Feel the City in Grado: 6 unvergessliche Tipps für deinen Traumurlaub - ixpirity

Feel the City in Grado: 6 unforgettable tips for your dream holiday

Grado, the golden island of the upper Adriatic, enchants with its historic flair, beautiful sandy beaches and charming alleys.

ℹ️ You will learn this in this article:

  • Historical overview
  • Exploring the old town of Grado
  • Moments of enjoyment in Grado: Discover the culinary soul of the island
  • Excursion options in Grado
    • Discover Grado on two wheels: cycling between the lagoon and the sea
    • Boat trip to Barbana Island: A magical experience in the Grado lagoon
    • Discover Aquileia: On the trail of the Roman World Heritage Site near Grado
    • Discover Trieste: A day trip full of history, culture and Mediterranean flair
  • Scavenger hunt and self-guided city tour in Grado

✨ Historical overview: From Roman base to residential city

Did you know that Grado has a history spanning over 1,500 years and has been an important religious and commercial center in northern Italy for centuries? Once a refuge for the people of Aquileia , the coastal town quickly developed into an important ecclesiastical center—even the seat of a patriarch!

🕰️ From Aquileia to Venice: The historical development of Grado

  • Roman period (2nd century BC) : Grado was founded as an outlying port of the Roman city of Aquileia and was a strategically important transshipment point for goods in the northern Adriatic region.
  • Early Christian era (4th–7th centuries) : After the destruction of Aquileia by the Huns (452 ​​AD), many people sought refuge on the islands of the lagoon. Grado became a religious center and, for a time, the seat of the Patriarch of Aquileia (Patriarchate of Grado).
  • Middle Ages & Venice : From the 11th century onwards, Grado increasingly came under the influence of the Republic of Venice . The port gradually declined in importance, but remained religiously important. Many buildings from this period still characterize the cityscape today.
  • Modern Times & Modernity : Starting in the 19th century, Grado became a spa town of the Habsburg monarchy . Its favorable location, healthy maritime climate, and thermal baths attracted visitors from Vienna and Central Europe. Today, Grado is a popular seaside resort with a rich history.

We love Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) and have compiled the 6 best tips for what you absolutely must experience in and around Grado !

✨ Explore the old town of Grado

A stroll through Grado's old town feels like a short journey back in time. Between winding alleys, sun-drenched squares, and centuries-old stone walls, you'll sense the authentic heart of the island. Here, every corner and every cobblestone mosaic tells of Grado's eventful history —from its Roman origins to its glorious days as an imperial spa town. Let yourself be carried away, discover hidden courtyards, small cafés, and fragrant flower-filled balconies. If you truly want to understand Grado, start your journey here—where the city's soul is most alive.

✨ Basilica of Sant'Eufemia

Dating back to the 6th century, the Basilica of Santa Eufemia is the city's most important religious building. It boasts an original mosaic-decorated floor , one of the most beautiful early Christian mosaics in Italy.

Highlights:

  • Apse with hemispherical vault
  • Mosaic floor with animal and plant motifs
  • Early Christian baptismal font (Battistero) from the 5th century.
  • Freestanding campanile with gilded Archangel Michael

✨ Baptistery (Battistero)

Right next to the basilica is the early Christian baptismal house , one of the oldest surviving of its kind. Here, one can see the development of liturgical architecture from late antiquity to the Middle Ages.

✨ Lapidarium & Domus Palatinus

In the adjoining lapidarium, you can view Roman and early medieval stone fragments, inscriptions, and reliefs —a real highlight for archaeology fans!

✨ Port & Riva Nazario Sauro

The charming town harbor, with its small boats and fishermen's houses, is the heart of Grado. The Riva Nazario Sauro promenade invites you to stroll and enjoy the view of the lagoon and the sunsets over the sea.

✨ Campo dei Patriarchi & alley flair

A central square in the old town district, where you can glimpse the origins of the patriarchy. The surrounding alleys are lined with cafés, wine bars, and small boutiques, perfect for strolling!

🪄 Whether you're a history buff or just like to look a little behind the scenes, this city will surprise you. And that's exactly why it's perfect for our A digital, child-friendly scavenger hunt that takes you deep into hidden corners, old stories, and a bit of gossip from days long gone. 🕵️♀️✨

Here you can go on a scavenger hunt with stops such as the Mandracchio, the Basilica of Sant' Eufemia, villas and the sea!

✨ Moments of enjoyment in Grado: Discover the culinary soul of the island

Spaghetti alle Cozze in close-up with tomato sauce, parsley and mussels

Particularly famous is Boreto alla Gradese , a hearty fish stew traditionally prepared with various sea fish, garlic, vinegar, and black pepper. Served with white polenta—a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that reflects Grado's origins as a fishing town.

Anyone who wants to experience the culinary diversity of the entire Friuli-Venezia Giulia region should definitely try Frico : a crispy pan-fried cheese flatbread made from Montasio cheese and potatoes. Equally delicious is Gubana , a richly filled yeast pastry with nuts, raisins, pine nuts, and lemon zest, traditionally served with a shot of grappa.

