The Valle Cavanata Regional Nature Reserve is reachable thanks to the breathtaking bicycle path, that lies next to our hotel. Inside the natural area there are some short natural route, that offer the possibility to observe many bird species (almost 300), which can find here the optimal environment conditions for stop and nesting.

The Castle of Duino is 30 km far from Grado. The bus stop is next to our Hotel. It belongs to the noble German family of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis for the last 420 years. Built at the end of 1300s, the castle now is able to be visited and completely furnished. Here the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, while a guest in 1912, began writing his famous The Duino Elegies. To remember his visit, it has been dedicated a beautiful scenic walk to the prague poet. "Rilke trail” is almost 2 km long and climbs high on the rocky ridge between Duino and Sistiana bay with magnificent perspective of The Falesie di Duino Naturale Reserve.

The main three km long beach of Grado, is situated completely on the South of Island. Kissed all-day by the Sun, the beach offers animation services and aqua park. Near the sea there is a Spa and shady park with game area for children. For years, Grado bears the title of Blu Flag Fee, which is sign of pure water and high quality service. On the other side of the island, at the end of long and beautiful Dam walk, is located a free beach “Costa Azzurra”. Our hotel is a five minute walk from the beach and from the entrance of the Spa.

At Aquileia and Grado it is possible to visit the most important archaeological sites of the Friuli region. For information click on www.museoarcheologicoaquileia.beniculturali.it

Trieste, an hour’s drive by car (64 km), is a historical city, a crossroads of cultures, with its magnificent piazza Unità d’Italia, the historical cafes (Caffè San Marco in via Battisti 18, the patrons of which included Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba, James Joyce), characteristic restaurants and San Giusto Castle. From the centre it is possible to take the tramway (inaugurated in 1902) to Villa Opicina (5 km - 329 m difference in altitude), stroll amongst the greenery and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. We recommend visiting Miramare Castle just outside Trieste (www.castello-miramare.it) and the sea park. A tempting alternative is a hearty plate of fried fish on the port of Muggia, a picturesque town 11 km from Trieste. For something a little different you can use the public maritime transport system, in 90 minutes a fast motor vessel will take you to Molo Audace which is very close to the old town centre. For information and times check out www.aptgorizia.it or phone for the free phone number 800955957)

At Cividale del Friuli (Ud), an hour’s drive by car (56 km), you can visit the small Lombard Temple which is a magnificent testimony of Early-Middle Age architecture. Access is from piazza San Biagio along a suspended walkway which offers a delightful scenic view on the River Natisone like that from the legendary Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) which stands at a height of 22.5 m and dates from 1440. The treasure of the Cathedral, the nearby Christian Museum and the Santa Maria monastery in Valle, are also worth visiting. For information click on www.tempiettolongobardo.it. Every July, Cividale welcomes the Mittelfest, an important international art event of theatre and music performances from Central Europe. The calendar of performances is available on www.mittelfest.org.

At Passariano (Ud), an hour’s drive by car (53km), you can visit the 17^th century Villa Manin. This gracious residence hosts exhibitions and events but the stables can also be visited with the vintage coaches, the armoury and the cellars in the barchessa (open barn). Villa Manin is situated inside the walls of a century-old eighteen-hectare park which is an integral part of the monumental complex. For information click on www.villamanin-eventi.it.

In San Daniele del Friuli (Ud), an hour and a quarter’s drive by car (68 km), it is possible to visit the ham producing companies and taste the homonymous sweet D.O.P. prosciutto crudo (raw ham), or take part in the celebration which is held each year at the end of June. For information on the consortium click on www.prosciuttosandaniele.it.