Lignano Sabbiadoro means Golden Sand in Italian and it is a town and commune in the province of Udine, in northeastern Italy. As one of the main summer resorts in northern Italy and the Adriatic coast, you can expect plenty of tourists during the middle of the year. First developed in the early 20th century, with a couple of resorts, the very first inhabitants of Lignano Sabbiadoro came after the surrounding marshes were drained and divided into three distinct zones: the historic centre, rife with shops and restaurants (Lignano Sabbiadoro itself), the greener area of Lignano Pineta, with lovely gardens and lanes for strolling and Lignano Riviera, the waterfront, rich in salty sea air and coastal pines. Stumped for what to do? Check out our handy guide for the best things to do around Lignano Sabbiadoro below!
1. Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach
There are more than 40 beach establishments along the eight-kilometer (7.5 mile) long beach of the finest golden sand, so when we talk about Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach, really, we’re talking about a series of beaches. That’s a lot of beaches and there is plenty for guests to explore, throughout their entire holiday here. With the ability to rent beach umbrellas, beach beds, gazebos and even water massage tubs, you can relax in complete peace and let yourself go, as the sun beats down and fills you with that cheery, summer mood.
While on the beach, there are some establishments that even have a bar, internet access, music and much more, so that every guest can enjoy the day on the beach. A specially reserved beach section allows you to bring your dogs to the beach and if you decide to bring your own beach equipment, such as a beach umbrella and deck chair, you can access the beach at one of the free of charge areas.
There’s more still: learn a new skill while having fun on the water with the many kite surfing and windsurfing schools, or, you can also rent a pedal boat or a sailboat at various points on the beach and head out to sea. No worries about safety: there’s always a strapping professional lifeguard on duty.
Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach
Address: Lungomare Trieste, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Facebook page: Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach
2. Tagliamento
The Tagliamento is a long, braided river in north-east Italy, flowing from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, at a point between Trieste and Venice. Over at Lignano Sabbiadoro, you can catch a glimpse of this magnificent body of water, as it flows its mighty flow through all of Italy. With a select few vantage points, you can admire the power of nature and all that it encompasses, as you watch the river ebb and flow, a calm coursing through your body.
Tagliamento
Address: Fiume Tagliamento, Italy
3. Parco Hemingway
Check out one of the best parks in Lignano: Hemingway Park! Naturally, the park is named after Ernest Hemingway the writer himself, who spent many a holiday in Lignano. There is plenty of green space to bike around and playgrounds for the young and young at heart, but the highlight of the park is undoubtedly the outdoor performances, where you’ll find both an arena and a raised stage, for both theatre and live music performances. There are also permanent photo exhibitions and writeups dedicated to Hemingway’s life, while a flower festival each summer also draws visitors.
Parco Hemingway
Address: Via Garibaldi | Via XXV Aprile, 33054 Lignano Pineta, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Website: Parco Hemingway
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4. Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Where else but Lignano can you find a little church in the middle of a green space in the middle of nowhere? The Church of Santa Maria in Lignano was previously destroyed but rebuilt in 1965, and sits on the site of a pre-exiting early Christian oratory. For centuries, it was a religious point of reference for both the few inhabitants of the area and for many, pilgrims, merchants, soldiers and fugitives, crossing the Tagliamento, and even before that, a source of shelter for Pope Gregory XII in 1409, according to legend.
Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Address: Viale Centrale, 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Website: Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angelie
5. Gulliverlandia
Need somewhere to cool off in the hot heat of Italy in the summer? Look no further than Gulliverlandia, where you’re sure to feel like a Lilliputian, as you get dwarfed by the countless water features in this great aquatic theme park, from zany slides to a lazy river.
Gulliverlandia
Address: Via S. Giuliano, 25, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro UD, Italy
6. Faro Rosso
Sitting out on one of the docks is a bright red lighthouse. Known as the Faro Rosso, this is one of the key monuments in Lignano and was recently refurbished to have solar panels installed, guiding lost fishermen to shore safely. Against the wide expanse of sea, it makes for a beautiful contrast, a beacon of hope and light, amidst the murky waters.
Faro Rosso
Address: 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
7. Parco Zoo Punta Verde
Who doesn’t love a zoo? The Parco Zoo Punta Verde is filled with cute and adorable animals, from hippos to otters, and you can practically spend a whole day here, just appreciating all that nature has to offer with the great variety of critters and creatures, from all over the world.
Parco Zoo Punta Verde
Address: Via Giorgio Scerbanenco 19/1, 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Website: Parco Zoo Punta Verde
8. Aquasplash
If after Gulliverlandia you’re still not satisfied, head on down to Aquasplash for a roaring good time, as you slip and slide around this waterpark, chilling down the lazy river or simply letting your worries float away as you cool off in the summer.
Aquasplash
Address: Viale Europa, 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Website: Aquasplash
9. Play or watch games at the Beach Arena
The Beach Arena in Lignano Sabbiadoro is a fun way to exercise or enjoy watching a game. The American style open arena is off the road that runs along the beach. Keep an eye out for game announcements. The games are well run with everything you could expect. There’s even interval entertainment. Additionally, the games have a commentary. It’s the best combination of sea and sports. Browse the shops and stalls to pick up a memento. Plus, they sometimes host concerts and events in the arena.
Beach Arena
Address: Lungomare Trieste 7, 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
10. Take the kids to the Lignano Sabbiadoro Carrousel
In Parco San Giovanni Bosco, there is a wonderful olde world-styled Carrousel. The kids will love it and can easily spend an hour here. Conveniently, it’s located in town near the shops. The music is good and the whole ambiance is like an era gone by. It’s attractive and the whole place makes for some nice souvenir photos of your vacation. If your kids are little, you may accompany them on the Carrousel. With the shops, good food and the sea nearby, this will surely keep the family entertained for a few hours.
Lignano Sabbiadoro Carrousel
Address: Via Rossini 10/A | Parco San Giovanni Bosco, 33054, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
Website: Lignano Sabbiadoro Carrousel
More than a beach town
Essentially a resort, Lignano Sabbiadoro is everything you could ask for in a beach town and more. There may not be too much to do, but you most certainly will easily while away your time and fall in love with the town.