Holiday in Grado

What makes Grado special as a destination?

Grado is the sun island of the Adriatic – a charming coastal town on a lagoon island in the far northeast of Italy, which once served as a summer retreat for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and has preserved the elegant flair of bygone times to this day. When the Austrians discovered their Riviera here in the 19th century, they made Grado a fashionable seaside resort, and the honorary title "Austrian Riviera" is still lovingly maintained. The magnificent Art Nouveau villas and Belle Époque hotels remind visitors of this golden era. The old town of Grado is a labyrinth of narrow streets (Calli), small squares (Campielli), and Venetian facades, making the place a mini-Venice. The early Christian Basilica of Sant'Eufemia, with its impressive mosaic floor from the 6th century, and the adjacent baptistery are art historical treasures of the highest order. In the Campo dei Patriarchi, the main square, one can sit in the evening with a Spritz and watch the leisurely hustle and bustle. Grado's beach stretches over three kilometers and offers fine sand and calm, shallow water – ideal for families. The Grado thermal spa utilizes the mineral-rich thermal water of the lagoon for treatments and thalasso therapies. The lagoon itself is a fascinating natural paradise: between the islands and sandbanks, herons, flamingos, and rare seabirds nest. Boat trips to the uninhabited islands, including the picturesque Barbana with its pilgrimage monastery, are a must-do. Grado is located right on the border with Slovenia and only 40 minutes from Trieste – perfect for a day trip to the multicultural port city. The journey from southern Germany and Austria takes about five to six hours via the Tauern Autobahn-Karawanken Tunnel or the Brenner Pass. The nearest airport is Trieste.