THEGrado Island is one of those small beach towns that has so much to offer visitors looking for relaxation and recreation. The charming historic center, entirely pedestrianized, is a mix of small shops, typical restaurants and historic views, including the splendid Field of the Patriarchs, with the Basilicas of Sant'Eufemia and Santa Maria delle Grazie, both from the early Christian era.
Not far away, you can admire the ruins of the Basilica della Corte, dated 1902th century, but rediscovered only in XNUMX (to be seen in the evening, when the lighting makes them more worthy). The beaches of the island, equipped and awarded with the Blue Flag, are connected by a romantic promenade, often a place of events. Also worth seeing is the ancient Porto Mandracchio, which now divides its spaces between fishing boats and luxury pleasure boats.
As an alternative to the beach, or in case of bad weather, I recommend spending the day at Thermes Marins, where you too, like i Habsburg nobles of the 800th century, you will enjoy the benefits of the warm marine waters. Beware though, the spa complex includes the water spa park, open from May to September, and the thermal pools and sauna, open all year round, which offer off-season visitors like me a warm and relaxing retreat.
On the way back it is really worth stopping to admire the splendid ones ruins of Aquileia, Roman city born in 181 BC then destroyed by Attila in 452. The archaeological area discovered so far, declared UNESCO heritage, includes the remains of the forum, the basilica, mosaics, statues, the remains of the port and walls, a mausoleum and much more. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its early Christian mosaics, and the National Archaeological Museum are two other precious gems of this splendid small city.
