The Venetian lagoon extends eastward into Friuli, where tiny, thatched fishermen’s huts, called casoni, are scattered among the marshy islands. The portion of the lagoon that falls within Udine province is known as the Marano Lagoon. Further east is the Grado lagoon, which is part of Gorizia province.
Marano Lagunare
Marano Lagunare—originally a Venetian settlement and today a quiet fishing village—rests peacefully amid the lagoon. Vividly colored houses are characteristic of this small town, which is home to one of the region’s best seafood restaurants, Trattoria Alla Laguna (also known as Vedova Raddi). The surrounding wetlands are part of two protected nature reserves: Riserva Naturale Valle Canal Novo and Riserva Naturale Foci dello Stella. The latter encompasses over 3,000 acres of canals, mudflats, and sandbanks at the mouth of the Stella River. This area has earned international recognition as a habitat for numerous species of water birds and is accessible through guided boat tours. To the east, adjacent to Marano Lagunare, Valle Canal Novo is the site of a visitor center with plenty of educational and recreational activities. Here, visitors may stroll the long wooden footbridges through marshes and cane thickets, which are home to countless forms of native wildlife.
Lignano Sabbiadoro
Situated on a peninsula between the Marano Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, Lignano Sabbiadoro is one of the most popular beach resorts in northern Italy. Approximately five miles long, the beach is serviced by more than forty bathing houses that rent umbrellas and lounge chairs to vacationing sunbathers. During the peak season of July and August, thousands of those colorful umbrellas dot the soft, golden sand, all lined up in flawless rows. The sapphire blue water is shallow and calm—ideal for swimmers—and the beach has been awarded the Bandiera Blu each year for its cleanliness.
For those who prefer activity to languishing in the sun, water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving are offered as well. With one of the largest marinas in Europe (having over 5,000 berths), Lignano makes an excellent base for sailing, while acres of public parks and pine forests provide shade for a leisurely stroll. In addition, there are golf courses, a zoo with 200 species of animals, a spa, and several water and amusement parks for children and grownups alike. Off the eastern end of the peninsula is the island of Martignano, also known as the “island of seashells.”