Nicknamed the Golden Island, it is embellished with a maze of islets that form its evocative lagoon. Linked to the mainland by a thin strip of land, Grado preserves an old town centre that has the Venetian grace, where one will enjoy “getting lost” walking around its small squares (campielli) and alleys, among the closely built picturesque fishermen’s houses: a fascinating world where time seems to have stopped.

Aquileia, founded in 181 B.C. at the behest of the Senate of Rome, became a rich and flourishing city thanks to its strategic position, so much so that it was regarded in the 4th century A.D. as the ninth city of the Roman Empire, famous for its port and defensive walls.

The archaeological area was even declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

60 km by car: A4 motorway, enter at Portogruaro, exit at Palmanova, then follow the road signs for Cervignano del Friuli. For Grado, continue for another 10 km towards Grado.