Relax and enjoy: Explore Lignano Sabbiadoro’s hidden treasures

Press trip

 

 

Lignano Sabbiodoro in late summer is truly a hidden gem that I would recommend to each of you. The days here are perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax, enjoy and recharge your batteries. In my blog post, I will give you an insight into my stay, which was themed around the trend of slow travel.

 

Terrazza a Mare and the Stella River Delta

 

 

After my arrival at the Grand Hotel Playa in Lignano Sabbiadoro, the journey began with an aperitivo. We walked along the beach to the Terrazza a Mare, where a refreshing aperitif and an aperitif with local specialities awaited us. Because the Terrazza a Mare is part of the new initiative “IO sono Friuli Venezia Giulia”, where local products and dishes are offered on the menus of the beach cafés and restaurants.

 

 

In late summer, when the evening hours by the sea are particularly atmospheric, you can enjoy clear sea views and mild temperatures while taking a relaxing walk along the beach. We walked from the Terrazza a Mare to the Somewhere Tours pier, where we boarded a pontoon boat to cruise the Marano lagoon. The branching and very idyllic delta of the Stella River offers a beautiful backdrop, especially at sunset. I also found the visit to a traditional fishermen’s hut in the lagoon, called a casoni, particularly great. A real highlight of your stay!

 

 

At the restaurant La Bilancia di Bepi in Lignano Sabbiadoro, I enjoyed fresh fish in its purest form. This is because the fish is caught on the same day with a special net, the bilancione, and then prepared in the food truck, which is located in the park in front of the Casoni on the river. Note, however, that haste is out of place here, because the fishing is a matter of patience, as is the entire preparation and enjoyment afterwards. If, like me, you are a lover of fresh fish and authentic culinary experiences, La Bilancia di Bepi is an absolute must during your stay in Lignano.

 

“Bike & Hike” cycling tour

 

 

On the second day, we continued in a sporty way. We started with a bike tour from the Terrazza a Mare, where our guide Fabio Moro and our bikes were waiting for us. Lignano offers more than thirty kilometres of cycle paths on the peninsula, making it an ideal place for cyclists. I found the “Bike & Hike” excursion particularly exciting, where we explored the nature around Lignano. By the way, the guided bike tours and the rental of the bikes are free of charge! Pine forests, fossil dunes and the mouth of the river Tagliamento – all this turned into a wonderful tour on two wheels.

 

 

Afterwards, we enjoyed a true culinary voyage of discovery at the La Pigna restaurant in Lignano Pineta. The restaurant’s cuisine is closely linked to the culinary traditions of Friuli Venezia Giulia, but at the same time focuses on innovation and creativity to reinterpret traditional dishes. In a welcoming and rustic environment, where attention to detail takes centre stage, the kitchen team conjures up dishes with refined colours and flavours. At La Pigna, the focus is on the essentials – hospitality and the authentic taste experience.

 

Nature reserve, birdwatching and Marano Lagunare

 

 

An absolute highlight of my stay in Lignano Sabbiadoro was the visit to the nature reserve in Marano Lagunare. Here I was able to learn a lot about the unique fauna and flora of the lagoon. Particularly impressive was the birdwatching, where we had the opportunity to observe different species of birds. The numerous flamingos clearly felt at home. The quiet surroundings and the proximity to nature had a decelerating and inspiring effect on me.

 

 

After the nature reserve, we explored the charming fishing village of Marano Lagunare with its Venetian architecture. The subsequent dinner at the Taverna al Pescatore in Marano Lagunare, with traditional Maranese dishes in a modern interpretation, was another culinary highlight on this trip.

 

Local producers and giraffes up close

 

 

The last day of our trip was dedicated to local producers and their delicious products. We first visited the Azienda Agricola di Geremia Davide, a farm that specialises in the production of dessert fruit. Here we tasted the apple and pear juice from their own production and were allowed an exciting insight into the production facility.

 

 

We then visited the Battista II winery, which produces exciting wines, including the unique Ribolla Gialla. The wide range of 12 wine variations in total guarantees a distinctive experience for every taste. I had the pleasure of doing a little wine tasting and I can highly recommend a visit to the winery and the wines. Especially since it offers almost exclusively direct sales.

 

 

In the afternoon we had a very special experience at Punta Verde Zoo. We met the giraffes up close and were able to observe them from a unique perspective. During feeding with the animal keeper, we got closer to the animals than ever before. These majestic animals are truly fascinating and it was a moving moment to be able to experience them so close. The giraffe experience lasts about 20 minutes and costs 10 euros per person, with part of the proceeds going to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia.

 

 

The Al Cason restaurant on the banks of the Tagliamento in Lignano Sabbiadoro not only offers excellent fish dishes, but also the opportunity to experience Lignano’s most beautiful sunsets. Here we were enchanted by the exquisite cuisine and the matching wines. Dinner at Al Cason is an unforgettable culinary experience that delights the senses.

 

Conclusion: Slow Travel in Lignano

 

 

Lignano really impressed me with its diversity and deceleration. The opportunity to discover local products, explore nature and feel the closeness to wildlife made my trip special. And of course I can’t forget the delicious food! The restaurants in Lignano Sabbiadoro offer a true culinary journey that should be experienced. To switch off, a day at the beach is of course absolutely the thing to do.

 

My personal highlights were definitely birdwatching in the nature reserve, visiting the giraffes at the Punta Verde Zoo and meeting the local producers. Lignano Sabbiadoro exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to come back.