that can be reached from Aquileia by scenic cycle paths, and the Isonzo River Mouth/Cona Island Nature Reserve, that provides the ideal habitat for a great diversity of migratory and non-migratory birds.

On one of the Grado lagoon’s many little islands is the famous Marian Shrine of Barbana, popular with pilgrims and tourists alike. A regular ferry service to the island runs all year round.