Let the waves lull you, then push on the pedals towards freedom. The Lignano–Marano tour isn’t just an outing—it’s a complete sensory experience.
You set off with the wind in your hair aboard the ferry, crossing silent channels where fishermen’s casoni guard ancient stories. Then, from Marano Lagunare, the adventure begins: kilometres of peace along the banks of the Stella River, the scent of Precenicco’s vineyards and the nautical spectacle of Aprilia Marittima.
From Lignano’s lagoon to the inland rivers, between navigation and timeless pedalling.
The Rhythm of the Lagoon: a Journey Between Water and Land.
Lagoon, rivers and pinewoods: a tour that combines lagoon navigation with a slow ride through water, nature and historic villages.
🚢 Stage 1: From Lignano Sabbiadoro to Marano Lagunare (by boat)
The best way to start is the scheduled water transport (X-River or seasonal TPL FVG services), which connects Lignano to Marano Lagunare.
• Departure: usually from the Sabbiadoro Marina.
• The experience: about 40 minutes of navigation through lagoon channels and fishermen’s casoni.
• Note: timetables vary by season (generally active from June to September).
🏰 Stage 2: Marano Lagunare and the Nature Reserve
Once ashore, spend some time in Marano Lagunare:
• Walk through the Venetian-style historic centre and visit the thousand-year-old tower.
• Back on the bike, leave the town following signs for Cycle Route FVG6, skirting the Stella River Mouths Reserve, a paradise for birdlife.
🌿 Stage 3: Towards Precenicco (along the Stella River)
Ride inland along low-traffic secondary roads and riverbanks.
• The landscape changes: from lagoon to reclaimed lands, then to the vineyards of the Friuli Latisana DOC.
• Precenicco: a village overlooking the Stella River, ideal for a refreshing break by the river pier.
⚓ Stage 4: Return via Aprilia Marittima
From Precenicco head south towards Lignano:
1) Follow the road along the river towards Palazzolo dello Stella.
2) Continue towards Aprilia Marittima, one of Europe’s largest nautical complexes, with thousands of moored boats.
3) From Aprilia, a protected cycle path takes you comfortably back to the entrance of Lignano Sabbiadoro.
🚴 Technical details (estimate)
• Cycling distance: about 35–40 km (excluding the boat section)
• Difficulty: easy, completely flat
• Surface: asphalt and light gravel (ideal for trekking or gravel bikes)
• Duration: 3–4 hours of cycling, stops not included
🚢 Stage 1: From Lignano Sabbiadoro to Marano Lagunare (by boat)
The best way to start is the scheduled water transport (X-River or seasonal TPL FVG services), which connects Lignano to Marano Lagunare.
• Departure: usually from the Sabbiadoro Marina.
• The experience: about 40 minutes of navigation through lagoon channels and fishermen’s casoni.
• Note: timetables vary by season (generally active from June to September).
🏰 Stage 2: Marano Lagunare and the Nature Reserve
Once ashore, spend some time in Marano Lagunare:
• Walk through the Venetian-style historic centre and visit the thousand-year-old tower.
• Back on the bike, leave the town following signs for Cycle Route FVG6, skirting the Stella River Mouths Reserve, a paradise for birdlife.
🌿 Stage 3: Towards Precenicco (along the Stella River)
Ride inland along low-traffic secondary roads and riverbanks.
• The landscape changes: from lagoon to reclaimed lands, then to the vineyards of the Friuli Latisana DOC.
• Precenicco: a village overlooking the Stella River, ideal for a refreshing break by the river pier.
⚓ Stage 4: Return via Aprilia Marittima
From Precenicco head south towards Lignano:
1) Follow the road along the river towards Palazzolo dello Stella.
2) Continue towards Aprilia Marittima, one of Europe’s largest nautical complexes, with thousands of moored boats.
3) From Aprilia, a protected cycle path takes you comfortably back to the entrance of Lignano Sabbiadoro.
🚴 Technical details (estimate)
• Cycling distance: about 35–40 km (excluding the boat section)
• Difficulty: easy, completely flat
• Surface: asphalt and light gravel (ideal for trekking or gravel bikes)
• Duration: 3–4 hours of cycling, stops not included
Useful tips
- Wind: in the lagoon it can be persistent. With a strong Sirocco, the return to Lignano from Precenicco may feel more challenging.
- Refreshments: between Precenicco and Latisana, stop at a local winery for a glass of Friulano or Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.
- Safety: bring a puncture repair kit and plenty of water; some stretches along the embankments are very exposed to the sun.
- Boat timetable: always check the updated schedules for the boat connection before setting off.
Boat: Lignano Sabbiadoro (Marina) → Marano Lagunare. Bike: Marano → Stella River Mouths (FVG6) → Precenicco → Palazzolo dello Stella → Aprilia Marittima → return to Lignano Sabbiadoro.
In short
A complete experience between water and land: lagoon navigation, historic villages, quiet rivers and pinewoods. An ideal tour for those who love discovering the area at a slow pace, guided by the rhythm of nature.
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