Riserva Naturale Regionale della Valle Cavanata

Grado


This reserve protects a 1920s fish-farming area and extraordinary birdlife in the east of the lagoon. More than 230 bird species have been observed, including the greylag goose and many wading birds. Some 17km of cycle path trace the shoreline linking Grado with the Valle Cavanta and continuing to the Foce dell'Isonzo Reserve. Bikes can be borrowed from the visitor centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Grado attractions

1. Santuario di Barbana

2.72 MILES

Situated on an island in the lagoon, the Barbana sanctuary is an ancient shrine, the origins of which date back to 582. The current church dates to the…

3. Lido di Fido

4.29 MILES

A section of Grado's main beach is specially designated for canine tourists. Here they can swim, stroll along the shaded walking path that backs the beach…

4. Spiaggia Principale

4.8 MILES

Grado's main beach is a 3km-long sandy strip facing due south. The beach shelves gently into shallow waters making it perfect for families, and lifeguards…

5. Mosaics

5.23 MILES

A corner of Grado's busy town square is home to the mosaic floors of a paleo-Christian basilica. Uncovered during roadworks in 1902, they have, more…

6. Basilica di Sant'Eufemia

5.23 MILES

Grado's historic core is dominated by this Romanesque basilica, dating to AD 579. Its rich interior decoration indicates its early importance when the…

7. Costa Azzurra Beach

5.44 MILES

The westernmost beach in Grado is at the tip of the island and has been serving holidaymakers for centuries. It's free to access it although there are…

8. Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

6.16 MILES

The entire floor of the Latin cross-shaped basilica, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1348, is covered with one of the largest and most spectacular Roman…