There are places where time doesn’t run—it floats. There is a route, between the gold of sand and the silver of canals, that isn’t measured in kilometres but in deep breaths.
It’s not just a ride. It’s a date with beauty, an escape to the essentials where every pedal stroke washes thoughts away and gives you back a childlike sense of wonder. Set off along the cycle path that skims the sea of Grado and enter the realm of silence of Valle Cavanata.
An easy loop between sea and lagoon, ending in the natural silence of the Valle Cavanata Reserve.
Beyond the Horizon: The Lagoon’s Song Between Grado and Valle Cavanata
This is one of the most evocative cycling routes in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It runs almost entirely on flat terrain, between sea, lagoons and nature reserves—perfect for those seeking relaxation and breathtaking views without too much effort.
🚴 Route overview
• Start/Finish: Grado (Town Centre or Riva Slataper)
• Length: about 25–30 km (depending on detours)
• Difficulty: very easy (flat)
• Terrain: asphalt and well-packed light gravel
🗺️ Step-by-step itinerary
1) Leaving Grado heading east
Start from Grado town centre and take the cycle path along the main beach (G.I.T.), continuing towards Grado Pineta. A pleasant stretch to warm up while admiring the Adriatic.
2) Towards the Valle Cavanata Reserve
After the Pineta, follow signs for the Adriatic Cycle Route (FVG2). You’ll ride along the embankment separating lagoon and sea.
• The highlight: at the entrance to the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, stop at the Visitor Centre. You can leave your bike for a short walk or use the observation hides. It’s a birdwatching paradise: pink flamingos and swans are regulars.
3) The “turning point” at Fossalon
Continue around the perimeter of the reserve towards the rural area of Fossalon. Roads here are secondary, set in reclaimed land, with very little traffic and wide-open horizons.
4) Return via the inner lagoon
To complete the loop, instead of retracing the coast, head inland following the canal back towards the Lagoon of Grado. You’ll pass small canals and casoni (typical fishermen’s huts with reed roofs).
• Follow the provincial road on the protected cycle path that will take you straight back to the entrance of the “Island of the Sun”.
🚴 Route overview
• Start/Finish: Grado (Town Centre or Riva Slataper)
• Length: about 25–30 km (depending on detours)
• Difficulty: very easy (flat)
• Terrain: asphalt and well-packed light gravel
🗺️ Step-by-step itinerary
1) Leaving Grado heading east
Start from Grado town centre and take the cycle path along the main beach (G.I.T.), continuing towards Grado Pineta. A pleasant stretch to warm up while admiring the Adriatic.
2) Towards the Valle Cavanata Reserve
After the Pineta, follow signs for the Adriatic Cycle Route (FVG2). You’ll ride along the embankment separating lagoon and sea.
• The highlight: at the entrance to the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, stop at the Visitor Centre. You can leave your bike for a short walk or use the observation hides. It’s a birdwatching paradise: pink flamingos and swans are regulars.
3) The “turning point” at Fossalon
Continue around the perimeter of the reserve towards the rural area of Fossalon. Roads here are secondary, set in reclaimed land, with very little traffic and wide-open horizons.
4) Return via the inner lagoon
To complete the loop, instead of retracing the coast, head inland following the canal back towards the Lagoon of Grado. You’ll pass small canals and casoni (typical fishermen’s huts with reed roofs).
• Follow the provincial road on the protected cycle path that will take you straight back to the entrance of the “Island of the Sun”.
Useful tips
- Binoculars: useful for observing birds in the Valle Cavanata Reserve without disturbing them.
- Insect repellent: in the lagoon area, especially at sunset, mosquitoes can be very present.
- Water: bring a good supply, because between the Pineta and the Reserve there are few refill points.
- Recommended bike: city bike, trekking or e-bike; the route is flat with short stretches of light gravel.
Style tip: if you have time, on the way back stop at one of the small restaurants in Grado Pineta or the historic centre to taste Boreto alla gradese, the lagoon’s signature fish stew.
Grado (Centre/G.I.T.) → Grado Pineta → Adriatic Cycle Route FVG2 (lagoon–sea embankment) → Valle Cavanata Reserve (Visitor Centre/observation hides) → Fossalon → return via inner lagoon among canals and casoni → Grado.
In short
An easy and spectacular route, ideal for a half-day of relaxation: sea, lagoon, protected nature, and a traffic-free return among canals and casoni.
BIKEandGO: The best bike rental service
Choose the best bike for your needs, book it, and it will be ready on the day of your trip!