Halfway between Venice and Trieste is Lignano Sabbiadoro, one of the most popular summer resorts on the Adriatic coast in northern Italy. So as we head into the summer season, why not add a fun, family-friendly beach break to your art- and history-filled trip to northern Italy this summer?
Easily reachable from Venice, Lignano Sabbiadoro boasts 8 km of sandy beach and tranquil waters, which for years now have received the coveted Blue Flag award, recognizing high environmental and quality standards.
Made up of three smaller resorts, the area includes Lignano Sabbiadoro, where restaurants, bars and shops are concentrated; Lignano Pineta, with elegant avenues and shaded gardens; Lignano Riviera, the most relaxing spot, with lots of greenery including the ubiquitous maritime pine.
There are plenty of activities to keep you and your children (if you have little ones in tow) entertained: from sailing and windsurfing to beach volleyball, horse-riding and golfing, from fun theme parks to children’s play areas with guided activities. You could also rent a bike and explore the lovely pine grove behind the beach as well as the lagoon; or visit the zoo, with more than 1500 animals.
Marano, a fishermen’s village, makes for a delightful side trip; it can be reached by bike or by boat, using the typical lagoon vessel with a flat bottom called ‘batana’; from here, you can explore further, heading to the natural reserve of Foci dello Stella, to admire animals like herons and swamp falcons; for birdwatching, you can’t miss the natural reserve of Valle Canal of Novo.
If you get tired of being at the beach, there’s plenty to explore inland too: tiny villages such as Precenicco, Latisana (a Roman post station) and Palazzolo guarding little-known art and architectural treasures and authentic culinary experiences.
You can then dance or drink the night way thanks to the many discos, pubs, bars and restaurants that fill Lignano Sabbiadoro.
