In just 90 minutes from Aviano, or two hours from Vicenza, you can be in glorious Grado! (Kate Leahy Voigts )
If you’re missing the sea air, fresh seafood and a vacation attitude, in just 90 minutes from Aviano, or two hours from Vicenza, you can be in glorious Grado!
Explore the beach where lounge chair rentals and food and drink service are readily available. If the kiddos are along, they’ll love the playground equipment set up in the sand. The marble seawall adjacent to the beach is ideal for strolling, jogging and sunset-watching.
The marble seawall adjacent to the beach is ideal for strolling, jogging and sunset-watching. (Kate Leahy Voigts )
Amble through the pedestrian zone, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. For shoppers there are unique boutiques to explore and for people-watchers it’s head-spinning!
Dining options are plentiful. For family fun don’t miss the beachside restaurant and bar with the Key West theme. You’ll find spots along the beach kid-friendly, reasonably priced and staffed by English-speakers. For more upscale options, head to the pedestrian area or explore the maze of side-streets to find a local gem. My favorite is on Calle Porta Piccola where both the service and food are first class.
If you want to add some exercise and cycling scenery to your visit, park in Aquileia, a UNESCO heritage site just north of Grado. (Kate Leahy Voigts )
If you want to add some exercise and cycling scenery to your visit, park in Aquileia, a UNESCO heritage site just north of Grado. Hop on the paved bike path which traverses the SR352 causeway and roll into town. The scenery along the 15km route is great. You’ll be riding the famous Alpe Andria cycle route (FVG1).
Aquileia is home to the Basilica Patriarchal di Santa Maria Assunta. There you’ll find mosaics dating from 313 AD, featuring unique depictions of biblical stories and Christian symbols. You can purchase a combination tour ticket at the Tourist Information (TI) office which allows access to the basilica, crypt, baptistry and in-town archeological sites. The pass is good for 48 hours from first use, so you can explore the town over the course of a weekend stay.
In your northern Italy backyard: the beach, a basilica, bicycling…buonissimo!
Amble through the pedestrian zone, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. (Kate Leahy Voigts )
Kate resides in the Aviano military community. She’s written numerous travel articles for Stars and Stripes and recently authored a pocket travel guide, titled “Visiting Venice Hemingway’s Way.”
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of War.
