Udine Beaches

Overview

While the historic city of Udine is located inland, it serves as the perfect gateway to the stunning Adriatic coastline of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The region's most beloved beach resorts are just an hour's journey away, allowing you to easily combine cultural city tours with relaxing seaside excursions. Visitors will discover a coast renowned for its long, wide stretches of fine, golden sand and calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal destination for a sun-soaked holiday.

The coastal towns of Lignano and Grado offer a variety of beach experiences, highlighted in our editor's picks. For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere with endless entertainment, Spiaggia di Lignano Sabbiadoro is the region's liveliest and most popular choice. In contrast, Grado's Spiaggia Principale offers a classic Italian resort feel, blending beach life with the charm of its historic town center. For a more tranquil day by the sea, Spiaggia Grado Pineta is a local favorite, offering welcome shade from its bordering pine forest.

Whether you prefer the bustling energy of a large resort or the peaceful ambiance of a quieter spot, the coast accessible from Udine has something for everyone. Both Lignano and Grado are celebrated for being exceptionally family-friendly, with beaches that have earned awards for their safety and cleanliness. To discover even more coastal gems, from lively shores to secluded coves, be sure to explore our complete list of the area's best beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Udine a good place for a beach holiday?

Udine itself is an inland city, but it's an excellent base for exploring the beaches of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The popular coastal resorts of Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro are about an hour's drive or bus ride away. This allows you to combine cultural city sightseeing in Udine with relaxing beach days on the Adriatic coast.

How far are the beaches from Udine and how do I get there?

The main beach resorts, Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro, are both approximately 50-60 kilometers from Udine. You can reach Grado by a direct bus in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Getting to Lignano Sabbiadoro takes a bit longer by public transport, around 2 to 2.5 hours with a bus change, while driving takes about an hour. Both car and bus are common ways to travel between the city and the coast.

Which is better for families, Grado or Lignano Sabbiadoro?

Both Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro are excellent for families and have been awarded the 'Green Flag' by Italian pediatricians for their child-friendly beaches. They both feature long stretches of fine golden sand, shallow, calm waters, and plenty of amenities. Lignano is known for its numerous amusement parks and lively entertainment, while Grado is often seen as slightly quieter with a charming historic town center. The choice depends on whether you prefer more entertainment options (Lignano) or a more historic, relaxed atmosphere (Grado).

What are the beaches like near Udine? Are they sandy or rocky?

The most accessible beaches from Udine, primarily in Lignano and Grado, are known for their long, wide stretches of fine, golden sand. The coastline here is characterized by gently sloping seabeds and calm waters, making them very popular for sunbathing and families. Further east towards Trieste, the coastline becomes more rugged with pebble and rocky beaches, offering a different experience.

Should I stay in a hotel in Udine or directly in a beach town like Grado or Lignano?

This depends on your holiday priorities. Staying in Udine allows you to experience a historic city with easy access to cultural sites, using it as a base for day trips to various beaches and other parts of Friuli. Staying directly in Grado or Lignano offers a more traditional beach resort experience, with the sea right at your doorstep. Many visitors choose to stay in the beach towns for the convenience of beach access, especially those with apartments or hotels that include a beach spot with their booking.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there free public beaches (spiaggia libera) in Grado and Lignano?

Yes, both Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro have 'spiaggia libera' (free beach) areas where you can place your own towel and umbrella without charge. In Lignano, these are typically located between the paid beach concessions ('uffici'). In Grado, popular free beaches include Spiaggia Libera and Costa Azzurra. While they don't have the rented sunbeds of the paid sections, they usually still benefit from safety services like lifeguards.

Spiaggia Libera Le Dune di Grado

Spiaggia Libera Le Dune di Gra...

Costa Azzurra Beach

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Friuli-Venezia Giulia?

The best time for a beach holiday is from June to early September. July and August are the hottest months with the warmest sea temperatures, making them ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but also the most crowded. June and September offer pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer crowds, providing a more relaxed experience.

How warm is the water for swimming?

The Adriatic Sea in this region is very pleasant for swimming during the summer. In June, the water temperature averages around 23°C (73°F). It peaks in July and August, often reaching 25-26°C (77-79°F) or higher. The swimming season comfortably lasts from June through September, when the water remains warm enough for most people.

Which beach town has better nightlife, Grado or Lignano?

Lignano Sabbiadoro is generally considered to have a more vibrant and extensive nightlife scene compared to Grado. Lignano offers a wide array of discos, bars, and evening entertainment, attracting a younger crowd. Grado has a more relaxed evening atmosphere, centered around its historic old town with charming restaurants and wine bars, which is ideal for a quieter evening out.

Can I bring my dog to the beaches in Lignano or Grado?

Yes, the region is quite dog-friendly. Both Lignano and Grado have dedicated dog-friendly beaches. In Lignano, you can find Doggy Beach and Bau Beach. In Grado, La Spiaggia di Snoopy and Lido di Fido are popular choices. These beaches are specifically equipped with amenities for dogs and their owners, often including dog beds, bowls, and designated swimming areas.

Bau Beach Lignano

La Spiaggia di Snoopy

Spiaggia Lido di Fido

What is the 'Blue Flag' award that Grado and Lignano beaches have?

The 'Bandiera Blu' (Blue Flag) is a prestigious international award given to beaches that meet high standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. Both Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro have consistently received this award for many years, which guarantees visitors clean water and well-maintained, safe beach environments.

Are the beaches near Udine suitable for water sports?

Yes, the beaches, particularly in Lignano and Grado, are well-equipped for various water sports. Due to the calm waters, they are ideal for activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and swimming. You can also find schools and rental services for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially in designated zones along the coast.