An absolute highlight is the famous Prosciutto di San Daniele , an air-dried ham known for its tenderness and mild flavor. It goes perfectly with the region's typical Montasio cheese , which is available in various degrees of maturity. Also typical of Friulian cuisine are cjarsons , filled pastries with sweet or savory ingredients like ricotta, herbs, or raisins.

Especially popular along the coast are fresh capelunghe , mussels that are available freshly caught in Grado from November to March—usually prepared simply with olive oil, wine, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pasta lovers will love fusi Istriani , a homemade specialty that pairs perfectly with rich meat sauces or truffles.

Of course, a look at the wine list is also a must: Grado is located in one of Italy's best white wine regions . Varieties like Friulano, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc are ideal accompaniments to the fine fish dishes and invite you to end a balmy summer evening in style.

Anyone visiting Grado should not miss these culinary experiences – they tell the story of the region in perhaps the most beautiful way: through taste.

✨ Excursions in Grado

🚲 Discover Grado on two wheels: cycling between the lagoon and the sea

Grado is a true paradise for cyclists. Whether you're looking for leisurely rides along the coast or more challenging routes into the hinterland, you're sure to find the perfect route for your cycling trip. The flat paths along the lagoon offer breathtaking views and lead through untouched nature.

Did you know that the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route runs from Salzburg to Grado? You can find shorter routes here, for example:

🛥️ Boat trip to Barbana Island: A magical experience in the Grado lagoon

A boat trip to the island of Barbana can be your highlight in Grado if you want to combine nature, spirituality and tranquility.

The crossing usually begins at the Canale della Schiusa in Grado and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The journey through the picturesque lagoon offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape and waterways.

Upon arrival in Barbana, you'll find the Santuario di Barbana , a Marian shrine with a history dating back to the 6th century. The current church was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century and is surrounded by a Franciscan monastery and an idyllic park. Of course, you'll also find a souvenir shop and a restaurant here.

Here you will find providers who would be happy to bring you and your loved ones to Barbaran!

⛪ Discover Aquileia: On the trail of the Roman World Heritage Site near Grado

A trip to Aquileia is like a journey back in time – just a few kilometers from Grado, one of Europe's most important archaeological sites awaits you. The former Roman metropolis, founded in 181 BC, was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire during its heyday and played a central role as a trading and military base. It's also closely linked to Grado's history – you can discover more about it with our Grado scavenger hunt 😉

Today, Aquileia impresses with a variety of well-preserved sights and as a UNESCO site, e.g.:

  • Basilica of Aquileia : The Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta houses the largest early Christian floor mosaic in Italy from the 4th century, depicting scenes from the Old Testament and symbolic representations.
  • National Archaeological Museum : Housed in the Villa Cassis Faraone, the museum presents an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including statues, inscriptions, and everyday objects.
  • Roman Forum and Inland Port : The remains of the ancient forum and port testify to the economic importance of Aquileia in ancient times.

🚴♀️🚤 The journey to Aquileia is also an experience in itself, as you can reach it by bike along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path or by boat along the Natissa River. The journey takes about an hour; you can get a ticket from the TPL FVG transport company or on the boat, and it's even free with an FVG card!

The combination of bike and boat is also highly recommended: one direction like this, the other like that 😉

🚩 Discover Trieste: A day trip full of history, culture and Mediterranean flair

ixpirity

A day trip to Trieste is like a journey through time – from the imperial elegance of the Habsburgs to Italian joie de vivre and modern cultural highlights.

This city will surprise you - and that is exactly why it is perfect for our digital scavenger hunt that will enchant you with its city and K&K flair through old stories and a bit of gossip from days long gone 🕵️♀️✨

Because we love Trieste so much and the city is so diverse, you can choose between

  • Because we love Trieste so much and the city is so diverse, you can choose between

    • Typical Trieste
      • Stroll through the old town of Trieste and discover well-known and unknown places with hidden details and stories that will stay with you.
      • From the Grand Canal and Molo Audace to the small alleys in the Jewish Quarter and many other stations, you will solve puzzles and discover new details.
    • On historical trails through Trieste
      • From the Roman Theatre via San Giusto to the Grand Canal and Piazza Unità d'Italia.
      • Walk through Trieste in the footsteps of the past, discover details and solve puzzles that open up new perspectives for you.

From Piazza Unità d'Italia, Europe's largest open-air square, surrounded by magnificent buildings and the impressive town hall, to a stroll along the Grand Canal past charming cafés and historic palaces, this city is simply stunning! For a magnificent panoramic view of the city, it's worth climbing the Cattedrale di San Giusto and the adjacent Castello di San Giusto, which is part of our "In Historical Footsteps" scavenger hunt.

Trieste is also a paradise for coffee lovers. The city is considered one of Italy's coffee capitals, with numerous historic coffee houses, such as the Caffè degli Specchi, reminiscent of Viennese coffee house culture. Here, you can enjoy the city's special flair over an espresso.

And the best part: from June 2025, there will finally be a connection by ship between Grado and Trieste again🤩

Please also visit our Trieste blog well living Trieste !

✨ Click here for your scavenger hunt in Grado

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