Grado Lagoon — Laguna di Grado
Porto di Grado · Grado anchorage · Isola di Grado
45°40.7'N 13°23.6'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on mud/sand with 4:1 scope. The marked Porto di Grado channel gives reliable access at most states of tide (entrance depth approximately 3m MLWS). If SW wind develops, some uncomfortable chop across the lagoon — consider a marina berth instead.
About This Anchorage
Grado is the 'Island of the Sun' — an ancient Roman port (Aquileia's sea gateway) now a popular Italian spa and beach resort. Situated on an island in the Laguna di Grado, it is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The medieval old town (Grado Vecchio) retains its Roman-Byzantine street layout and the 6th-century basilica of Sant'Eufemia. The lagoon is a nature reserve with excellent birdlife. Grado is more accessible than Marano, with a well-maintained marina and clear buoyed approaches. The lagoon islands (isole) can be explored by dinghy. An excellent base for visiting Roman Aquileia (5km by causeway) — one of Italy's most important archaeological sites.
Protected From
E · N · NE · NW
Exposed To
W · SW · S
Setting Your Anchor
Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica meadows is prohibited throughout Italian waters under the EU Habitats Directive and is actively enforced — fines range from €500–€3,000. In the Venice Lagoon, always navigate within marked channels (bricole); mud banks outside channels can be as shallow as 0.3m. In AMP zones throughout Italy, check for Zone A/B/C designations before anchoring.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free in lagoon. Marina berths from €25–€60/night depending on LOA.
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Follow buoyed entry channel (Porto di Grado). Speed limit 5 km/h in lagoon. Nature reserve areas: no disturbance of bird nesting (April–June). No jet skis or powered water sports in the lagoon reserve areas.
Hazards
- !Bora: The Grado area is in the Bora zone — while the lagoon provides shelter from the direct Bora sea state, strong Bora produces uncomfortable chop across the lagoon and can affect entry/exit
- !Entrance bar silting: The Porto di Grado entrance channel depths can change seasonally; always verify current soundings with the marina on VHF Ch 09 before approach
- !Tourist boat traffic: In summer, the lagoon has high traffic from tourist excursion boats and water taxis — keep clear of main channels and ferry routes
- !Fog: Sea fog (nebbia) is common in autumn and spring on this coast; AIS and radar essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Take a day trip to Roman Aquileia — rent a bike from Grado (cycle path across the causeway) to visit the stunning mosaic floors of the Basilica di Aquileia, among the finest Roman mosaics in existence
- →The Grado lagoon islets (isola dei Donatori, Barbana sanctuary island) can be reached by dinghy — the Barbana island has a Marian shrine visited by pilgrims since the 6th century
- →Boreto alla Gradese (local fish stew with vinegar and black pepper) is the signature local dish — order it anywhere in the old town
- →VHF Ch 09 for Grado marina communications; Marina di Grado Tel: +39 0431 80104
Facilities
Excellent fish restaurants in the historic old town — boreto alla Gradese (spiced fish stew in vinegar), schile (tiny lagoon shrimp), and grilled branzino (sea bass). More touristy but still good quality.
Nearest provisions: Grado town centre (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
May–October is the full season. July–August: resort crowds but good sailing conditions. September–October: warm water, fewer tourists, best conditions. November–April: Bora, fog, cold — harbour only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Northern Adriatic, the Bora can build from calm to 60+ km/h while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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